Frank J. Ciccia, MBA, MS

CEO and Founder of Illuminare Group.

Frank J. Ciccia, MBA, MS, is an authentic, transparent, and empathetic leadership change agent known for his ability to align leaders for maximum impact on people and organizations. He has the deep experience and academic knowledge valued by organizations stemming from over 16 years as a clinical adjunct professor in the University at Buffalo (UB) Executive & Professional MBA, as well his prior role as the founding director of the (UB) Leadership Development Center, and guiding cultural transformations at over 135 for profit and not for profit organizations.

Illuminare Group

Frank spent his earlier career years working in health care, financial services, and higher education. At the age of 33, he experienced a pivotal health crisis. His experience receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, followed by life-changing experimental treatments, made him realize the need to take control of his career and live out his passion for increasing the positive impact of leadership in the work world. Frank founded Illuminare Group in 2010 to help organizations thrive through massive changes in their business.

The core beliefs of Illuminare Group include

  • Leadership exists at all levels of an organization and today we can no longer ask the question “Are leaders born or made” instead we need to be saying “What are we doing to prepare ourselves for not if we lead, but when we lead”.

  • Leadership development is a deliberate and intentional journey where we are constantly accessing the impact we have on others and our organizations.

  • What drives an organizations strategy is effective leadership, communication and teamwork.

Collective Win Leadership™ Process.

Your Trusted Ally

Frank is the chief architect behind the Collective Win Leadership™ Process, launched in 2023 to synthesize his lifetime work and make it available to more organizations worldwide.

The Collective Win leverages Illuminare Group’s talented coaches and leadership experts and provides the outside perspective needed to achieve an organization's biggest goals. As a trusted ally with a profound understanding of our client's organizations, we partner with vetted experts to provide various virtual and in-person services.

Keynote Speaking and Corporate Presentations

Frank Ciccia is a sought-after keynote speaker and corporate presenter. He is a master storyteller who engages learners with the academic and practical sides of leadership success. His background includes speaking at business industry events such as the Honeywell Regional Tech Conference, the Society for Human Resources Health Professional Conference, and the University at Buffalo.

Select Keynote Speaking titles include

  • Leadership Begins with YOU: Establishing Your Credibility as a Leader

  • Leadership Challenge: Moving from Firefighting to Growth

  • Leadership & Professional Development is NOT an Event, but a Long-Term Process

Professional Alliances

Illuminare Group is a proud member of these national and community based organizations.

“We believe that when you give talented people something to believe in, you’ll inspire great leaders – and great leadership is at the heart of every successful organization. Our goal is to help you grow leaders from within by giving every level of your team clear opportunities to develop into greatness.”

Frank Ciccia

“I have worked with Frank and his team for several years and now over two different companies.  What started with a few hours of leadership training with our manager, blossomed into an integrated program including multiple levels of the company.  The group sessions, leadership classes and individual coaching sessions have all been very well received and helped make a difference with our team.”

Jeffrey Rohl, VP of HR of Modern Disposal Services