Dear Friends of Cristo Rey,

Throughout Cristo Rey's history, our mission has been sustained by God's providence and carried forward through the faithful leadership of countless individuals who have answered His call to serve. Together with our schools, religious sponsors, board members, benefactors, corporate partners, university partners, alumni, and friends, we remain united in our commitment to ensuring every Cristo Rey student has the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential.

It is in that spirit of gratitude, confidence, and hope that I share an important leadership update for the Cristo Rey Network.

Kelby Woodard recently announced the conclusion of his service as President and CEO, effective July 31. We are grateful for his twelve years of Cristo Rey leadership and the many contributions he made to strengthening the Cristo Rey Network. We wish Kelby, his wife Donna, and their family every blessing as their next chapter returns to Dallas.

Today, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to share that Chief Mission Officer Rev. James G. Gartland, S.J. has been appointed Interim President of the Cristo Rey Network, effective August 1.

There are few individuals whose story is more deeply intertwined with Cristo Rey than Fr. Gartland’s. More than thirty years ago, as a newly ordained Jesuit, he conducted the original feasibility study that ultimately led to the founding of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. Since then, he served as a founding team member, theology teacher, president of the flagship school, member of the Cristo Rey Network Board of Directors, and, currently, Chief Mission Officer, helping deepen the Catholic formation and identity of all 41 Cristo Rey campuses.

Fr. Gartland brings not only exceptional leadership experience, but also a profound understanding of what makes Cristo Rey distinctive. His unwavering commitment to our students, our schools, and our Catholic mission makes him uniquely suited to guide the Network during this period of transition while ensuring continued momentum.

The Board has also initiated a national search for the Network's next President and CEO. I am grateful to the following individuals who have agreed to serve on a search committee, charged to identify and recommend to the Board a candidate for the permanent President: Joe Della Rosa (Chair), Dan Dougherty, Darren Jackson, Father Jim Gartland, S.J, Jane Genster, Camille Naughton, Robert Manuel, Halle Martin, Colin Scully, Leo Sheridan and Lauralyn Lee (ex officio as chair of the Board’s Mission & Governance Committee).  We worked to create a committee that represented a broad range of the perspectives and stakeholders relevant to our Network, and I am confident that this Committee will work industriously to identify a highly qualified leader to take us into our next chapter.

Throughout this process, our mission remains unchanged, our strategic direction remains clear, and our national leadership team remains fully engaged in supporting our schools and advancing opportunities for the nearly 13,000 students we serve each year.

Thank you for your partnership, prayers, and belief in the promise of every Cristo Rey student.

With gratitude,

Dan McCallin
Board Chair, Cristo Rey Network