Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Names New President

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Names Julio Paz as School President

To the Cristo Rey Jesuit Community,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my honor to share that Julio Paz has been selected as the next President of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.

Julio comes to Cristo Rey most recently from Chicago Commons, and brings a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and community impact. His professional work is grounded in a deep commitment to social justice and economic opportunity, and his leadership and civic engagement reflects these values.  Beyond professional accomplishments, Julio is deeply rooted in Chicago’s Pilsen community, where he was raised and is a lifetime parishioner of a local parish.

Looking ahead to his new role, Julio shared “I am deeply honored and excited to join the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School community as its next president. For three decades, this school has stood as a powerful example of what is possible when faith, rigorous academics, and opportunity come together to transform the lives of young people.

I look forward to partnering closely with the Board of Directors, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, job partners, donors, and the many friends of Cristo Rey who have built and sustained this extraordinary institution over the past 30 years. Together, we have the opportunity to build on that strong legacy and ensure that future generations of students continue to thrive.

I am especially mindful of the remarkable leadership of Cristo Rey’s past presidents who helped light the path for this community. I look forward to carrying that torch forward and supporting our students in their pursuit of academic excellence, developing their capacity for leadership, deepening their commitment to faith and service, and preparing them to live out the Jesuit ideal of becoming Women and Men for Others.”

Julio currently serves as the Chief External Affairs Officer at Chicago Commons, working closely with the executive team in driving the organization’s strategies in fundraising, communications and marketing, and government relations.  Prior to joining Chicago Commons, Julio served in leadership positions at education and housing organizations such as The Resurrection Project, Mercy Housing, and Project Exploration.  Julio is passionate about philanthropy and social impact investing as tools to achieve change, social justice, and economic opportunity in the communities where our students reside.  Julio is a graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep, University of Chicago, and DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.  He is a co-founder and member of the St. Ignatius College Prep San Ignacio Society, a board member of ENLACE Chicago and Illinois Humanities.  Julio is also a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and a University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy Fellow.

This appointment has been approved by Very Rev. Karl J. Kiser, SJ, Provincial of the Midwest Jesuits.  “It is with great joy and gratitude that I celebrate missioning Julio Paz as the next president of Cristo Rey Jesuit, a vital educational ministry in the Midwest Province and the pioneering site for the Cristo Rey model of education”, said Fr. Kiser, “At this time, I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Antonio Ortiz. His faith-filled leadership in building Cristo Rey over the last 14 years has been tremendous.”

Julio succeeds Antonio “Tony” Ortiz, Cristo Rey’s first lay president, who has served the school since 2000, including as president since 2012.  Prior to Tony, the school was led by founder Fr. John Foley, SJ and Fr. Jim Gartland, SJ.

The Board of Directors and a search committee worked closely with Maneva Group to conduct a national search informed by input from the greater school community.  This announcement comes at time of great significance in the school’s history as we celebrate 30 years of our mission throughout 2026 and I cannot think of a better way to honor that milestone.  We are inspired by Julio’s leadership, his commitment to educational opportunity, and his alignment with the mission and values that define Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. I have confidence that he will lead the school with vision, integrity, and deep dedication to the students and families we serve.

Please join us in welcoming Julio Paz as the next President of Cristo Rey Jesuit.  He begins his service on June 1, 2026.

With gratitude,

Cory Hebenstreit

Chair, Board of Directors, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School