Steve Tortorello Named Next Loyola Academy Principal

Throughout his career, Mr. Tortorello has focused on strengthening school culture, supporting faculty and students, and advancing academic excellence while fostering communities rooted in faith, inclusion, and service.

"Steve is a mission-driven leader who understands both the opportunities and responsibilities of Catholic education," said Fr. Ostdiek. "He brings a deep commitment to forming the whole person, a collaborative spirit, and a clear vision for helping students grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially-emotionally. His experience working closely with Catholic schools throughout the region will also help Loyola Academy continue to build even stronger relationships with the Archdiocese of Chicago. We are excited to welcome him to Loyola Academy."

Most recently, Mr. Tortorello served as Director of Partnerships and Special Projects for the Archdiocese of Chicago, where he coordinated initiatives among the region’s Catholic high schools, fostered collaboration among school leaders, and led professional development efforts focused on emerging educational topics, including artificial intelligence and instructional innovation. Previously, as Regional Director and High School Liaison for the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools, he partnered closely with principals and leadership teams across Catholic schools throughout the Chicago area to support strategic planning, leadership development, and student success.

From 2014 to 2023, Mr. Tortorello served as principal of Marian Catholic High School, leading major initiatives involving curriculum development, student support services, faculty evaluation, and school operations. During his tenure, he successfully guided the school community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to strengthen academic programs and student life.

"I am honored and humbled to serve as Loyola Academy's next principal," said Mr. Tortorello. "Loyola Academy's reputation for academic excellence, faith formation, and care for the whole person is extraordinary. I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and the entire Loyola community as we continue forming young women and men who will lead lives of purpose, compassion, and service. I am also excited to deepen my own understanding of Jesuit education and begin a more intentional formation in Ignatian spirituality as part of this community."

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mr. Tortorello earned bachelor's degrees in English and American Studies before completing master’s degrees in Education and Educational Administration. He is also a graduate of the 11th cohort of the University of Notre Dame Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program and the Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education Principal Academy. He has been recognized for his leadership in Catholic education, including receiving the Notre Dame ACE Michael Pressley Award for Excellence in Catholic Education.

The appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by Loyola Academy's Principal Search Committee. Loyola extends gratitude to the members of the committee for their thoughtful leadership and dedication throughout the process, especially committee chair Alice Kearney Alwin '98 and committee co-chair Michael Gombac.

Mr. Tortorello will assume the role of principal beginning July 1, 2026, and will work closely with current principal Tim Devine '88 and school leadership during the transition.

Loyola Academy also extends its gratitude to Mr. Devine for his dedicated leadership over the past three years as principal. A proud alumnus of the Class of 1988, Mr. Devine has helped guide the school community with vision, care, and a steadfast commitment to Loyola’s Jesuit mission. The Loyola community looks forward to his continuing service as he returns to the classroom full-time in the Social Studies Department.

"It has been a privilege to serve Loyola Academy in this role and to work alongside such talented and dedicated faculty, staff, students, and families," said Devine. "I am thrilled to welcome Steve to the Loyola community and look forward to supporting him during the transition while continuing to do what I love most: teaching and accompanying Ramblers in the classroom."

Mr. Tortorello and his wife, Maria '05, a Loyola Academy alumna, live in Chicago with their three-year-old daughter, Olive, and look forward to deepening their connection to the Loyola Academy community in this new way.

"Loyola Academy’s strength has always been its people and its mission," said Fr. Ostdiek. "As we look to the future, we are grateful for the leadership that has brought us to this moment, and excited for all that lies ahead for our community."