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NEW LEADERSHIP. SAME MISSION.
here’s a new team in town! On July 1st, Montini Catholic will officially celebrate a new beginning, with Mr. Kevin Beirne stepping up to his new role as President and Mr. Chris Tiritilli, as Principal.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Kevin becomes Montini's third President (Brother Thomas Harding FSC1991-2003 and James F. Segredo - 2004-2023) after serving as principal for 5 years and Assistant Principal of Student Services for over 3 years. Kevin has taught English and Speech since his arrival in 2008. He served as the Director of Digital Learning and played an integral role in implementing Montini's 1-to-1 iPad initiative in 2014. Prior to Montini, Kevin taught at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. He received his Bachelors of Communication & Media from Catholic University of America, Washington, DC and has a Masters in School Administration, Curriculum, Foundation, and Theory, also from Catholic University of America.
"Kevin is both a strategic thinker and a highly effective communicator," relayed Board Chair,
Dr. Janis Orlowski ‘74 in her announcement to the Bronco community. " In addition, individuals who’ve worked with Kevin note his leadership skills and his strong 'collaborator' approach to his work. These qualities were praised during his interview at Montini and commented on by alums, parents, faculty, staff and the Board of Directors. Kevin has embraced the Lasallian education mission and methodology and has led the school in improving academic standards."
"We’re not surprised about the enthusiastic feedback we received from all who know Kevin or met him during the process," added Dr. Orlowski. "The surveys noted that people were tremendously impressed with his qualifications and accomplishments, and his superb match with the school community."
"I am truly honored and humbled to serve the Montini Catholic community, especially our students and teachers in this new role," said Kevin who is entering his 16th year as a member of the Bronco community. "I believe fully in the work we do as a Catholic and Lasallian community and feel incredibly grateful to serve this mission as president. Though the role may be different, I'm confident our students and other stakeholder groups will encounter the same Lasallian in me they always have - someone who will work hard day in and day out to support our unique mission of education."
On May 5th the appointment of Mr. Chris Tiritilli as Montini’s new principal was announced.
"We were looking for a leader who is dynamic, visionary, energetic, strives for excellence, embodies servant leadership, and is smart, resourceful, a seasoned decision maker, connects well with students, colleagues and all stakeholder groups, and lives our Lasallian mission," said Kevin. "It turns out we had to look no further than our current Assistant Principal for Student Services to identify a candidate ideally suited to this role!"
Chris joined the leadership team in 2022 and has quickly impacted Montini. In the short time he’s been in the Assistant Principal role, he has completed a re-engineering of Montini’s student accommodation process by creating an accommodation guide. He has stewarded a reimagining of the Human Services process such that the work of this group is more efficient and better equipped to meet student needs. He streamlined and standardized the course remediation program and led the design of new processes and procedures in the School Counseling Department. “Due to his work, there’s no doubt that we are far better equipped to support our students than we were just a year ago,” said Kevin. “As important as this work has been though, Chris has also proven to be a student centered leader, quickly getting to know our students and school community, embracing our mission and vision, and having an incredibly positive presence in our school.”
Prior to his work at Montini, Chris served as Principal at St. Mary of Gostyn School in Downers Grove for six years and Holy Family Catholic School in Bensenville for two years. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lewis University. "His passion for Catholic Education and working with young people is evident to all those who’ve had the privilege of working with him," said Beirne. "As we look to the future, it’s clear that Mr. Tiritilli is just the right leader at just the right time for our students, faculty, and families. He’s proven an ideal fit for the type of Catholic, Lasallian education that makes Montini such a unique experience, while also bringing a new and fresh perspective to all that we do."
Although he enjoys working with students of all ages, Chris acknowledges that his strengths and skill set have always been best equipped to support students in the secondary setting. "Building positive relationships with students, staff and families is one of my favorite things to do and is the most effective way to support positive and transformative change in any setting. I have found that my natural personality and leadership style is best fit to develop these meaningful connections with students in the high school setting."
A Benet grad, Chris embraces the challenges that are sure to come his way. "We will be seeking to support our new teachers and school staff, by exemplifying the high expectations we have for Montini staff members, while also providing them with the support they require to grow and develop as professional educators new to Montini. As much of a challenge as the above statement is, it is also something I look forward to and am excited about, as it helps us all identify the joy that has led us to our current roles at Montini, as well as helping spread that joy to others."
"My first year here at Montini has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I have truly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the students, staff and parents at our school. Each group has been so warm and welcoming to me as well, which has only affirmed my desire to be a part of this community. I have been talking and listening to all of our stakeholder groups, seeking to understand the traditions and things we do well, as well as the areas for further growth and development. I now consider myself a full-fledged Bronco!"