Big Shoulders Fund Names Joshua Hale President and Chief Executive Officer

Hale takes expanded leadership position of the $230 million fund

CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Big Shoulders Fund Co-Chairmen James J. O'Connor and John A. Canning, Jr., announced today that Joshua D. Hale was named President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hale will succeed Monsignor Kenneth Velo as President. Monsignor Velo will assume the position of Co-Chairman along with Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Canning. Mr. Hale, 40, joined the Big Shoulders Fund as its Executive Director in 2005.

Since his arrival at the Big Shoulders Fund, Mr. Hale has helped the organization raise $94 million - an amount that nearly surpasses funds raised in the Fund's previous two decades of existence. In addition, Big Shoulders Fund has maintained its fundraising efficiency at or below three percent, while nearly tripling its donor base and engaging more next generation leadership. During Mr. Hale's tenure, the Big Shoulders Fund schools have achieved their most stable enrollment in more than 20 years, contrary to national trends.

In his new position as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hale will build the critical role that the Big Shoulders Fund plays as an active investor in inner-city Catholic schools by creating unique models that drive enrollment and track students from elementary school through college.

"Josh brings extensive experience, endless enthusiasm and a tireless commitment to the work of Big Shoulders and we congratulate him on his new role," said Mr. O'Connor, Big Shoulders Fund Founding Chairman and retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Unicom Corporation and Commonwealth Edison. "And I'm delighted to continue to work alongside Monsignor Velo, one of the biggest advocates of the Big Shoulders Fund since its inception and a man whose reputation is second to none in Chicago."

"With Monsignor Velo joining me and Jim O'Connor as a Co-Chairman and Josh assuming his new role, we're ensuring continued operational and strategic leadership for the Big Shoulders Fund," said Mr. Canning, Chairman of Madison Dearborn Partners. "By working and investing strategically, Big Shoulders Fund is a critical force in keeping nearly all of the schools open and serving deserving students in communities where there are few options."

"I am honored to continue to serve the Big Shoulders Fund and to work with the tremendously talented and committed Board of Directors and staff," said Mr. Hale. "The Big Shoulders Fund schools and their educators provide ladders of opportunity for deserving students with measurable results."

In 2010, Mr. Hale was recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as one of Chicago's "40 under 40" outstanding civic and business leaders. Mr. Hale is involved with numerous professional and philanthropic organizations, including the Executive Committee of the School Board for the Archdiocese of Chicago. In addition, he was a fellow in the Leadership Greater Chicago program and an inaugural member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs' Emerging Leaders Program.

Previously, Mr. Hale was Director of Development and Public Relations and a member of the management team at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago, Ill. Since its founding in 1993, Cristo Rey's unique model has been replicated across the country with funding from a venture capitalist and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. After receiving a bachelor's degree from Marquette University, Mr. Hale entered the Jesuit Volunteer International program and spent two years as a volunteer in the Marshall Islands. In addition, he has experience working as a management consultant.

About Big Shoulders Fund

Big Shoulders Fund was founded in 1986 by business leaders to provide assistance for the inner-city Catholic schools in Chicago. To date, the Big Shoulders Fund has raised over $230 million, which has been used to help defray tuition and operating costs at 93 inner-city elementary and secondary schools, and to assist with capital and other program enhancements at these schools. Fully 90% of students that graduate with Big Shoulders renewable scholarships enroll in college the following year, which is considerably higher than city, state, and national averages.

The Fund is a private, 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that receives and distributes privately raised contributions.  For more information, visit http://www.bigshouldersfund.org or call 312-751-8337.

CONTACT: Rebecca Lindsay-Ryan
[email protected]
312-751-3851

SOURCE Big Shoulders Fund