Atlanta – Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School named David O’Shea as its next president, effective July 1, as current president Camille Naughton prepares to retire in June. Naughton, a founding staff member, has guided the school since 2020, overseeing major expansions in academic programs, corporate partnerships and financial resources.
Growth under Naughton’s leadership
During her tenure, the school’s endowment grew to more than $30 million, two capital campaigns were completed and faculty salaries were raised to compete with other private schools in the region. The school has maintained a 100 % college‑acceptance rate among its 1,065 graduates, a point highlighted in the announcement.
Naughton also expanded student support services, adding more guidance counselors, specialized math instruction and a dedicated career‑counseling position to connect alumni with employment opportunities at corporate partners.
Corporate Work Study Program
The school’s signature Corporate Work Study Program continues to provide students with professional internships while generating revenue that offsets operating costs and keeps tuition affordable for families with an average household income of $45,000. About 95 % of students become first‑generation college students.
Graduates have been accepted to Ivy League schools and top universities such as Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia and the University of Michigan.
David O’Shea’s background
O’Shea returns to Cristo Rey Atlanta after more than 20 years in education. He previously served at the school as a teacher, Corporate Work Study Relationship manager and director of Corporate Work Study. Most recently, he was director of advancement at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, overseeing fundraising and admissions revenue.
While at Cristo Rey, O’Shea managed relationships with 134 corporate partners that generated 60 % of the school’s annual revenue through the Work Study Program. He also helped develop the curriculum for the Business Training Institute and Business Literacy courses.
Board and community reactions
“David’s experience, including having previously served at Cristo Rey Atlanta, makes him the perfect candidate to lead our school in our next phase as we continue to give life‑changing opportunities to our students and their families,” said PJ Bain, chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees.
O’Shea expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am excited to return to Cristo Rey Atlanta as president and to continue advancing a mission in which I wholeheartedly believe. Once you have been involved with Cristo Rey Atlanta, its mission stays with you.”
Naughton reflected on her years at the school, describing the work as “life‑giving” and noting she will miss the “smart and industrious” students who are “not entitled.” She plans to take six months to rest before deciding her next steps and continues to serve as an adviser to master’s programs at the University of Notre Dame and Boston College.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
