Head of Schools Search

The Transition Plan: A Two-Phase Approach

Sacred Heart Schools is currently navigating a period of thoughtful change as we prepare for the next chapter of our historic mission on Sheridan Road. This page serves as a central resource for our community to stay informed about the search for our next Head of Schools and the steps we are taking to ensure a seamless transition.

horizontal row with Sacred Heart in middle

Welcome, Dennis Phillips!

Dennis Phillips has over 30 years of experience as a Sacred Heart educator. Currently he is the outgoing head of school at the Sacred Heart School of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada where he served from 2022 to the present.

Previous to his current position he served as head of school from 2014-2022 at The Regis School of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas. From 1999-2014 he served the Sacred Heart Schools in San Francisco as head of the middle school at Stuart Hall for Boys and as Campus Minister for the San Francisco four-school community. In 1994 he began his Sacred Heart journey here at Sheridan Rd where he served as the director of religion and campus minister. He was hired by Sr. Carol Campbell, RSCJ after completing a Master’s degree from Loyola University in Pastoral Counseling.

Phase 1: Interim Leadership

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Phillips as Interim Head of Schools, effective July 1, 2026. Dennis is a seasoned Sacred Heart leader with a career defined by the mission of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat.

Sacred Heart Experience: Most recently served as Head of School at Sacred Heart School of Halifax and previously spent eight years as Head of School at The Regis School of the Sacred Heart in Houston.
Chicago Roots: Dennis is returning to the city where he earned his Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Chicago.
Strategic Continuity: Dennis will work closely with our current leadership to maintain school priorities and a strong student experience during the 2026-27 school year.

Phase 2: National Search for Permanent Head of Schools

The Board has partnered with RG175, a premier leadership search firm specializing in independent schools, to conduct a comprehensive nationwide search.

Goal: To identify a long-term leader to be in place by June 2027
Process: The search will be transparent, rigorous, and inclusive of our community’s voices.
Profile: We are seeking a leader who will uphold our traditions while accelerating the strategic growth and innovation necessary for Sacred Heart to thrive in a changing landscape.

View Position Statement

Visit the Search Page

For inquiries, nominations, or to apply, please click here.

The General Timeline

Spring 2026

Head of Schools departure announced
RG175 Search Firm hired and Search Committee formed
Community Meetings held for current parents/guardians, faculty and staff, trustees, and students
Position Statement posted
Candidate communication and recruitment by RG175

Early Fall 2026

Candidate application deadline, semifinalists selected

Late Fall 2026

Semifinalist interviews by Search Committee
Finalists visit SHS for interviews and to meet the community

Winter 2026

Search Committee recommended candidate for Board of Trustees approval
New Head of Schools announced to the community

July 1, 2027

New Head of Schools begins tenure

The Search Committee

The Committee is made up of the following Trustees:

Matt Lovell - Board Chair, Parent (H'20, H'22, H'25, H4)
Peter Rossmann - Search Committee Chair, Parent (A2, SK)
Tim FitzSimons - Parent (H'24, H8)
Ed Lomasney - Parent (H8, H6, A2)
Katie McMahon - POTH President, Parent (H'25, H5)
Alicia Newland - Parent (A'25)
Brian Phelan - Parent (H'25, H7, A4)
Lisa Zitella - Parent (A6)

FAQs

What are the roles of the Board and the Search Comittee?

One of the Board’s most significant responsibilities is selecting the next Head of School—a leader who will be the primary steward of our mission and the Five Goals. While the Board makes the final appointment, this journey is a communal one.

To lead this process, the Board has established a Search Committee to guide us through every stage. Together with our partners at RG175, the Committee will ensure we identify a leader who truly embodies the Sacred Heart mission and our Five Goals.

What is the role of faculty and staff?

The Board, the Search Committee and our RG175 consultants are committed to an open search and value the perspectives and input of our faculty and staff. Broad faculty and staff input will be solicited through the process, with key opportunities including:

Participation in a community survey in May 2026
In-person meetings with RG175 in early May 2026
Opportunity to meet with and provide feedback on the three finalists in Fall 2026

What is the role of parents and guardians?

The Board, the Search Committee and our RG175 consultants are committed to an open search and value the perspectives and input of our community Broad faculty and staff input will be solicited through the process, with key opportunities including:

Participation in a community survey in May 2026
In-person meetings with RG175 in early May 2026
Opportunity to meet with and provide feedback on the three finalists in Fall 2026

Who are the search consultants and what is their role?

Sacred Heart is partnering with the leading national executive search firm, RG175 and two of their consultants, Steve Morris and Jim Scott. Together with the Search Committee, they will be committed to a thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive process. RG175 brings a deep commitment to diversity and a proven record of identifying strong leaders by fostering the relationships that matter most—among schools, trustees, and candidates—in a manner grounded in integrity, equity, and community.

RG 175 is providing advice to the Search Committee concerning format, logistics, procedure, and best practices throughout the search process. In particular, key roles include:

Providing advice regarding the search process and timeline
Preparing a Position Statement that summarizes the SFFS Head of School opportunity and the qualities and characteristics of ideal candidates
Sourcing candidates nationally and internationally
Conducting reference checks
Supporting the Search Committee in evaluating candidates
Providing advice to ensure a successful transition

How will the community receive updates on the search?

The Search Committee is committed to an open and transparent search process. The Search Committee will keep the community informed of our progress through announcements and postings on the Head of Schools Search webpage. The Search Committee will balance their commitment to make this process inclusive and transparent with the need to respect the confidentiality of the candidate recruitment process.

Stay Informed & Get Involved

Transparency is a priority for the Board of Trustees. We will provide regular monthly updates to the community as meaningful progress is made. Please check this page for updates and recent communications regarding the search.

Please reach out to hossearch@shschicago.org if you have any questions!

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