Antonio 'AJ' Gutierrez Takes the Helm as CEO of Equal Opportunity Schools

On July 9, 2025, Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) announced the appointment of Antonio "AJ" Gutierrez as its new Chief Executive Officer. EOS, a national nonprofit organization, focuses on ensuring that all students have equal access to rigorous coursework and supportive academic environments that promote postsecondary success.

A Leader in Education Reform

Gutierrez is no stranger to education reform, having dedicated over a decade to leading and scaling mission-driven organizations aimed at transforming the educational landscape. His extensive experience includes his role as Co-Founder and Chief Policy Public Affairs Officer at Saga Education, where he played a pivotal role in its growth from a startup to a national leader in high-impact tutoring. Under his guidance, Saga served students across 17 U.S. states as well as internationally, raising over $140 million in funding to enhance educational opportunities.

His approach has always been evidence-based, focusing on the use of data to inform policies that drive investments in high-impact tutoring and accelerated learning strategies. This focus aligns perfectly with EOS's mission to provide equitable educational pathways for all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Innovative Strategies for Growth

Gutierrez's vision extends beyond traditional education methods. During his tenure at Saga, he developed partnerships with universities and integrated technology into instructional strategies. He advocates for a blend of advanced technologies and human interaction, believing that technology should empower educators rather than replace the personal connections integral to effective teaching and learning.

Eric Weaver, Chair of the EOS Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of Gutierrez's leadership, stating, "EOS is at a pivotal moment, and AJ's appointment represents a bold step forward. He brings not only deep expertise in education systems and social innovation, but also the strategic mindset and collaborative leadership needed to guide the organization into its next phase of impact."

A Personal Connection to the Mission

Gutierrez shares a deep personal connection to the mission of EOS. A graduate of Match Education in Boston, he credits access to challenging coursework and personalized support for his educational successes. This background fuels his drive to ensure that all students have similar opportunities to advance their educational journeys. He has advised numerous leaders and agencies on implementing evidence-based strategies aimed at accelerating learning on a national scale.

Reflecting on his new role, Gutierrez remarked, "As someone who directly benefited from the kind of support EOS provides, I'm honored to join this team at such a pivotal moment. Our students deserve not just access, but real opportunities. Ensuring that all students have access to advanced coursework and the support systems to thrive is how we move America forward in a rapidly changing world."

The Road Ahead

AJ Gutierrez's appointment marks a crucial transition for Equal Opportunity Schools as it seeks to expand its impact on educational equity. His anticipation for the future is rooted in EOS's potential not just to affect direct change but to generate valuable insights that could inform policy and practice across the educational field.

He stated, "What excites me most is EOS's untapped potential—not just to expand direct impact, but to generate research insights that lift the entire field. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and partners to ensure educational opportunity is not just a promise, but a lived experience for every student."

As Equal Opportunity Schools embarks on this new chapter under Gutierrez's leadership, it stands poised to forge new pathways for equitable education in the United States, striving towards a future where all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.