St. Rita of Cascia High School Announces Chair of the St. Rita Board of Directors

CHICAGO — Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Council, announced Mark Kelly ’84 as the new Chair of the St. Rita High School Board of Directors.

Mark returns to his alma mater to serve as Board Chair at a significant time of growth for the 120-year-old institution, with enrollment having grown consistently over the last five years. With him, he brings over 30 years of involvement and volunteerism to Southside Catholic institutions, including St. Rita High School and St. Barnabas School.

“Mark is the right person at the right time for this job,” Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo O.S.A., shared. “We are so grateful to have him on board, not only because of his professional background and track record of strong leadership, but also because he is a member of the St. Rita community through and through.”

Mark grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago and attended St. John Fisher School. After graduating, Mark decided he would be become Ritaman on the campus on 63rd and Claremont. “From the moment I first walked into St. Rita High School in 1980, I knew I belonged,” Mark explained. “I still remember stepping off the bus, making my way down Claremont Avenue, and entering the hallway — immediately struck by the sights, sounds, and unmistakable spirit of a special place.”

Mark graduated in 1984 and went to the University of Illinois, earning his degree in 1989, while playing football for the Fighting Illini. Professionally, Mark spent the bulk of his career at the Chicago Board of Trade, where from 1991 to 2016 he worked as a successful commodity options trader. He is currently a commodity trader for EMCombs.

In addition to his work as a commodity trader, Mark enjoyed raising his family with his wife Jennie. His kids, Duffy, Connor ’17, Eva, Quinn ’20, and Lyla all attended St. Barnabas School in Beverly. Mark served on the St. Barnabas Board of Directors for four years. He also coached football for 12 years.

Mark has an extensive history of involvement at St. Rita, serving on the Board of Directors for six years. He and his wife Jennie also received the honor of Couple of the Year at the 2015 Caritas Gala – Valentine Dinner Dance. Mark also has been a member of the St. Rita Football Program, as a player and a coach, having served as assistant varsity football coach in 1993 and 1994. He also served as an assistant freshmen coach in 2016.

“Mark knows St. Rita,” Deacon John Donahue, J.D., Ed.D., President of St. Rita High School, explained. “As an alumnus, an alumni dad, former board member, and former assistant Mustang football coach, he possesses an almost all-encompassing perspective on this historic institution.”

Mark is preceded by Clare Napleton (HON), who held the position since 2020. Clare’s tenure was notable, not only because she was the first-ever female Board Chair but also for the pivotal role she played in navigating the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and providing an unfaltering presence during a leadership change.

“Lately, I’ve felt a strong pull to be part of something larger than my daily work or a round of golf, now that my grammar school coaching career has concluded,” Mark shared. “My son Quinn ’23 gave me a daily grace book, and as I read through it, I began to feel called toward a greater purpose. Around that same time, Clare Napleton reached out to ask if I might consider serving as Chair of the Board of Directors… after thoughtful reflection and conversation, I realized this was exactly what I had been searching for.”