Loyola Catholic School Announces Jesse D. Hicks as New President/CAO
Loyola Catholic School is pleased to announce the appointment of Jesse D. Hicks as the school’s next President and Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), bringing to the role nearly two decades of executive leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, marketing, and mission-driven organizational growth.
Most recently, Hicks served as Vice President of Advancement, Marketing & Communications for the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, where he helped grow annual philanthropic support from $4.3 million to more than $25 million. He also led significant brand expansion initiatives, including innovative community fundraising events and substantial growth in donor engagement.
Previously, Hicks served as Senior Director of Development and Interim President of the Hennepin Healthcare Foundation, where he guided the organization through leadership transition, expanded philanthropic revenue, and helped secure the largest gift in the foundation’s history.
Earlier in his career, Hicks held advancement leadership roles with Minnesota State University, Mankato and Loyola Catholic School, where he led fundraising programs, capital initiatives, and alumni engagement efforts.
In addition to building a distinguished career, Hicks is a lifelong member of the Loyola community, having attended Loyola Catholic School from kindergarten through high school.
Hicks said, “When I had the opportunity to go through Loyola Catholic School in Mankato, to be a Crusader, then go to St. John’s University, it really made me who I am. And so, to be able to go back to that community and play a key role as the president of the school community, to reconnect with families and friends that I haven't been with in a while and meet new ones, it’s just really a dream opportunity and I’m so grateful that I have it.”
As President, Hicks will focus on advancing Loyola’s mission of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while strengthening enrollment, community engagement, philanthropic support, and long-term sustainability.
He said, “I believe that Loyola’s best days are ahead of us. I want to focus on that tradition and honor that legacy of over 160 years. I really think this is a time of possibility and an opportunity to dream boldly and think different about our impact. We’re grounded in Catholic faith. But we’re welcoming of all. We need to think about that mutual respect and authenticity to really ensure that every student is known, valued, and inspired.”
Hicks is a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish and remains deeply committed to the greater Mankato community.
