Loyola Press Names New President and Publisher

CHICAGO, IL (March, 2017) — The Board of Directors of Chicago-based Loyola Press has announced the appointment of Joellyn Cicciarelli as President and Publisher of the Jesuit publishing ministry effective February 1, 2017. Cicciarelli succeeds longtime President and Publisher, Teresa Locke, who has retired from the role of President. Locke will assist in the executive transition through June, 2017 as she serves as strategic advisor to Cicciarelli and the executive team of this apostolate of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus.

Joellyn Cicciarelli, President and Publisher of Loyola Press

Joining the Press in 1996, Locke’s background in corporate marketing and education served Loyola Press well as she directed the company’s growth and expansion into new markets, including: overseeing the creation of the Ignatian-based core religion programs in English and Spanish Finding God and God’s Gift; the establishment of a full line of spirituality titles for adults; the construction of Loyola Press websites; and the publication of one of Loyola’s premier titles, Dear Pope Francis, the first and only book for children written by the leader of the Catholic Church.

Cicciarelli joined Loyola Press as a consultant for product innovation in 2006, bringing with her nearly two decades of experience in teaching and educational publishing. She is the author of an award-winning preschool curriculum and was editor for Mr. Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, developing a 9-book series with the childhood development icon. She took on the full-time role of Director of Curricula Development in 2008 and led teams in developing faith formation and language arts curricula, including Adaptive Finding God, the first fully comprehensive religious education program for children with special needs. In March 2015, Cicciarelli was named Vice President of New Product Development, overseeing both the curricula and trade departments.

“Joellyn Cicciarelli brings a track record of innovation and success to this role, as well as a get-it-done attitude and a commitment to excellence.” said Locke. “I’ve worked alongside Joellyn and have witnessed her contributions as she built and led teams to create innovative resources that achieve the Loyola Press mission to enrich the faith lives of people around the world. I have every confidence that Joellyn, with her extensive experience and history of success, will continue in this tradition.”

Loyola Press Chairman of the Board, Dave McNulty, said, “As a Jesuit ministry, Loyola Press is dedicated to nurturing people’s desire for a closer relationship with God. We believe that our work matters deeply as we seek to serve all, from the very young who look to us for assurance that their lives have purpose and meaning, to the elders who continue to nurture us with wisdom and hope. As Loyola Press continues to chart its course for the future, the board has every confidence that Joellyn Cicciarelli will carry the tradition of Loyola Press forward with innovation guided by a clear sense of Loyola Press’s mission.”

When asked to reflect upon assuming the role, Cicciarelli said, “It’s an honor to be asked to fill the role of President and Publisher of Loyola Press. When I first came to Loyola, I was surprised by the joy I felt living out my faith through my day-to-day work. My enthusiasm for this vocation has only grown. This is a remarkable company with a 100+ year history of excellence in providing faith formation resources to young and old alike. Terry Locke leaves me on a firm foundation, and the Jesuits provide us with a noble mission. Knowing this, I have great confidence that long into the future Loyola Press will be creating innovative and effective resources that pass on a living faith and inspire people of all ages to deepen their relationship with God.”

About Loyola Press

A Jesuit ministry and apostolate of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, Loyola Press embraces the Jesuit passion for helping people to find God in all things. We continue the Jesuit tradition of excellence and service by providing inspiring faith-filled content for children and adults and by being people for others. For more information visit www.loyolapress.com