July 7, 2025
EOS
Seattle, WA — Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS), a national nonprofit committed to ensuring all students have access to rigorous coursework and postsecondary opportunities, announces today the appointment of Antonio “AJ” Gutierrez as its new Chief Executive Officer.
With over a decade of executive experience scaling mission-driven organizations and driving systems-level change, Gutierrez is widely recognized for his ability to translate research into practice. He has championed evidence-based policies that expand access to proven interventions, contributing to increased federal and state investment in high-impact tutoring and accelerated learning strategies.
As Co-Founder and Chief Policy & Public Affairs Officer of Saga Education, Gutierrez played a pivotal role in transforming the organization from a startup into a national leader in high-impact tutoring. Under his leadership, Saga reached students across 17 states—and internationally in the Netherlands and Ukraine—while securing over $140 million in funding from philanthropic partners, federal grants, and school districts. He also helped build bipartisan coalitions to support the adoption of scalable, evidence-based interventions.
Gutierrez played a key role in advancing Saga Education’s innovation strategy, developing strategic university partnerships, and expanding the organization’s cutting-edge AI and engineering capabilities. He brings a deep understanding of how advanced technologies can drive scale and amplify impact—provided they are anchored in interoperability, security, and human-centered design. A strong advocate for using technology to supercharge rather than replace human connection, Gutierrez champions tools that empower educators and respond effectively to the diverse needs of students.
“EOS is at a pivotal moment, and AJ’s appointment represents a bold step forward,” said Eric Weaver, Chair of the EOS Board of Directors. “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.”
Gutierrez’s career has centered on eliminating barriers to opportunity for underserved students. Raised in Boston and a graduate of Match Education, he credits access to rigorous coursework and personalized academic support as life-changing influences in his own educational journey. Over the years, he has advised federal agencies, philanthropic coalitions, and school system leaders on deploying evidence-based strategies to accelerate learning at scale.
“As someone who directly benefited from the kind of support EOS helps provide, I’m honored to join this team at such a pivotal moment,” Gutierrez said. “Our students deserve not just access, but real opportunity. We’re at an inflection point in K–12 education—where questions about the future of the workforce, what we teach, and how we measure success are front and center. 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.”
“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 and inform policy and practice. 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.”
About Equal Opportunity Schools
Equal Opportunity Schools is dedicated to ensuring that all students—particularly those from historically underserved backgrounds—have access to rigorous coursework, preparing them for success in college, careers, and life. In partnership with districts nationwide, we expand student enrollment and success in advanced pathways, provide professional development for educators, and build school communities centered on student belonging.
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