This week, Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV, introduced Mr. Jeff Ardito as the new Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Saint Viator High School. He brings 22 years of experience working at Saint Patrick High School in Chicago. A 1987 graduate of St. Pat’s, Ardito most recently served as its Vice-President of Institutional Advancement.
Jeff Ardito, shown here with Fr. Dan Lydon, starts Aug. 7, but he has begun to meet the staff informally.
In that role, Ardito guided admissions, fundraising, special events and marketing efforts. He also successfully completed a capital campaign at Saint Patrick’s with total commitments of $7.5 million.
Somewhat ironically, at St. Pat’s he worked in administration with Viatorian Associate Christopher Perez, who served as Director of Curriculum. At Saint Viator, Ardito will be working in the administration with Viatorian Associate Ann Perez, Chris’ wife, who serves as Assistant to the President for Mission.
“Our search committee selected Jeff because of his strong leadership qualities, his passion for Catholic education, and his strong collaborative and interpersonal skills,” Fr. Lydon said in a statement. “I know that Jeff will find a home here at Saint Viator and that he will hit the ground running.”
At Saint Viator, Ardito will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Advancement team, specifically providing leadership in the annual fund, special events, alumni events, stewardship and the capital campaign. Additionally, he will serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees and the Investment Board.
Ardito is well aware of Saint Viator and its mission. He is a current parent, with his daughter Grace entering her junior year. He also has two graduates from Saint Viator, his daughters Allison ’22 and Nicole ’20.
Fr. Dan Lydon, right, shown with a few of the Viatorians on staff last Christmas: (L-R) Ann Perez, Br. Peter Lamick, Br. Rob Robertson, Br. Jhobany Orduz, Fr. Dan Lydon and Associate Cathy Abrahamian, front.