Angel Gutierrez brings over 25 years of experience in executive management and leadership in the nonprofit sector. A problem-solver at heart, he thrives on finding creative and collaborative solutions to complex problems.
Angel was born and raised in Chicago, near Farragut and Little Village high schools. To escape gang violence, he and his family moved to Marquette Park, where he attended and graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary South High School. Although he grew up in a strict household, he credits his parents for instilling a strong work ethic and helping others in him.
His interest in education led him to Niles College of Loyola University for seminary studies, where he excelled academically and assumed student leadership roles. Angel majored in political science, with minors in philosophy, theology, and Latin American studies.
A pivotal experience that set the direction for his life was a summer spent serving a rural community in Mexico, which solidified his commitment to serving others and making a positive impact. Angel ultimately decided to choose another path instead of entering the priesthood, choosing instead to pursue his passion for community service.
Angel began his career at Catholic Charities, where he quickly advanced within the WIC Food Nutrition Program and other departments. He successfully opened one of the first WIC Grocery Stores in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. After earning his master’s degree, his leadership skills earned him a national role with Catholic Health Initiatives in Denver, Colorado.
In addition to his professional growth, Angel gained valuable governance and public policy experience and contributed to significant public projects, including the City and County of Denver – Public Infrastructure – Public Safety Task Force and the Denver Public Schools on the redesign and restructuring of Manual High School, a local public high school that had mismanaged funds and shown poor academic performance. As part of this initiative, Angel visited high-performing schools in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles to learn the key elements of their success.
Angel currently works as a consultant helping nonprofits with operation, governance fundraising, and strategic planning issues. In his most recent roles as the head of fundraising at Chicago Hope Academy High School and Catholic Charities, Angel and his teams raised over $117 million to support the work of both nonprofits. He has also served as the co-chair of the Nuestro Futuro Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, awarding $3.1 million in grants to over 70 nonprofits.
In his spare time, Angel enjoys family time, listening to jazz, collecting vintage baseball cards, and attending local baseball games. He resides in Garfield Ridge on the southwest side of Chicago with his wife and their two children.
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