Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS), a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all students have access to rigorous coursework and postsecondary opportunities, announces the appointment of Antonio “AJ” Gutierrez as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Gutierrez has over a decade of experience leading education reform and scaling mission-driven organizations. Known for translating research into practice, he has advanced evidence-based policies that have driven 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 helped grow the organization from a startup into a national leader in high-impact tutoring. Under his leadership, Saga served students in 17 US states, and internationally in the Netherlands and Ukraine, while securing over $140 million in funding from philanthropic partners, federal grants, and school districts.
At Saga, Gutierrez led innovation efforts by developing university partnerships and expanding AI and engineering capabilities. He brings a deep understanding of how advanced technologies can drive scale and amplify impact when grounded in interoperability, security, and human-centered design. A strong advocate for using technology to enhance –not replace— human connection, he champions tools that empower educators to meet students’ diverse needs.
“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.”
Raised in Boston and a graduate of Match Education, Gutierrez credits access to rigorous coursework and personalized academic support as life-changing influences in his own educational journey. 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 provides, 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.”
