BOSTON, MA. - Citizen Schools’ National Board Chair, Michael Keating, announced today that Oscar E. Cruz has been named the organization’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Most recently, Cruz served as Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA), where he oversaw efforts to center racial equity at the core of UWGLA work. Cruz succeeds Interim CEO Elisha Muskat, who will remain at Citizen Schools as a member of the Executive Team. 

The search for Citizen Schools’ new CEO launched in June, 2021. Partnering with Alma Advisory Group, the CEO search committee sought out a leader who exemplified and demonstrated the inclusive and visionary leadership desired by Citizen Schools. Cruz was chosen from a pool of 300 truly diverse applicants.

“Oscar Cruz has a passion for education,” said Keating. “He knows the value of making educational opportunities available for students, educators and leaders in underserved communities, core objectives of Citizen Schools. He is an excellent choice to be our next CEO.”

Born in Guatemala, and having spent much of his life in Los Angeles, Cruz is a community leader with more than 20 years experience in the nonprofit field. Prior to his time at UWGLA, Cruz was the President & CEO of Families In Schools, which is dedicated to involving parents in gaining the best possible education for their children. He also served as a Program Director for Community Partners, directing projects in community technology and civic engagement and as Senior Program Manager at the Center for Civic Education, where he managed an international network of civil society organizations, school districts, universities, and foundations working to implement civic engagement programs for students and youth throughout the United States and Latin America.

“Citizen Schools has an amazing legacy of supporting students to thrive in school and beyond through hands-on learning and career mentors,” said Cruz. “More than ever, our students need nurturing relationships, engaging learning practices and opportunities to lead. I chose to join Citizen Schools because I believe I can support the efforts to become a stronger, mission-driven organization during this critical time.”

Cruz holds a M.A. in Latin American studies from Georgetown University and a B.A. in political science and Latin America studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jill, and son, Josiah.

Media Contact

Anna Yu
annayu@citizenschools.org

About Citizen Schools

For over 25 years, Citizen Schools has been a pioneer in educational equity. They have provided hands-on learning experiences that ignite curiosity, build confidence, and expand horizons for over 50,000 middle school students in underrepresented communities. Together with their partners, including 25,000 career mentors, they have exposed students to new ideas and connections. For more information, please visit citizenschools.org