May 8, 2026 — The Jesuit Schools Network of North America (JSN) has named Jennifer LaMaster as its new executive director, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in Jesuit education to the role. As part of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, JSN provides programming and support to 90 pre-secondary and secondary Jesuit schools.
LaMaster currently serves as provincial assistant for presecondary and secondary education for the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, where she supports the mission of 22 Jesuit schools. In this role, she has overseen governance matters, led sponsorship reviews, strengthened school leadership, and developed formation programs that advance the Catholic mission and Jesuit identity of Jesuit schools.
“I’m humbled and thrilled to be entrusted with this ministry,” LaMaster said. “It’s a special honor to be the first laywoman to take on this role. I look forward to the work ahead together in faith, justice and service.”
Previously, LaMaster held leadership positions at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, including assistant principal and director of faculty development. In those roles, she guided faculty development, curriculum innovation and institutional operations.
As executive director, LaMaster will lead JSN’s mission, strategy and operations, supporting 90 Jesuit schools across Canada and the United States, as well as in Belize and Micronesia. She will oversee key initiatives in mission formation, global perspectives, educational inquiry and school leadership, while fostering collaboration across Jesuit provinces and strengthening connections within the Jesuit Global Network of Schools.
The JSN executive director also serves as secretary for presecondary and secondary education for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.
LaMaster holds master’s degrees in educational leadership and library science and brings more than 30 years of experience in public and private education. She is a member of the Cristo Rey Institute and a former member of the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute Board of Directors.
Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, offered his support: “On behalf of the provincials of Canada and the United States, I offer our heartfelt congratulations, best wishes and prayers to Jennifer LaMaster as she prepares to lead JSN. I have known Jen for many years, and she brings many gifts to our shared mission: deep faith, love for the church, strong relational skills, extensive experience in Jesuit education and a clear vision for strengthening the service of JSN.”
