News Briefs: Loyola principal change; Winnetka Chase rebuild ribbon-cutting; New Trier Pitch Night

Loyola Academy is getting a new principal.

After three years, Tim Devine is stepping down as the Wilmette high school’s principal, and Steve Tortorello, a former principal at Marian Catholic High School, is taking over on July 1.

Tortorello reportedly spent nine years (2014-2023) as principal of Marian Catholic in Chicago Heights, a southwest suburb, and most recently served as director of partnerships and special projects with the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as Loyola Academy’s next principal,” Tortorello said in a Loyola Academy press release. “Loyola Academy’s reputation for academic excellence, faith formation, and care for the whole person is extraordinary. I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and the entire Loyola community as we continue forming young women and men who will lead lives of purpose, compassion, and service.”

Loyola Academy utilized a principal search committee, which reportedly conducted a nationwide search for candidates that included interviews, campus visits, and meetings with faculty and staff.

School president Gregory J Ostdiek called Tortorello a “mission-driven leader.”

“He brings a deep commitment to forming the whole person, a collaborative spirit, and a clear vision for helping students grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially-emotionally,” Ostdiek said in a statement. “His experience working closely with Catholic schools throughout the region will also help Loyola Academy continue to build even stronger relationships with the Archdiocese of Chicago. We are excited to welcome him to Loyola Academy.”

Devine, who took over as principal in 2023, reportedly is stepping back into the classroom in the school’s social students department.

“It has been a privilege to serve Loyola Academy in this role and to work alongside such talented and dedicated faculty, staff, students, and families,” Devine said in the release. “I am thrilled to welcome Steve to the Loyola community and look forward to supporting him during the transition while continuing to do what I love most: teaching and accompanying Ramblers in the classroom.”

Ribbon cut on new downtown Winnetka centerpiece

Winnetka officials and JPMorganChase leaders on May 5 cut the ribbon on the business’s new three-story building at Green Bay Road and Elm Street in the heart of the village.

The redevelopment project is more than three years in the making and received the Winnetka Village Council’s stamp of approval in June 2024. A groundbreaking ceremony was then held in February 2025 on the historic site, which once held the area’s first bank starting in 1894.

“From the beginning, our intent was to design a building that truly feels like Winnetka,” said Scott Hurst — principal, Gensler, which was the lead architect on the project — in a press release. “By engaging with Village residents and collaborating closely with JPMorganChase, the design draws from local character and natural elements to create a welcoming presence that fits seamlessly into the fabric of the community.”

The new building covers 34,000 square feet across its three floors with retail banking on the first floor and two floors of office space. The project also includes the addition of 32 parking spaces, 24 of which are underground.

“This day is a milestone for our clients, employees, and the Winnetka community we’re proud to call home,” said Jaime Freeman, head of North Shore for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, during the May 5 ceremony. “… This new space reflects that commitment to the North Shore, built to serve this community for generations to come.”

NTHS entrepreneurs celebrated

New Trier High School’s entrepreneurship students wrapped this year-long projects May 7 with Pitch Night, a “Shark Tank”-style series of presentations.

Miranda Korobov was the night’s winner with her product, Gateway Stadium Bags, a line of women’s bags with removable fabric to allow entry into concerts and other events.

Korobov earned the opportunity co competed in the Unchartered Learning Summit this summer.

Runnersup were Sabeen Hague, Rachel Kole and Anna Yoder with Campus Closet and Oscar Gross, Cormac Healy, Sophie Panovich and Travis Leonardson with mentor nonprofit Echo Steps.

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