Loyola Blakefield | Leadership

Interim Leadership

We are pleased to announce Mr. John Stewart '60 will serve as Loyola's Interim President for the 2023-24 school year. John is proven leader who is deeply devoted to our mission, known within the extended Loyola community, and an enthusiastic ambassador for our mission.

John most recently served as Special Assistant to the President on a part-time basis, primarily focused on assisting with alumni and benefactor outreach. He played a leading role in the success of the Ignite capital campaign as an Honorary Chair. Most notably, John devoted 47 years of service to Loyola as teacher, coach, and Dean of Students before stepping down from that role in 2014. In his interim role, he will work closely with the Board and Leadership Team to ensure that we maintain momentum and continue our community-wide commitment to excellence.

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More about Mr. Stewart

A Hamilton native, John attended St. Dominic School prior to enrolling at Loyola in 1956. Upon graduating, he earned a degree in political science from Loyola University Maryland, where he later returned for a master’s degree in education. After earning his undergraduate degree, he joined the U.S. Army as an officer and served in Korea. In 1967, John returned to Loyola as a mathematics teacher and coach. He was appointed Dean of Students in 1981 and served in that capacity until the conclusion of the 2013–14 school year. In addition to his role as Special Assistant to the President, he has also taken on the curation of Loyola’s archives and serves as the school’s resident historian. John and his wife Nancy have two daughters (Erin and Alison) and four grandchildren, one of whom is a current 7th grade student at Loyola.

Leadership Team

List of 10 members.

Mr. Stephen Abrams

Chief Admissions & Enrollment Management Officer

(410) 823-0601 Ext 684

Bio
Mr. Abrams earned his bachelor’s degree from Towson University. Prior to joining Loyola, Mr. Abrams spent time as a teacher, coach and administrator at McDonogh School, Greenspring Montessori School and Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. He joined Loyola as the Associate Director of Admissions in 2018 and was appointed to his current role in 2021. In his role, Mr. Abrams oversees Loyola’s admissions, enrollment, and retention efforts. Mr. Abrams is also involved with the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, the Fischer Program, and serves as the Associate Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach.
Mrs. Chantal Cross

Director of Human Resources and Auxiliary Services

(410) 823-0601 Ext 652

Bio
Mrs. Cross earned a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. Upon graduation, she moved to Maryland and worked in human resources prior to joining the staff at Loyola in 2007. During her time at Blakefield, she has served in a variety of roles, including Middle School Assistant and Assistant to the President. In her current role, Mrs. Cross oversees all clubs and activities, facilities rentals/scheduling, after care, administration of board-related activities, and directs Summer at Blakefield – Loyola’s robust camp program.
Mr. Blake Henry 98

Director of Athletics

(410) 823-0601 Ext 298

Bio
Mr. Henry graduated from Loyola Blakefield in 1998. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, where he was a 1^st team All ACC offensive linemen and signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. He has a master’s degree in athletic leadership and administration from Goucher College and is a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) with the National Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). Mr. Henry began his teaching and coaching career at Loyola in 2005 and then went on to be a varsity head football coach at several schools over the next twelve years. He was inducted into Loyola Blakefield’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022
Mr. Brian Maraña 00

Upper School Principal

(410) 823-0601 Ext 526

Bio
Mr. Maraña completed his undergraduate studies at Loyola University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with an interdisciplinary degree in psychology and philosophy. Upon graduating from Loyola University, Brian began his educational career as a recruiter for The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies. This paved the way for teaching positions in the Philippines. He spent nine years at the Xavier School in Metro Manila and was involved in the implementation of their International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. While in the Philippines, he began studies toward a graduate degree at Ateneo de Manila University (degree conferred in 2017). Brian returned to Maryland in 2015 as a Theology teacher here at Loyola before serving as Assistant Principal for Academics. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at Johns Hopkins University.
Mr. Steve Morrill

Director of Technology

(410) 823-0601 Ext 460

Bio
Mr. Morrill earned his bachelor’s degree from Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University). He then launched his career there spending 11 years in their technology division, including serving as Manager of Network and Enterprise Systems. As the School’s Director of Technology, Mr. Morrill oversees all aspects of technology including all software and hardware as well as all integration to the classrooms. He also leads Loyola’s Cyber Science initiative, which is recognized as a national leader among middle and high schools.
Mr. John O'Hara 96

Middle School Principal

(410) 823-0601 Ext 440

Bio
Mr. O’Hara ‘96 holds a B.A. from Towson University and a M.A.T. from Goucher College. Prior to returning to Loyola in 2012, he served as a teacher and administrator at Trinity School. Prior to his time at Trinity, John was an elementary and middle school teacher at Father Charles Hall and St. Pius X School. In his role, he oversees all aspects of the middle school student experience, including academic and co-curricular programming. He also serves as a member of the school’s enrollment management team.
Mr. Brendan O'Kane

Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity

(410) 823-0601 Ext 236

Bio
Mr. O’Kane earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland in 2003, a master’s degree in Education from Loyola University Maryland and a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Loyola University Maryland. Mr. O’Kane has spent his career in education with roles as a classroom teacher, coach and director of student ministry programs. He is responsible for articulating and perpetuating the vision and philosophy of Jesuit education for the adult members of the Loyola Blakefield community. Additionally, he leads the staff responsible for shaping all aspects of the spiritual formation and service experience for all students. This includes Loyola’s robust retreat offerings, service initiatives, liturgical and prayer life, as well as the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
Mr. Robert Robinson

Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer

(410) 823-0601 Ext 674

Bio
Mr. Robinson earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Towson University. He has over 16 years of experience in the marketing and communication setting, both at the national and international level. A professional/published writer, Mr. Robinson has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Towson and Stevenson Universities. Prior to joining Loyola, he served as a Media and Communications Specialist, as well as Managing Editor of an international health magazine. In his role, Mr. Robinson oversees all aspects of marketing & communications, public relations, branding, advertising, as well as oversight of school publications, the website and social media outlets. He also co-chairs Loyola's Health Advisory Board and serves as a member of the enrollment management team.
Mr. Adam Trice

Chief Advancement Officer

(410) 823-0601 Ext 694

Bio
Mr. Trice earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and his master’s degree from the University of Baltimore. He has over 13 years of experience in business development, sales, fundraising, and event management. Prior to joining Loyola, Adam served as the Director of Advancement at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. He also served as Director of Foundation Relations at Capitol College, now Capitol Technology University. In his role at Loyola Blakefield, Mr. Trice oversees all fundraising programs, constituent relations, and outreach initiatives.
Mrs. Sue Yancisin

Chief Financial Officer

(410) 823-0601 Ext 660

Bio
Mrs. Yancisin earned her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. She has over 20 years of experience in financial management, accounting, and business operations. Prior to joining Loyola, Sue began her career in Baltimore with Arthur Andersen and then spent the majority of her years at Stanley, Black and Decker in accounting and finance roles. She joined Loyola as Director of Accounting and Financial Aid in 2014, and was appointed to her current role in 2018. She oversees the school’s finance operations, human resources, and facilities management.