Kara McCarthy
Principal
Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy’s Board of Trustees and Board of Members recently announced Mrs. Kara McCarthy as their next principal effective August 15, 2024.

Mrs. McCarthy brings a vision of servant leadership that flows from the experience and insights she has gained through more than 24 years in Catholic education. She served for 10 years as an elementary school teacher at Notre Dame School in New Hyde Park and has served for the past 14 years in the same Catholic school as Assistant Principal.

Jessica Aybar
Principal
Cathedral High School

Cathedral High School has announced Ms. Jessica Aybar as Principal effective August 12, 2024.

Ms. Aybar comes to Cathedral High School from St. Athanasius School in the Bronx where she served as Executive Principal and had previously served as principal, academic dean, and teacher. Ms. Aybar holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Queens College. She was born and raised in the Bronx and is a graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School; and today, Ms. Aybar, her husband, and their three boys are parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Shrub Oak, NY.

Dean J. Fusto
President
Saint Saviour Catholic Academy

Saint Saviour Catholic Academy announced the hire of Dean J. Fusto, as SSCA’s inaugural President, effective July 2024.  

Mr. Fusto, a product of K-12 Catholic education, has dedicated his storied career to education—he has served at almost every level, from his early teaching, coaching, and dormitory head days, to his many administrative roles. He has served as Director for Development, a Head of School, a President, and most recently, a specially created role of Executive Head of School at the School of the Blessed Sacrament in Manhattan, overseeing two different campuses. Bilingual in both Spanish and English, he has created outreach programs in the Dominican Republic and lead delegations to St. Lucia, Cote d’Ivoire, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Mr. Fusto, following his strong belief in the value of education, has continually sought to fill out his own educational resume with advanced degrees, certificates, and educational fellowships from some of our most esteemed educational institutions, including Columbia University, Cornell University, and Harvard University.

Casey Buckstaff
President
John Paul II High School

John Paul II High School announced the selection of Casey Buckstaff as the fourth (4th) President of John Paul II High School. This follows a comprehensive search guided by the dedicated Search Committee and endorsed by Bishop Edward Burns and the John Paul II High School Board of Directors.

Casey brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Catholic education to this important role. She is a product of Catholic education, earning her undergraduate degree (BA) and a Master of Non-Profit Administration from the University of Notre Dame and Master in the Art of Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University. As the captain of the rowing team at the University of Notre Dame, and in every team she has led throughout her career, Casey’s enthusiasm and leadership paved the way for creative strategies and high expectations for success. She possesses a strong track record leading Catholic educational institutions, fostering academic excellence, and nurturing spirituality and faithfulness among students, faculty, and families.  

Brendan McKiernan
Vice Principal of Academics 
Notre Dame Academy

Brendan McKiernan has been announced as the new Vice Principal of Academics at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, MA. Brendan comes from Thayer Academy where he was a Math Teacher, Class Dean, JV Basketball Coach.

Dr. Timothy Uhl
Principal
Notre Dame High School

Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia, Bishop of Monterey, appointed Dr. Timothy Uhl to be the next principal of Notre Dame High School. Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions lead the national search. After considering a number of applicants, the members of the Search Committee unanimously recommended Dr. Uhl for the position.

Dr. Uhl has a wealth of experience in Catholic education, as well as a strong network of Catholic educators and leaders. With experience as a high school teacher, college professor, principal, and superintendent of schools, Dr. Uhl will prayerfully and strategically guide the Notre Dame High School community, informed by his multi-level experiences, and enriched by his professional relationships. He is deeply committed to Catholic education and actively involved in his Catholic faith. An author, blogger, presenter, and podcaster, he has researched and addressed the most pressing issues facing Catholic schools and dioceses across the nation. He looks forward to shepherding Notre Dame High School, committed to increasing enrollment and enhancing community engagement.

Micah O'Connor
Principal
Saint Ann School

Saint Ann School announced  Micah O'Connor as their new Principal. Micah's previous position as principal at Our Lady of Fatima Parish School in Huntington, WV, has prepared her well for this new role. She is eager to work alongside the dedicated students, staff, and families of Saint Ann and the Diocese of Venice.

Michael J. Clark
President
Northwest Catholic High School

Northwest Catholic High School is proud to announce the appointment of Michael J. Clark as its new president. He will officially begin his role this summer, embarking on an exciting new chapter for our community.

With an illustrious career spanning over twenty-four years in progressive Catholic educational leadership, Mr. Clark brings a wealth of experience as an Associate Superintendent, Head of School, teacher, and mentor, with a focus on student growth and continuous improvement in fostering highly effective high school learning communities.

A distinguished leader in Catholic education, Clark is recognized as the sole Catholic school leader in the nation to have successfully established a junior/senior high school under merger-pandemic circumstances. As the Founding Head of School at Saint Paul Diocesan Junior-Senior High School, Mr. Clark spearheaded the merger of two Worcester diocesan junior-senior high schools into a newly constituted institution. His leadership also secured funds totaling $6.3 million for the project, ensuring the school's financial stability. Today, Saint Paul operates debt-free.

Rob DeMasi 
President
Holy Cross Preparatory Academy

The Holy Cross Preparatory Academy Board of Trustees  announced the appointment of Rob DeMasi as the new president of Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, effective July 1, 2024.

Rob DeMasi will join the HCPA community from Saint Mark’s High School, located in Wilmington, Delaware, where he has served since 2019 as the Vice President of Enrollment Management. During Rob’s tenure, enrollment increased 65% over four years. As a result of this exponential growth Saint Mark’s has become the fastest growing Catholic High School in Delaware.

Ashley Stewart
Vice President of advancement
Archbishop Spalding High School

Archbishop Spalding High School announced that Ashley Stewart will be taking over the role of Vice President for Advancement for Archbishop Spalding starting June 1st.  Ashley brings vast experience to this position, having previously served as the Associate Director of Advancement for the Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton New Jersey.  In addition to her experience, she is an alum from the Class of 2004, this is truly a homecoming for Ashley.

Ryan Empson
President
St. Michael the Archangel

For the past several months, Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions has worked with the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office and a group of stakeholders comprising a search committee in their quest to recruit a new President and Principal for St. Michael the Archangel Diocesan Regional School. 

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Mr. Ryan Empson will serve as President of St. Michael’s beginning 01 July 2024.  Mr. Empson’s expertise in leadership and service in the Catholic school system, coupled with his knowledge of the greater Baton Rouge community, will be a great asset to St. Michael’s so that the school can continue its positive trajectory of growth and excellence!  

Kyla Hockley
President
Lancaster Catholic High School

The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, has appointed Mrs. Kayla Hockley as the next President of Lancaster Catholic High School.

A Lancaster native, Kyla is an alumna of Lancaster Catholic High School and holds higher education degrees from Saint Vincent College, Duquesne University and Marymount University. Kyla has spent her career in Catholic education. She served as the Director of Religious Education for a parish in Pittsburgh before returning to Lancaster Catholic to serve as a Theology teacher and then Admissions Director. During the past four years, Kyla has served as Principal of Saint John Neumann Catholic School in Lancaster, where she successfully grew enrollment by 60% and developed a comprehensive financial model for the school, increasing the tuition assistance tax-credit program by 400%.

Michelle Robinson
President
Mount Notre Dame

Mount Notre Dame is thrilled to welcome Michelle Robinson as our new president. As a Catholic herself, Michelle is excited to uphold and strengthen MND's rich Catholic identity. Inspired by the charism of the sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and a shared belief in the goodness of God, Michelle eagerly anticipates serving and leading within a community that shares her faith tradition. We are honored to embark on this journey with her, confident in her dedication to our school's mission and values.

Philip Riley
President
Christian Brothers College High School 

The CBC High School Board of Directors and the Christian Brothers of the Midwest District have been conducting a national presidential search with the assistance of a highly regarded firm specializing in Catholic school leadership searches. Many of you were a part of that process. It is our privilege to announce that the Board and the Christian Brothers have appointed Philip Riley as the next president of CBC, effective July 1, 2024.

Kevin Brewer
Vice President of Advancement 
Cardinal Spellman High School

Kevin Brewer has been announced as the Vice President of Advancement 
at Cardinal Spellman High School. Kevin comes from Christian Brothers Foundation where he is the Director of Development.

Michael Fadelli '88
President
Junípero Serra High School

On behalf of the Archbishop of San Francisco, it is my great pleasure to announce that the new President of Junípero Serra High School will be Michael Fadelli '88. He will assume this new role on July 1. With a wealth of experience in advancement and a deep commitment to the values that define Serra, Mike brings a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm to lead Serra into a new era of excellence.  

Howie Brown
President
Mercy Career & Technical High School

Howie joins Mercy Tech from St. Joe’s Prep where he has been Admissions Director for the past nine years and a member of their President’s Leadership Team. There, he had first-hand involvement with tuition revenue, financial aid, advancement initiatives, and relationship-building with feeder schools, donors, parents, and students. His diverse background includes work as an actor, theater manager, and an elementary math/science teacher.

Howie will start in his role as Mercy Tech’s President on May 20th. For the remainder of the school year, he will work alongside Sister Susan Walsh, RSM who has been Acting President since the passing of Sister Rosemary Herron, RSM.  

Brendan O'Kane
President
Mount de Sales Academy

Following a national search, the Mount de Sales Academy Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brendan O’Kane as the new school president effective July 1, 2024. O’Kane will join the Academy from Loyola Blakefield, a private Jesuit Catholic college preparatory school located in Towson, Maryland where he has held leadership positions within campus ministry and student services and currently serves as the director of Ignatian mission and identity. O’Kane has led and advised Ignatian and spiritual formation programs for trustees, parents, students, and faculty and has been responsible for creating and implementing institutional strategic plans. O’Kane received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Terry Kernan ‘08
Director of Athletics
Gonzaga College High School

Following a nationwide search that began early in the fall semester, Gonzaga is proud and pleased to announce Mr. Terry Kernan ‘08 as the school’s next Athletic Director. 

Mr. Kernan is an educator by vocation and a model servant leader. He has been serving as Assistant Athletic Director and is also a long-standing member of Gonzaga’s math department. He played both football and basketball at Gonzaga and continued his football playing career at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kernan returned to Eye Street full time in 2015 to teach math and coach, before transitioning to the Athletic Department three years ago. He earned his Master’s degree from the University of Scranton in Curriculum and Learning in 2019 and will continue to teach a math course at Gonzaga and serve on the Academic Council, in addition to his Athletic Director responsibilities.

Chris Fisher
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of San Francisco

The Archdiocese of San Francisco announced that that Chris Fisher will be the next Superintendent of the Archdiocesan Department of Catholic Schools. Chris will assume the position of Superintendent on July 1, 2024, after completing his role as Executive Director of the Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture at Portsmouth Abbey and School, a Benedictine monastery and Catholic boarding school in Rhode Island.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris Fisher to the Archdiocese of San Francisco as our next Superintendent of the Department of Catholic Schools,” said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. “He is passionate about guiding students toward truth and virtue, and his experience as a teacher, administrator, and board member has prepared him well to assume this new role.”

Christian Mocek
Head of School
Lial Catholic School

Following a national search, the Lial Catholic School Board of Trustees recently announced the appointment of Mr. Christian Mocek as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2024. 

“Christian Mocek stands out as a leader who will honor and preserve all that Lial has accomplished while also bringing skills and experience that can strengthen us into the future, said Dan Rudski, Board Chairperson. “Throughout the process, Christian showed sensitivity and appreciation for Lial’s unique culture. With his ability and experience in school advancement, we believe he will join our school at the right time as we approach our next fifty years.”

Mocek currently serves as the President of Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville, IN. Under Mocek’s leadership, Memorial finalized and launched the “Igniting the Tradition” Strategic Plan, finalized the school’s first facility master plan in 10 years, experienced three straight years of enrollment growth for the first time in 27 years, and grew the school’s annual fund appreciably. In 2023, Mocek helped facilitate a $1.1 million donation – the largest donation received at the school since 1922 – to replace the aging HVAC system. 

Marcos Arias
President
Blessed Trinity Catholic High School

The Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions team is proud to announce that Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in the Archdiocese of Atlanta has selected Marcos Arias as its next President.

Originally from the Atlanta area, Mr. Arias has spent decades in corporate environments as a senior executive leader.  He has transformed customer experiences into business success at AT&T, NCR, and others. He is known for having grown businesses, provided organizational leadership, developed go-to-market strategies, and delivered outstanding customer experiences.  In addition to managing teams of significant size, budget, and scope, he has provided 14 years of guidance and consultation to support Catholic schools in Atlanta as a member of the Archdiocesan School Advisory Board.  Mr. Arias has also provided his expertise as a long-standing member of Catholic Education North Georgia, Inc. to review operations, budgets, and policies of Catholic schools in the region, including working with school budgets, workforce management, real estate, regulatory issues, policy, and development.  

Mr. Arias earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from The Catholic University of America, going on to earn a Master of Science in Management (MBA) from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  He also holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University, in addition to other licenses and certificates.  Arias and his wife, Kerry, have two children, ages 20 and 18, both of whom have attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, GA.  He is fully bilingual, loves to volunteer with his church and other charities, is active in soccer, and is a certified wine sommelier.  
 

Michael DeMassimo
Principal
St. Brendan the Navigator School

Michael DeMassimo will step into the role of Principal at Saint Brendan the Navigator School on June 1, 2024. Mike was appointed with an impressive background as a high school Principal in the Olentangy and Hillard public school systems. He and his wife, Bethany, and their three children are parishioners of St. Brendan. Mike went through an exhaustive interview process and impressed the selection committee with his passion for the parish and school, his extensive experience in education, and the leadership he brings to the position. Mike’s collaborative approach and determination for St. Brendan to excel in faith and academics was evident to all who spoke with him.  

Tom Fertal
Inaugural President
Holy Cross High School

For 28 years Mr. Fertal has served as a Catholic school educator, striving to “cultivate a sense of reverence, respect, and responsibility in students,
grounding them in the timeless teachings of the Catholic faith.” He has
served as Principal of Lancaster Catholic High School, President of Cardinal O’Hara High School, and, most recently, President of Saint Mark’s High School in Pike Creek, DE.

For the past five years, Mr. Fertal led a dramatic turnaround of Saint
Mark’s. Through his leadership there has been a resurgence in enrollment
(65% increase), the launch of an $8 million dollar capital campaign, and the creation of several state-of-the art learning environments including a
robotics and engineering lab, low-ropes challenge course, and creative media and broadcast studio. We are pleased that Mr. Fertal has agreed to bring his expertise and love of Catholic education to our community to lead the effort to create Holy Cross High School.

Dr. Michael Riley
Superintendent of Schools
Catholic Diocese of Richmond

Dr. Michael Riley has been appointed by Bishop Barry C. Knestout as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.  Dr. Riley currently serves as Associate Superintendent of School Operations for the diocese, a role he has held since 2022.  He previously served as Principal for Charlottesville Catholic School from 2012-2022.  Mike brings 25 years of educational leadership experience in Catholic schools, to include both administrative and teaching roles.  He graduated from Barton College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and from The College of Willliam and Mary with both a Master of Education and a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership.  Dr. Riley will begin his new role on July 1, 2024. 

Charles S. Stembler
President
Cardinal Newman High School

Following an extensive national search, the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Palm Beach is pleased to announce that Charles S. Stembler has been appointed by Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, as the next President of Cardinal Newman High School, effective July 1, 2024.

While serving Calvert Hall as an administrator, Mr. Stembler exhibited visionary leadership establishing numerous improvements that created enhanced student experiences and an engaged school community.

Mr. Stembler holds two bachelor’s degrees from Loyola College in Baltimore, one in economics and one in political science, graduating summa cum laude. In addition, he earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Loyola College, also graduating summa cum laude.

Mindy Reeder
Vice President of Advancement
Rochester Catholic Schools

Mindy has passionately served in Catholic schools for the past 20 years through a variety of roles in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Catholic schools. Most recently, she held the position of President and Principal for Bethlehem Academy in Faribault, Minnesota. Prior to her 15 years as a school administrator, she served in advancement and development positions with Divine Mercy and Holy Cross Catholic School. In each of these roles, Mindy helped to secure funding, developed relationships with benefactors and led successful school fundraisers.

Mark Tolcher
Principal
Christ the King Catholic High School
Huntersville, North Carolina

After a national search, Christ the King Catholic High School and the Diocese of Charlotte announced the appointment of Mark Tolcher, a veteran Catholic school administrator, teacher and coach, as the school’s next principal beginning July 1, as part of a transition to a president-principal leadership model. Tolcher brings more than 18 years of Catholic school experience, currently serving as director of enrollment at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Ga., where he also served as associate assistant principal for a year and as a theology instructor from 2017 to 2021.

Kyle Schmitt
Principal
Melbourne Central Catholic High School
Melbourne, Florida

Melbourne Center Catholic High SChool recently appointed Kyle Schmitt as Principal, effective July 1, 2023. Mr. Schmitt comes to MCC with six years experience as a school administrator, one as Vice - Principal at Most Blessed Trinity Academy in Waukegan, IL, four as Principal at St. Francis de Sales School in Lake Zurich, IL, and most recently as President at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, TN.

Amy Gravell
President
St. Mary Academy - Bay View
Riverside, Rhode Island

On behalf of the St. Mary Academy – Bay View Board of
Trustees and Presidential Search Committee, I write with
great pleasure to announce we have officially selected the
4th president of our Academy, Amy Gravell ('93).
In Amy, we have found the engaging, inspiring leader that
we intended when we began our rigorous search process
eight months ago. She has the vision, leadership
experience, and community connections to move our
Academy successfully into our next great chapter, and I am
thrilled for you to get to know her.

John Ciccone
President
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
Olney, Maryland

After an extensive nationwide Head of School search, I write with great pleasure to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed John Ciccone as the 4th president of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. John was recommended by the Search Committee to the Board of Directors.  John was then appointed by unanimous vote.  He will succeed Dr. Paul Barker, effective July 1, 2023. 

John Ciccone is a seasoned school leader.  For the past 14 years, he has served as President at Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy in Baltimore.  John’s prior experience was as Chief Administrative Officer at Rochambeau, The French International School in Bethesda and as Head of School at SEED Public Charter School of Washington DC.  Across two decades, John has an exceptional record as an educational leader at Catholic, independent, and charter schools, from early childhood through high school levels.  

Danielle Palkert Hermanny
President
Benilde-St. Margaret’s School
St. Louis Park, Minnesota

On behalf of the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Danielle Palkert Hermanny ’03 as the new president of Benilde-St. Margaret’s School. The appointment is effective Monday, May 15, 2023.

Danielle’s experience as a strategic educational leader is valuable for leading the BSM community into the future. The Presidential Search Committee was impressed with Danielle’s depth of experience and passion for education. As an alum of Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Danielle understands what it means to be a Red Knight and she is familiar with our shared history of St. Margaret’s Academy, Benilde High School, and Benilde-St. Margaret’s commitment to excellence in Catholic education and our charisms.

Lori Phillips
Vice Principal
Charlotte Catholic High School
Charlotte, North Carolina

An education leader of deep faith and conviction, Lori has more than 20 years of experience in public and Catholic schools in Traverse City, Michigan. She currently serves as director of admissions/senior admissions specialist for the Grand Traverse City Catholic Schools. Past roles include principal at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School, principal at Holy Angels Elementary School, and middle school physical education and health teacher in the Kalkaska Public School System in Michigan. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education and a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Mark Rasar
Principal
Fenwick High School
Oak Park, Illinois

After a thorough process to identify and select a new principal, Fenwick High School announced today the school's new academic leader, Mr. Mark Rasar, who will assume his position on July 1, 2023. Rasar has nearly a decade of educational leadership experience, coupled with previous time spent as a teacher, department chair, and coach. In his past administrative roles, Rasar oversaw curriculum development, capital building projects, and professional growth of faculty and staff members. He holds degrees from Southern Illinois University  at Carbondale and North Park University and is an active member of the Illinois Principal Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). In 2022, the Illinois Principals Association named Rasar as the North Cook Region-Middle School Principal of the Year award recipient.

Aaron Parr
President
St. Pius X Catholic High School
Atlanta, Georgia

It is with great pleasure that I inform you of the selection of the next President of St. Pius X Catholic High School. Archbishop Hartmayer has accepted the recommendation of the interview committee and has appointed Mr. Aaron Parr to the position effective July 1, 2023. Aaron has been Interim President at St. Pius X Catholic High School since June 2022. Preceding his time as Interim President, he held various positions at St. Pius X Catholic High School since May 2022 including Director of Enrollment.

John William Bates, V
President
St. Pius X Catholic High School
Houston, Texas

On behalf of the St. Pius Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of Dominican Sisters of Houston, it is with great pleasure to announce the selection of John William Bates, V as the new Head of School for St. Pius X effective July 1, 2023. John has spent more than 17 years in Catholic education, serving in many roles. Most recently he has shepherded the community of Assumption Catholic School as their School Principal. John's scope of duties, daily responsibilities and long-term strategic impact for Assumption mirror the responsibilities and organization influence as SPX's new Head of School. Prior to that, John served as an assistant principal at St. Michael Catholic School and a teacher at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

Evan Psencik
Principal
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School
Austin, Texas

Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Savio Principal Search Committee, including the Superintendent of the Diocese of Austin Catholic Schools, and with approval from Bishop Joe Vasquez, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Evan Psencik will be the next Principal of St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School.

Anita Vigerstol
Director of the Annual Fund
Portsmouth Abbey School
Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Anita previously served as the Director of Advancement at Cataldo Catholic school in Spokane, Washington for fifteen years. Under her leadership, fundraising at Cataldo saw a significant and consistent increase in its fundraising programs year after year.  In addition to her expertise in fundraising and constituent relations Anita was responsible for all admissions, marketing, and special events, bringing with her a rich and diverse skillset to Portsmouth Abbey School.

Kelly Lazzara
President
Oakland Catholic High School
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bishop David Zubik has appointed the next President of Oakland Catholic High School, Mrs. Kelly Lazzara.  Mrs. Lazzara will officially start on July 1, but made an initial visit to OC today to meet with members of the school administration, faculty, staff, students, and board of directors.  To read the diocesan press release and a letter from the OCHS Chair of the Board of Directors, please visit President Search on our website.

Kevin Powers
Head of School
Saint Thomas More Academy
South Bend, Indiana

We are excited to announce that Saint Thomas More Academy has hired Kevin Powers as our next Head of School. Mr. Powers will begin work at STMA on June 1st, 2023, and we are on-boarding him throughout the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.  Mr. Powers is currently the Managing Director of the School Finance and Patrons Program of the Big Shoulders Fund, overseeing 32 schools’ budgets totaling $36 million annually. 

J.D. Childs 
President
Marist School
Atlanta, Georgia

The Society of Mary and the Marist School Board of Trustees are excited to announce the hiring of a new president to succeed Father William Rowland, S.M. as the first lay president in the school’s 122-year history. After an extensive global search, James D. Childs was selected as Marist School’s next president effective July 1, 2023. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Childs is the current president at Bishop O’Dowd High School in the Diocese of Oakland, California. 

Liz Roland
Director of Advancement and Alumnae Engagement
Notre Dame Academy
Los Angeles, California

Ashia Graziano
Vice President of Advancement
La Salle Academy
Providence, Rhode Island

On behalf of the La Salle community, I am pleased to announce that Ashia Mendez Graziano ’01, P ’29 will join our school community as the next Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Ashia has spent the last 14 years as a member of the Brown University Advancement office with experience in the annual fund, class giving, donor relations and major gifts and most recently as the Director of Development for Parent and Family Giving. 

Dr. Kristin Melley
Executive Director
Dominican Veritas Ministries
Chicago, Illinois

The Dominican Veritas Ministries (DVM) member board is delighted to announce the selection of Dr. Kristin Melley as its inaugural Executive Director. For the past two decades, Catholic education has been the precise focus of Dr. Melley’s work. She recently served as the leading advisor in the promulgation and preservation of National Standards & Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Schools (NSBECS) Steering Committee, NCEA NSBECS Council. She also co-created and directed the Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS) at Boston College’s Center for Catholic Education. In this role, she guided strategic and fiscal planning processes for twenty-five schools, developing their governance and academic leadership teams resulting in positive transformations for the schools.

Mike Swenson
Vice President of Advancement
Cotter Schools
Winona, Minnesota

The Cotter Schools community is excited to announce Mr. Mike Swenson as its new Vice President of Advancement. Since 2012, Mike has served as the Executive Director of the Western Technical College Foundation and as the senior fundraising officer for the College, responsible for organizing and managing all fundraising efforts. Working closely with the College President, he serves on the College Senior Leadership Team, participating in management of the institution, including strategic planning, budgeting, policy making, alignment of private support with College initiatives, and decisions to advance overall institutional goals. Prior to that, Mike served Winona State University for over 10 years as a leader in its admissions, major gifts, and alumni relations efforts.  Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership from  Winona State University. In addition, he completed a certification program in  Nonprofit Leadership from Viterbo University. 

Mark Freund
Principal
Marian High School
Mishawaka, Indiana

Mark Freund has been appointed by Most Reverend Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades as the principal of Marian High School, effective July 17. Freund joins the Marian Family from Maryland, having most recently served as Executive Director of the Office for Lasallian Education at Christian Brothers Conference in Washington, DC. He previously served as principal of Saint John Paul II Academy in Boca Raton, FL, and St. Mark’s High School in Wilmington, DE. Mark began his career as a history teacher in Towson, MD. 

Scott Kreiger
Principal
Bishop Luers High School
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has appointed Scott Kreiger as the new Principal of Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne effective July 17. Kreiger, who served as Assistant Principal at Bishop Luers this past year, will take over for James Huth, who gave notice earlier this year that he will be moving into a new career opportunity.  A search committee for Huth’s replacement was formed in February.

Siobhan O'Neill
Director of Marketing and Communications
Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California

Michael Barnett
Inaugural President
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Christina Lacagnina
President
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women
Rochester, NY

Mercy’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment, and ratification by the Mercy Education Board of Directors, of Christina M. Lacagnina as the new president of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women. The appointment is effective Thursday, August 17, 2023. Lacagnina comes to OLM from Allendale Columbia where she has served the community since 2017, most recently as the Chief Financial & Operations Officer. Lacagnina earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from St. John Fisher College with a focus on Accounting.

Dr. Jesse Meyer
Chief Development Officer
Saint Ignatius College Prep
Chicago, Illinois

We are pleased to announce that Saint Ignatius College Prep has selected Dr. Jesse Meyer to serve as the school’s Chief Development Officer. Dr. Meyer will begin his new position on September 15, 2022. As a member of the School’s leadership team, Dr. Meyer will manage the school’s Development Department and will provide annual and long-range plans for areas including but not limited to the annual fund, major gifts, alumni relations, planned giving, donor recognition, donor research, and corporate and foundation relations.

Timothy Gallic
President
Powers Catholic High School
Flint, Michigan

The Most Reverend Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing, has named Mr. Timothy Gallic of Warren, NJ as the new President of Powers Catholic High School, effective October 1, 2022. “I’m honored to be chosen to serve as the next President at Powers Catholic High School and I look forward to upholding and continuing the many great traditions at Powers Catholic," said Mr. Gallic, September 16.

Dr. Camille Brown-Privette
President
Consortium of Catholic Academies
Washington D.C.

We’re delighted to announce that Dr. Camille Brown Privette will be the next President of the Consortium of Catholic Academies (CCA). A lifelong leader in Catholic education, Dr. Brown Privette has an outstanding record of accomplishments addressing the needs of students, families, teachers and administrators in urban environments. She is an energetic and compassionate educator, uniquely qualified to lead the CCA.  

Julie Moran
Lower School Principal
Our Lady of Grace Catholic School
Edina, Minnesota

In July 2022, Fr. Kevin Finnegan and the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Parish and School community welcomed Mrs. Julie Moran as its new Lower School Principal and member of its new leadership team. Julie comes to OLG from St. Hubert Catholic School where she was the Elementary School Director. Prior to that position, Julie served at Shakopee Area Catholic Schools as Principal from 2015-2021 and as Director of Curriculum & Gifted/Talented Program from 2011-2015. Julie also brings fourteen years of elementary school teaching experience, twelve in Catholic grade schools, to her new position at Our Lady of Grace. Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Human Development from South Dakota State University, Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Education in School Leadership from St. Thomas University.

Jim Dahlman
Middle School Principal 
Our Lady of Grace Catholic School
Edina, Minnesota
 

In July 2022, Fr. Kevin Finnegan and the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Parish and School community welcomed Mr. Jim Dahlman as its new Middle School Principal and member of its new leadership team. Jim comes to OLG from Totino Grace High School where he was a Chemistry and Physics Teacher for fifteen years, the Science Department Chair for five years, and the Totino Grace Connect Program Director since 2017. He also worked with St. Odilia Catholic School during his principal licensure certification. Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from St. John’s University, Master of Arts in Lasallian Leadership from St. Mary’s University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University.

Laura Swenson
Head of School
St. Paul VI High School
Chantilly, Virginia

Following an extensive national search and the recommendation of a search committee, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has appointed Laura Swenson as the new Head of School for St. Paul VI Catholic High School. Mrs. Swenson assumed the position on July 1, 2022. Mrs. Swenson began her career as an intelligence analyst before moving into the education field 26 years ago. She has served in a variety of roles in Connecticut and Tennessee over the course of her career, including as a teacher, consultant, instructional coach and advisor, and school administrator. Most recently she has served as academic dean, then principal at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, Tenn., where she helped guide the school community through the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic.

Shaileen Riginos
Diocese of Charleston
Assistant Superintendent of Accreditation and Strategic Planning
Charleston, South Carolina

We are pleased to announce that Shaileen Riginos has been appointed as the assistant superintendent of Accreditation and Strategic Planning. Shaileen is most recently from St. Anne School in Rock Hill where she has served as principal since 2013. Since 2020, Shaileen has also assisted the Catholic Schools Office as academic coordinator for the Diocese of Charleston. She has taught in schools for over 20 years, holding a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, both from Stetson University.

Mike McGinty
Head of School
Our Lady of Grace Catholic School
Edina, Minnesota

Mike McGinty is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is currently the Associate Director for Catholic School Operations at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He joins Our Lady of Grace with an impressive span of 17 years as a Catholic school leader in both the elementary and high school levels. He has held leadership roles as both assistant principal and principal. He has also served as vice president and director of advancement. More recently, Mike has worked for the Archdiocesan Office for the Mission of Catholic Education providing leadership and mentorship to pastors and school leaders. He also brings over 20 years of corporate and professional experience from the fields of finance, sales, application development, and management. Mr. McGinty holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of Minnesota as well as a Masters of Education Administration and Principal Licensure from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. 

Dr. Fadia Desmond
St. Francis High School
President
Sacramento, California

St. Francis Catholic High School is proud to announce and welcome Dr. Fadia Desmond as its new president and CEO. Desmond, who previously served at St. Francis as assistant principal from 2015-2018, and has spent the last four years at Jesuit High School in the same role, will assume her new post in July.  We are thrilled to welcome her home.  Dr. Desmond is a shining example of the benefits of an all-girls, Catholic school environment.  She has a Ph.D. in Education from UC Davis, a Master’s from Stanford, received her Bachelor’s from UCLA,  and is a graduate of Marymount High School, Los Angeles.

Paul Davis
Father Ryan High School
President
Nashville, Tennessee

Father Ryan High School Principal Paul Davis '81 has been selected as the school’s new president, according to Bill Stejskal '79, chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Davis will become the 15th head of school in Father Ryan’s 98-year history when he begins as president on July 1, 2022.  He has served as principal since 2007.

Dr. Paul Manuel
Head of School
Cambridge Matignon School
Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Board of Trustees is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Paul Manuel as The Cambridge Matignon School’s next Head of School. After an extensive national search conducted by Partners in Mission, Dr. Manuel was chosen from an impressive pool of candidates. Dr. Manuel will begin his tenure on July 1, 2022. Dr. Manuel comes to The Cambridge Matignon School from the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, DC, where he has served as the leadership program director for the past eight years. 

Dr. Sterling Brown
Prefect of Studies
Saint Ignatius College Prep
Chicago, Illinois

We are pleased to announce that Saint Ignatius College Prep has selected Dr. Sterling J. Brown to serve as the school’s Prefect of Studies (Principal). Dr. Brown will begin this new position on July 1, 2022. Dr. Brown will build a vision for curriculum around what it means to be a Jesuit college preparatory school in the 21st century. He will also develop strategies for leading and initiating comprehensive planning for the recruitment, assessment, compensation, and professional growth of faculty. Dr. Brown will work to strengthen curricular offerings and explore new structural models. Dr. Brown currently serves as the Dean of Students at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Dean of Students and the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at St. Louis University High School in St. Louis, Missouri.

Michael Deely
Head of School
St. Pius X High School
Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Board of Trustees and the Members of Saint Pius X High School Inc. announce the hiring of a new Head of School, Michael Deely, who will assume leadership of the SPX campus on July 1, 2022. He brings an extensive background in Catholic education to St. Pius, beginning as a teacher, campus minister and coach at University San Diego High School from 1994 to 2001. In 2001, he began his leadership career as principal of St Charles Borromeo Academy and in 2006 moved to Cathedral Catholic High School, a school with a population of 1700 students in the Diocese of San Diego. He led Cathedral for nine years, during which time the school earned the title of Apple Distinguished School for innovation and initiated students’ dual enrollment with UCSD, San Diego Mesa College and Point Loma Nazarene University.

Christine Tucker
President
St. Anthony High School
Long Beach, California

Christine Tucker began her service to St. Anthony High School when former President Gina Maguire ’67 invited her to support St. Anthony as a community outreach volunteer and development associate.  In subsequent years she enrolled her son in SAHS and served as an active fundraiser and event planner for football and baseball programs and a member or the Parent/Educator Program (PEP). After her son graduated, she remained engaged in the community as a member and ultimately vice chairperson of the SAHS Consultative School Board.

Heather Gillingham-Rivas
Head of School
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Miami, Florida

The Board of Trustees is excited to announce that our new Head of School will be Heather Gillingham-Rivas and our inaugural President will be Patrick Coyle.  We are confident that Heather and Patrick will work well together for the success of Carrollton now and in the future. Heather is an alumna of Carrollton (’94), Harvard University (A.B. cum laude, ’98), and Barry University (M.S., ’09) and is a Carrollton parent (’22).  She has 7 years of experience as a high school teacher, and for the past 16 years, has been Carrollton’s Intermediate School Head.  Additionally, Heather was appointed by the Provincial of the Society of the Sacred Heart United States Canada Province to serve for six years on the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals, which oversees the twenty-five Network schools for adherence to the Goals and Criteria. 

Tara Wuthrich
Director of Advancement
St. Pius X High School
Houston, Texas

St. Pius X High School is pleased to welcome Tara Wuthrich as its new Director of Advancement.  Tara offers the St. Pius X community a robust skillset and over thirty years of experience in the fields of advancement and donor relations. A Houston native, Tara earned her B.S. at the University of Texas at Austin and completed additional courses in fundraising at Dartmouth College and Rice University.  Her impressive employment history includes the M.D. Anderson Medical Center, the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, and most recently The Regis School of the Sacred Heart.

Patrick Coyle
President
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Miami, Florida

The Board of Trustees is excited to announce that our new Head of School will be Heather Gillingham-Rivas and our inaugural President will be Patrick Coyle.  We are confident that Heather and Patrick will work well together for the success of Carrollton now and in the future. Patrick is an alumnus of Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Maryland (’03) and Dickinson College (B.A., ’07).  Patrick comes to us from Lake Forest Academy in Illinois, where he has been serving as Chief Communication Officer.  Prior to LFA, Patrick was the Director of Marketing & Communications and Chief of Staff at Georgetown Prep for over 8 years and served in many unofficial and interim roles, including de facto co-president and Acting Director of Development, during times of other leaders’ absences.  He has extensive experience in strategic planning, capital campaigns, crisis communication, social media marketing, and alumni relations. Before Georgetown Prep, he served as Director of Marketing at a hospitality-focused private equity and investment firm based in Washington, D.C.  

Dr. Geoffrey Miller
Prefect of Mission
Saint Ignatius College Prep
Chicago, Illinois

We are pleased to announce that Saint Ignatius College Prep has selected Dr. Geoffrey D. Miller to serves as the school’s Prefect of Mission. Dr. Miller will begin this new position on July 1, 2022. In this role, Dr. Miller will provide leadership and supervision for the following areas: the Office of Formation and Ministry, the Student Deans, Athletics, Student Activities and the Office of School Culture. He will also lead a rigorous talent development system, oversee the faith and formation curriculum and serve as the primary coordinator for all aspects of spiritual formation for the school, amongst other duties. Dr. Miller is currently a religion teacher at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. Prior to that, he was the Provincial Assistant for Secondary & Pre-Secondary Education for the Society of Jesus, UCS Province (St. Louis, MO). Additionally, he served at a number of Jesuit high schools and taught for seven years at Saint Louis University.

Domenic Maiorano
Head of School
Saint Edmond's Academy
Wilmington, Delaware

Through our rigorous nationwide search process, spearheaded by Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, we are delighted to share that our extensive process has led us close to home, to an extremely well-qualified and talented St. Edmonds’ alumnus. So, with the unanimous recommendations of the Search Committee, Board of Directors, and our Corporate Board, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Domenic Maiorano ‘97 as our next Head of School. Domenic Maiorano will serve as the Chief Executive Officer and designated spokesperson and representative for the Academy. In collaboration with the Administrators and the Board of Directors, he will set the spirit and tone of the Academy, striving to maintain the legacy of a strong Christian atmosphere based on the teachings of the Catholic Church and the vision and values of the Brothers of Holy Cross. Mr. Maiorano will serve as the public face of our school community, and focus on leading our marketing, enrollment management, and advancement efforts in support of our exciting years ahead.

Kelly Burke
Principal
Cardinal Newman School
Columbia, South Carolina

Ms. Kelly Burke has been appointed to serve as the next Principal of Cardinal Newman School. With counsel provided by Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, Kelly emerged as the top candidate following our extensive nationwide search that produced a diverse and competitive pool of highly qualified candidates from across the country.  A native of Savannah, Georgia, Ms. Burke will be joining us from the Archdiocese of New York where she served both St. Stephen of Hungary School and Sacred Heart of Jesus School as a transformational Principal by consistently achieving top Student Growth Index Scores within the Archdiocese. Ms. Burke brings nearly 30 years of additional experience in leading both Catholic and independent schools in Atlanta and Savannah, including 15 years at Benedictine Military School as its Director of Development and Principal. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance and Education from Columbus State University, a Master of Music and Education from The University of Tulsa and has completed post-graduate work in securing her Educational Leadership Certification from Eastern New Mexico University.

John Moran
President
Junipero Serra High School
Gardena, California

Dr. John Moran has been appointed as President of Junipero Serra High School beginning May 1, 2022. Dr. Moran’s extensive educational experience includes serving as principal and superintendent of Catholic and Christian high schools as well as leadership in post-secondary education. Dr. Moran earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Massachusetts and Master of Education from Harvard University. He received his Doctor of Education from USC after completing a dissertation based on his research of African American parent perspectives on special education. 

Dr. Melissa Whelan
Principal
St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School
Casper, Wyoming

Through our rigorous nationwide search for our new leader, with retained search counsel provided by Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, we are delighted to share that the search process has now concluded. On behalf of the Search Committee and School Board and with its unanimous support, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Melissa Whelan as our next Principal. The Search Committee agreed that Dr. Whelan is a strong, humble, Christ-centered leader with extensive Catholic education experience who will passionately and strategically advance the mission and vision of St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School. Dr. Whelan is completing her 28th year serving Catholic school communities as a teacher, dean, and twice as a PreK-8 elementary and middle school Principal. Dr. Whelan currently serves on the executive leadership team and member of the founding faculty at Trinity Hall, an all-girls high school in the Catholic tradition located in New Jersey.

Andrea Pore
Principal
Saint Paul School
Westerville, Ohio

Ms. Pore holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with concentrations in Theology, Psychology, and Sociology from the University of Dayton. She earned her Master of Arts in Theology from Ohio Dominican University and a second Master of Arts in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. Ms. Pore is passionate about Catholic Education with a firm belief in educating the whole person; mind, body, and spirit while forming disciples of Jesus Christ. She is excited to join our St. Paul community as we continue to be Inspired by St. Paul – Centered on Christ – Called to Holiness.

Bob Fraley
Principal
Marist Catholic High School
Eugene, Oregon

Stephen Holte
Founding President
Cristo Rey Orange County High School
Santa Ana, California

Mr. Stephen Holte, founding President, Cristo Rey Orange County High School, has spent the past 15 years in Catholic education serving organizations committed to being engines of opportunity for students from under-resourced communities. Throughout his career, Mr. Holte has built a reputation as a mission-driven leader focused on providing educational access to students of limited means and empowering them to succeed beyond their wildest dreams.

James Schurrer
Principal
DePaul Cristo Rey High School
Cincinnati, Ohio

James Schurrer has been named principal of DePaul Cristo Rey. Mr. Schurrer has held roles as Dean of Faculty, an English teacher, and a coach at Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School. He has worked at St. Xavier since 2012 and prior to that he was a teacher and administrator at schools in Toledo and Springfield, Ohio. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Ohio University and master’s degrees in American Culture Studies and Education Leadership and Supervision from Bowling Green State University.

Michael F. Baber
Inaugural President
Sacred Heart Greenwich
Greenwich, Connecticut

We are pleased to announce that the Board has voted unanimously to appoint Michael F. Baber as the inaugural President of Sacred Heart Greenwich. Michael has dedicated his career to education and the last 20 years to Sacred Heart education in particular. His deep commitment to Sacred Heart's mission is palpable, and the Board is excited by the range and depth of Michael's leadership experience in areas that are essential to our vision for the future, including philanthropy, community and stakeholder engagement, admissions, and financial aid. Michael has served as Head of School at the Network's Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School in St. Louis, Missouri since 2016.