KennedyConnect

Hello Eagles,

I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as principal of the John F. Kennedy educational community beginning this summer.

Theologian Frederick Buechner once commented that a vocation is that sacred place that God calls you to where your deep gladness and the world’s needs meet.  I believe Kennedy is that sacred space. I believe that I have the gifts and talents to share in committed service to the needs of this community. Most importantly, I have the enthusiasm and joy that inspire excellence and invite others into a common mission.

Visionary, creative leadership is a hallmark of my professional career.  In the classroom, I pioneered new technologies and pedagogies. On the stage, I established unprecedented levels of professionalism. In competition, I created national award winning forensics teams. In the chapel, I structured dynamic retreats.  In the Vice Principal’s office, I managed a disciplinary system and designed a new school-wide curriculum including the expansion of an Advanced Placement program.  In the boardroom, I wisely guided financial, strategic planning, and accreditation meetings.  I am a goal driven leader. 

My experience within Jesuit higher education is an invaluable resource that I will bring to this vocation.  While a theology student at John Carroll University, I was active in both the academic study of Catholic theology as well as the praxis of that spirituality in social justice initiatives and retreat experiences through campus ministry. During my work at The Cardinal Suenens Center I had the opportunity to work with theologians from around the world on research topics related to the Second Vatican Council.  Additionally, I had the good fortune to be invited to serve as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Religious Studies. These were formative experiences in the refinement of my identity both as a life-long learner and an educational leader who can embody the mission of Catholic education.   

The recruitment, admissions, and retention process is critical to a school’s success.  My record in these areas will testify to the fact that I understand and am skilled in this process. Successful enrollment management requires strong brand imaging and marketing, personalized and contemporary recruitment techniques, careful admissions screenings and significant academic and social support structures that enable retention.  I hope to instill a renewed energy in this enrollment process at Kennedy.   

In the coming weeks and months I look forward to meeting with all educational stakeholders to introduce myself and solicit perspectives and ideas that will begin to give shape to an educational vision for Kennedy.  I promise you my dedicated service to the Kennedy educational community as it continues its tradition of academic excellence in preparing young men and women to live the words of its namesake in their attempt to do God’s work here on earth!