By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted April 14, 2025

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education (OCE) has launched the Rising Stars Leadership Academy Certificate Program, a new initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders within its secondary school system.

Spanning 14 months, the program provides professional development through monthly in-person sessions, virtual coaching, and workshops. Participants will engage with experienced leaders and focus on essential skills in self-leadership, organizational leadership, and 21st-century school administration. The inaugural cohort is supported by a grant from The Ambassador’s Fund for Catholic Education.

Over 55 nominations for candidates to fill the inaugural cohort were submitted from the archdiocese’s 15 secondary schools. A selection committee comprised of senior administrators from OCE reviewed comprehensive applications to identify the first 16 participants.

“This program ensures the future of our schools continues to be led with vision and strategy while being steeped in our mission,” said Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools.

Participants have praised the program’s collaborative and practical approach.

“Leadership, just like all other skills, needs to be practiced and discussed in order to continue to improve,” said Owen Logue, Senior Director of Enrollment Management for OCE’s secondary schools and program participant.

“The openness that the program has provided to me and my other cohort members makes it easy to relate my real-life struggles and successes to learning opportunities for the whole group.”

The Rising Stars Leadership Academy reflects the archdiocese’s ongoing commitment to nurturing mission-driven leadership and Catholic education in Philadelphia. The program is led by James Molnar, Director of Human Resources for Secondary Schools, and Steve Clement, Chief Administrative Officer, with plans to expand in 2025.

Inaugural cohort members include:

– Tom Geisler, Assistant Chief Financial Officer, OCE Educational Financial Services
– BJ Hogan, Director of Athletics, Lansdale Catholic High School
– Nikki Kane, Director of Institutional Advancement, Ss. Neumann Goretti High School
– Colleen Kean, Director of Institutional Advancement, St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls
– Shannon Klinger, Director of Admissions, Bishop Shanahan High School
– Joy A. Kots, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, Father Judge High School
– Jessa Lodovici, Human Resources Manager, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
– Owen Logue, Senior Director of Enrollment Management, Office of Catholic Education
– Theresa Malandra, Director of Institutional Advancement, West Catholic Preparatory High School
– Anthony Micalizzi, Director of Enrollment Management, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School
– Kaitlyn Rodgers, English-Language Arts Department, Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School
– Cathryn Stirling, Account Manager, OCE Educational Financial Services
– Regina Spinosa, Student Services Assistant/Attendance Officer, Cardinal O’Hara High School
– Megan Sullivan, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, Pope John Paul II High School
– Shane Taylor, Math Teacher, Archbishop Ryan High School