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Bishop Guilfoyle chooses president

A priest with a long work history at schools and parishes in New York, Georgia, South Carolina and Pennsylvania will take on the role of president at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School.

The Rev. John “Jack” McDowell has been appointed to the position by the school’s board of trustees, succeeding Thomas J. Kristofco, who has been president since October 2012 and will become a voting member on the trustees board.

Kristofco, selected after the trustees board created a separate position after the July 2012 retirement of principal/president Bernard Kubitza, was the school’s first president. The principal position is currently held by

Joan Donnelly.

“Father Jack will be a great asset to our school, alumni and the local community,” said Michael Fiore, who chairs the school’s trustees board. “He brings years of experience working in education and with organizations of all types. His Franciscan approach to hospitality and service will benefit our advancement and enrollment efforts.”

As president, McDowell will be responsible for the overall success of the school, according to a statement released by Amanda Walker, director of marketing and enrollment at Guilfoyle.

The president, according to the statement, ensures the school’s financial viability through prudent fiscal and enrollment management and successful development and fundraising efforts.

The person who holds the position reports to the board of trustees.

“I am blessed to have this opportunity to work with the fine people at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School and to develop relationships with the alumni of the school and people in the local community,” McDowell said. “I hope to bring the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and the challenges of Pope Francis to Guilfoyle.”

McDowell, a 1968 graduate of Saint Francis University in Loretto and a 1977 graduate of Washington Theological, was ordained as a priest

in 1977 at Holy Name Province, New York City.

He most recently served as the Catholic chaplain at Clemson University in South Carolina and as a priest at St. Mary’s of the Angels parish in Anderson, S.C.

His career also included time at Saint Francis University, as director of campus ministry from 2007-09; at St. Bonaventure University as vice president of student affairs from 1977-80; and at Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y., as principal from 1992-94.

In addition, McDowell has led numerous mission trips, retreats and workshops in the United States, Canada, Jamaica and Guatemala.

Details of a reception to welcome McDowell will be announced, according to the school’s statement.

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