BRAINTREE -- The Archdiocese of Boston announced July 25 that Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley has appointed Kathleen Power Mears as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston.

Mears will take the helm of the second-largest educational system in the Commonwealth, educating over 40,000 students in 119 schools last year, effective Sept. 15.

Mears currently serves as Executive Director for Elementary Schools with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Elementary Schools Department will take over leadership of the Catholic Schools Office from Mary E. Moran, who has served as temporary administrator for the since Superintendent Mary Grassa O'Neill stepped down in August 2013.



"Catholic education is a priority for the mission of the Church," said Cardinal O'Malley. "We are blessed that Mrs. Mears brings a record of innovation and significant professional accomplishment to her new role as Superintendent. Also, she holds a deep personal belief in Catholic schools' ability to help children realize their God-given potential. We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Mears to the Archdiocese of Boston and are confident that our schools will be strengthened and achieve great success under her leadership."

A career educator, Mears has served as the assistant superintendent of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, as a principal, and as a teacher, where she has gained extensive experience in special education, public policy, school improvement programs, and professional development. She is a frequent lecturer at diocesan and local events all around the United States. A graduate of Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois, and Mrs. Mears earned her master's degree from Butler University. A native of Illinois, she is married with two grown children.

"I am honored and excited to begin work with all of the wonderful Catholic educators in the Archdiocese of Boston," Mears said. "I want to thank Mary Moran and all the teachers, principals and administrators who have been serving the students and parents of the Archdiocese. I also want to thank my colleagues at the National Catholic Educational Association who have supported and assisted me in preparation for this new chapter in my career. I am blessed to be able to come to Boston and I am grateful to Cardinal Seán, for affording me with this wonderful opportunity to serve the Church."

Bishop Peter J. Uglietto, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Boston, said, "Her passion for Catholic identity, experience in Catholic Schools and professional approach to all her endeavors has given Kathleen Power Mears a national reputation in Catholic Education. We are confident that she can build on the contribution of her predecessors and take us to a new level of service to the youth, parents and educators in the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Boston. We are grateful to all who participated in this process, especially Cardinal Séan for his guidance and the members of the Search Committee for their tireless efforts to find the right person for this challenging position."

Bishop Uglietto also thanked Moran for her steady and strong leadership during the search process for a new Superintendent.

"Mary Moran has been a gift to our Catholic schools these past many months and throughout her time of service to the Archdiocese of Boston. Her presence, professionalism and expert leadership has maintained the great progress we are making across the Archdiocese in Catholic education. She and her team are to be commended for all they continue to do for our students and in making our Catholic schools a model of excellence and faithful nourishment for other communities nationwide."