DORCHESTER -- The Board of Trustees of St. John Paul II Catholic Academy have announced the appointment of Catherine T. Brandley as regional director. Brandley currently serves as principal of the academy's Neponset campus and will succeed Sister Ellen Powers, who is retiring at the conclusion of the 2015/2016 school year.

A career Catholic educator, Brandley has been with the academy since 2010.

"Kate Brandley is an accomplished teacher, administrator and leader in Catholic education," said William P. McHale Jr., chair of the academy's board of trustees. "She has excelled as principal of the Neponset Campus and she brings great energy, experience and a strong faith filled commitment to our students, teachers, staff and the local community. The board is thrilled she has accepted the invitation to lead St. John Paul II Catholic Academy at this time."

McHale also thanked out-going director, Sister Ellen Powers.

"We owe Sister Ellen a great debt of gratitude," he said.

"Our students are excelling and well prepared for the future. She has led the school community through a series of challenging situations from a school renovation to frozen pipes closing down one of our campuses in 2015. She attacked each problem with the same tremendous attitude: 'we will fix this, because the kids deserve to be safe and learn in the best environment that we can pull together for them.'''

He added that her leadership helped in the recruitment of 150 newly enrolled students this school year.

"Catholic education opened my eyes, heart and mind to a world of possibilities," said Brandley.

"I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of our students. They make our work rewarding and exciting with their inquisitive willingness to explore, learn and challenge themselves to excel. I look forward to working with our outstanding faculty and staff who make the Academy a beacon of hope for our students. I also want to thank the Board of Trustees for their confidence, support and great care for our wonderful students."

Kathleen Mears as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston praised Brandley's experience and track record of accomplishment.

"Kate is a leader, gifted administrator, and professional educator. But at her core she is a teacher. She sees the great potential in each of our students. In addition her familiarity with the Academy as well as her excellent working relationship with faculty and staff will provide for a smooth transition," Mears said.

A graduate from College of the Holy Cross, Brandley received her Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Providence College and her C.A.G.S in Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. She began her professional career at Bishop Feehan High School in 1989 as a teacher and later served as a guidance counselor, admissions director, and vice principal. She joined St. John Paul Catholic Academy in 2010 as the Principal of the Neponset Campus. She is a member of Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association as well as the National Catholic Teachers Association. Her volunteer efforts are extensive.

A process for the selection of a new Principal for the Neponset campus will begin soon.