The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today several staff appointments in its Office of Catholic Education. Chief among these is the promotion of Mary Rochford, from Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Educational Services to Superintendent of Schools. In her new position, Rochford will oversee all Catholic elementary, secondary, and special education schools. Currently there are 182 elementary schools, 20 high schools, and 5 schools of special education in the Archdiocese, located throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

"The Archdiocese is blessed to have such a gifted administrator assisting in the leadership of our Catholic schools," said Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia. "Ms. Rochford is an exceptional educator who inspires our students, teachers and administrators with her faith and unwavering commitment to Catholic education. I am confident that she will bring the same enthusiasm and devotion to her new role as Superintendent of Schools."

Rochford holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College in Chestnut Hill, PA, and a Master of Education in Administration degree from Boston College. After serving in teaching and administrative capacities in parish schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and North Carolina for more than 25 years, Rochford joined the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education in 1999. She holds both teacher and principal certifications from the state of Pennsylvania, and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and Phi Delta Kappa, an international association for professional educators.

"I have had the privilege of working very closely with Mary for many years," said Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education. "Mary has extraordinary leadership talents, academic vision, and the ability to engage others in dialogue to guarantee the advancement of the mission of Catholic education. But what strikes me most about Mary is her deep faith and witness to Gospel values. The students, faculty, administrators, and parents of this Archdiocese of Philadelphia are blessed to have a Superintendent of Schools who will nurture and support the Catholic identity and faith formation of each of our Catholic schools."

"I consider my new role as Superintendent of Schools to be a tremendous chance for professional growth and spiritual fulfillment," Rochford said. "I look forward to the exciting work ahead, and I am grateful for the opportunity bestowed on me by God and Cardinal Rigali, Bishop Joseph McFadden, and Dr. Richard McCarron."

The following staff appointments were also announced by the Office of Catholic Education:
· Deborah Bachor, from Director of Elementary Educational Services, to Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Educational Services
· Eileen Wilson, from Principal of Saint Elizabeth School, to Director of Elementary Educational Services
· Jason Budd, from Athletic Director at Father Judge High School and former Assistant Principal for Student Services at Father Judge High School, to Director of Secondary School Student Services

For information on all of the schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit www.KeepingFaithinMind.org.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747