Dear Members of the St. Francis Catholic High School Community,

It is with great enthusiasm that we share exciting news on behalf of the Board of Trustees: Dr. John Moran has been appointed as the next President of St. Francis Catholic High School, effective July 1, 2025. He will succeed Dr. Fadia Desmond, who has led St. Francis with unwavering commitment and vision since 2022, and who will soon begin a new chapter in her professional journey as Head of School at Marymount High School in Los Angeles. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Desmond’s years of dedicated service and wish her every blessing in her next role.

Dr. Moran brings more than three decades of leadership in Catholic and Christian education, with distinguished experience in school administration, institutional strategy, and faith-based mission advancement. Most recently, he served as President of Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, CA, and has previously held roles as superintendent, principal, and leadership consultant for both Catholic and independent institutions. His leadership is defined by integrity, collaboration, and a strong focus on the formation of students as compassionate, informed, and faith-filled individuals.

Dr. Moran holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of Southern California, a Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard University, and a Bachelor’s in History from University of Massachusetts. He is widely recognized for his ability to bring people together around a shared mission, for his thoughtful and inclusive approach to school leadership, and for his dedication to academic excellence rooted in Catholic tradition and social justice. His experience leading initiatives in capital development, enrollment strategy, and mission integration have consistently strengthened the institutions he has served.

This announcement follows a comprehensive and nationwide search process that began in Fall 2024. Partnering with executive search firm Spelman Johnson, the Board formed a Presidential Search Committee composed of trustees, staff, alumnae, school administrators from the Diocese, and past parents.  After an extensive review of a highly qualified and diverse applicant pool, the committee invited multiple candidates for interviews and ultimately welcomed three finalists to campus. These visits allowed members of our broader community—including students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and current parents—to engage directly with the candidates.  Final interviews were conducted by the Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Trustees.

From the outset, Dr. Moran stood out for his commitment to the mission of Catholic education for young women, his ability to lead with authenticity and warmth, and his deep appreciation for the spirit of the St. Francis community. The Board is confident that Dr. Moran is uniquely equipped to lead St. Francis into its next era with purpose, grace, and vision.

Upon his appointment, Dr. Moran shared:

“I am honored, humbled, and excited to serve you as the next President of St. Francis Catholic High School. It is clear that this is an amazing place, and I have full confidence that we can build an even brighter future together. I look forward to meeting all of you soon and beginning the next chapter of this extraordinary story of faith and excellence. Proud to be a Troubie!”

We would like to thank the members of our Presidential Search Committee for their thoughtful stewardship of this extensive process. Their dedication ensured that the search remained prayerful, inclusive, and mission and vision aligned every step of the way.

As we prepare for this important transition, we ask for your continued prayers and support for both Dr. Moran and Dr. Desmond. We are confident that with Dr. Moran’s leadership, St. Francis will continue to flourish in its mission to educate young women for lives of faith, excellence, leadership, and service.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Moran and his family to the St. Francis community.

With gratitude,

Jennifer O’Brien Cooley ‘89
Co-Chair, Board of Trustees
St. Francis Catholic High School

Rena Zellars ’95
Co-Chair, Board of Trustees
St. Francis Catholic High School