Executive Leadership Academy

The ten-month Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) provides Catholic school leaders with institutional vision and essential business practices for leading effective Catholic schools.

How We Work Towards Our Mission


Formation Programs


Strategic Partnerships


Research

Objectives

Executive leadership requires strategic vision and critical management skills most educational leaders are not prepared for. The Executive Leadership Academy accompanies leaders interested in developing strategic thinking and refining operational management. It provides leaders with the essentials to:

  • Drive generative thinking and planning with mission-aligned priorities
  • Manage and develop one's board with proven best practices for strategic results
  • Steward financial resources through practical knowledge of budgeting and financial planning
  • Raise the imperative for advancement, expanding the school's development efforts to guarantee educational and institutional sustainability
  • Oversee the development of the school鈥檚 unique value proposition and marketing strategies
  • Manage human resources and measure mission effectiveness

Interested in learning more about the scope and delivery of the Executive Leadership Academy? Download our or review our .

Leaders who complete the Executive Leadership Academy receive a micro-credential from the Roche Center for Catholic Education. This competency-based recognition is given to individuals who attend the in-person events, engage in the monthly PLCs, meaningfully participate in coaching, and complete a final capstone project.

ELA Information

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Audience

Participants include sitting PreK-12 Catholic school leaders and senior administrators with active advisory, specified jurisdiction, or independent boards.

Successful participants include:

  • Presidents, Headmasters, and Principals of elementary, middle, and secondary schools
  • Advancement directors
  • Vice presidents, assistant heads, and assistant/vice principals

Wondering if ELA is right for you? Interested in nominating a school leader? Email Chris Martin, Program Director, at christopher.martin@bc.edu.

2026-2027 Dates

2026-2027 Program Dates:

  • Program Kick-off:聽 July 7-9, 2026 in-person at AV诊所 College
  • Mid-year Retreat:聽 January 2027 in-person at Connors Center in Dover, MA
  • Virtual, Monthly Cohorts:聽 75-minute virtual monthly cohort sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 12pm EST
  • Program Commencement:聽 Virtual program commencement, May 2027

Costs

  • $2,500 per participant. Some scholarship support may be available for eligible participants.
  • Travel costs to in-person opening, retreat, and commencement are the responsibility of the participant.
  • Meals and lodging are included in the overall program cost.

Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with priority review given to all applications received by April 15.

Questions about your eligibility or any aspects of the program? Please contact Chris Martin, program director at聽christopher.martin@bc.edu.

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ELA Leadership Coaches

Dan Carmody
Dan Carmody
Leadership Coach
Executive Leadership Academy (ELA)
Maureen A. Herrmann
Maureen A. Herrmann
Leadership Coach
Executive Leadership Academy (ELA)
Kris Knowles, Ed.D.
Kris Knowles, Ed.D.
Leadership Coach
Executive Leadership Academy (ELA)
Melinda Lawlor Skrade, Ph.D.
Melinda Lawlor Skrade, Ph.D.
Leadership Coach
Executive Leadership Academy (ELA)
David Sorkin, Ed.D.
David Sorkin, Ed.D.
Leadership Coach
Executive Leadership Academy (ELA)

ELA Facilitator

Christopher Martin
Christopher Martin
Program Director of the Executive Leadership Academy
Executive Leadership Academy - Cohort 1

"The Executive Leadership Academy is a breath of fresh air. It's providing the resources, support, and connections needed to strengthen my skills across Catholic school leadership. The monthly sessions, resource site, and personal coaching are empowering me with critical skills in strategic planning, board management, and development. It's already helped shape my leadership at St. Augustine School with strengthened clarity and vision."

- Joseph Bianco, Principal, St. Augustine School

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