Philadelphia, PA – From the letter by Christopher Mominey, COO and Secretary for Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
After an intensive search lead by those serving on West Catholic’s Board of Directors in collaboration with administrators from the Office of Catholic Education and Faith in the Future, it is my great joy to share with you that I am appointing Mr. Paul Colistra as the new president of West Catholic Preparatory High School (WCPHS) effective July 1, 2016.
Paul will succeed Brother Richard Kestler, F.S.C, who has faithfully and honorably served as the school’s president since 2011. Earlier this year, Brother Richard had announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. I know you join me in extending prayerful best wishes to both Brother Richard and Paul during this time of transition.
Paul has served WCPHS as Vice President for Institutional Advancement since 2012. In that role, he has worked with the President and Board of Trustees to advance the strategic goals of the school and raised a record amount of almost $2,000,000 during the 2014-2015 school year. He also overhauled the school’s admissions and recruitment plan, which resulted in a 51% increase in enrollment over three years. Most importantly, Paul brings with him a deep knowledge of the school landscape and we have great confidence that he possesses the right leadership qualities to continue West Catholic’s growth and development in the years to come.
Prior to his service at WCPHS, Paul was Director of the Annual Fund and Alumni Relations and later served as Major Gifts Officer at La Salle College High School. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology from Ithaca College and is currently working towards a dual Master’s Degree in Education and Educational Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. I am confident that his good work at both La Salle College High School and here at WCPHS over the years will translate into a bright and sustainable future for West Catholic as the school community prepares to celebrate 100 Years of excellence in Catholic education in West Philadelphia and the Center City area beginning this fall.