Oakland Catholic Has a New President

On Monday, May 15, the Diocese of Pittsburgh announced the appointment of Mrs. Kelly Lazzara as the third President of the school and Oakland Catholic High School excitedly welcomed her to campus! After a successful national search conducted by Partners in Mission and careful vetting of all candidates by the Search Committee, Diocesan Bishop David A. Zubik appointed Mrs. Lazzara at the recommendation of the Search Committee. She officially took office on July 1.

Mrs. Lazzara brings extensive experience in school administration, teaching, development, and marketing to her new role, including previous experience in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Greensburg. Most recently, Lazzara served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Richmond. Prior to her career in education, she held several different positions in the sales and marketing industry. In his appointment letter to Lazzara, Bishop Zubik emphasized the mission of diocesan schools, writing, “Our Catholic school administrators are witnesses, in word and deed, to the Divine Teacher, Jesus Christ and share a commitment to the fostering of the Catholic mission and identity of each school.”

The appointment is the result of a search which began last November when outgoing president Mary Claire Kasunic announced her decision to step down from the position after serving Oakland Catholic High School for over 30 years, with the last nine years as the school’s second President. As she put it, “I am excited to start a new adventure, but sad to leave Oakland Catholic—this institution which has been my home, my anchor, my favorite project, and the source of so much inspiration, learning, and motivation in my life for so very long.”

President Lazzara is thrilled to be back in Western Pennsylvania and looks forward to advancing the school, its mission, and its legacy of excellence for years to come. She shares, “I am truly honored and humbled to be appointed the new President of Oakland Catholic High School. My primary goal will be to foster the strong tradition of educating young women in spirituality, scholarship, and service. I look forward to meeting everyone and fully immersing myself in the OC community. Go Eagles!”

Welcome President Lazzara! n