Kurt Telford
Michael SeeleyCHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School has named Michael Seeley, a long-time education leader and administrator, as its new president.
Currently president of the Lafayette Catholic School System in Indiana, Seeley will begin his new role at Charlotte Catholic effective July 1. He will partner in leading the school with longtime principal Kurt Telford, who last year stepped into the role as Head of School – serving as both principal and president – to assist in the school’s leadership transition. In July, Telford will return to his role as principal.
Seeley’s appointment comes after a national search conducted by a committee of educators, parents and other stakeholders in the Charlotte Catholic community.
“I am honored and excited to accept the call to serve as president of Charlotte Catholic High School,” Seeley said in an announcement to the Charlotte Catholic community.
“Throughout the interview process, it became clear that the CCHS community expects excellence across all aspects of student formation: academics, athletics, service and above all faith. I look forward to working alongside dedicated and passionate students, teachers, staff and families as we fulfill our shared mission to graduate not only scholars and athletes but disciples of Christ.”
Seeley has more than two decades of senior leadership experience in both Catholic and independent school settings, including the University of Notre Dame, Phillips Exeter Academy and Culver Academies. He has done extensive work in institutional advancement, admissions and enrollment management, and also worked closely with boards, donors and diocesan leaders.
In his current role as president of the Lafayette Catholic School System, he provides strategic and operational leadership across multiple campuses, overseeing enrollment, advancement, finances, governance and long-range planning.
As president of Charlotte Catholic, Seeley will focus on the school’s long-range planning, community relationships, financial and operational management and fundraising.
“Michael brings a wealth of knowledge in academics, fundraising and strategic planning that will help us to grow and thrive as a community,” Telford said. “I am looking forward to this new chapter, which not only allows me to work with Michael but also to return to my true love of working closely with students and teachers as principal.”
Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Charlotte, echoed that enthusiasm: “With his proven experience in top-tier school leadership and advancement, Mr. Seeley is well positioned to build upon Charlotte Catholic’s great traditions and Catholic identity, and to lead the school into a future marked by faith, hope and excellence.”
Seeley earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Notre Dame and holds a master’s degree in education from Indiana University South Bend. He and his wife Erin Seeley have three children. Their youngest son will attend Charlotte Catholic as a ninth-grader beginning in the fall.
With an enrollment of more than 1,100 students in grades 9-12, Charlotte Catholic is the largest school in the Diocese of Charlotte.
— Christina Lee Knauss