CHARLOTTE — Catholic school communities in Charlotte and High Point are welcoming new principals this fall, while the Catholic Schools Office announced several leadership changes. One recent hire and two internal candidates have been chosen to lead Our Lady of the Assumption in and Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School in Charlotte and Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point.
Elizabeth Jenkins
Elizabeth Jenkins has been named the new principal at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte. (Read more on page 5.) She previously served as assistant principal at St. Gabriel School and brings extensive experience in general and special education, literacy facilitation and student leadership.
Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and a master’s degree in special education from universities in Miami and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Winthrop University.
Jenkins was born and raised in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents, and her passion for education and service began at just 16 years old, when she started working after school at a daycare center.
“She deeply values our faith-based educational mission and is excited to embrace and lead the diverse community at OLA,” noted Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools.
“The diversity within this community is something I deeply value, and I eagerly look forward to engaging with and building positive relationships with all of the students, teachers, staff and parents,” Jenkins said. “This is such a blessing.”
Wendy Wood
Wendy Wood is joining the diocese as the new principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. Wood previously worked in the Diocese of Raleigh, where she served as assistant principal at St. Thomas More School in Chapel Hill. She brings over 20 years of experience, specializing in instructional strategies and adaptive curriculum, and is a licensed school administrator. She has a Master of Education from Marymount University and a Bachelor of Science in child development/adaptive curriculum from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
“She impressed our search committee with her energy, enthusiasm, educational background, experience working in a Catholic school environment, and her engaging and joyful personality. She presents as a person who values both the academic and religious leadership roles of a Catholic school principal,” said Father Patrick O’Connor, IHM’s pastor.
“I am delighted to expand my Catholic school leadership skills within the Diocese of Charlotte, especially the very welcoming parish/school community of Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point,” Wood said.
Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad is returning to his alma mater as principal of Holy Trinity Middle School as the school transitions to Holy Trinity Catholic Academy in the 2026-27 school year. The change comes after Kevin Parks assumed the role of president.
Conrad was a member of Holy Trinity’s first graduating class in 1996. He earned a degree in secondary education from Clemson University, a master’s in religion and religious education from Fordham University, and a graduate certificate in Catholic school leadership from Creighton University. Among other roles, he served as a theology teacher, dean of students and then assistant principal at Charlotte Catholic High School.
“I am confident that Mr. Conrad will bring his deep faith, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to Catholic education to our
school community,” Parks said.
Kevin O’Herron
Kevin O’Herron will become the assistant superintendent of Catholic schools, effective Jan. 1, 2026. O’Herron has spent more than 30 years in Catholic education, including 26 years at St. Matthew School, with 22 years as principal.
O’Herron holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York, and a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
“His deep love for teachers and students has always been evident, and that same care will now bless our entire diocesan school community,” Monroe said. “Mr. O’Herron brings not only wisdom but a steady, mission-driven heart. His presence in the Catholic Schools Office will significantly strengthen our ability to serve school leaders, families and parishes across the diocese.”
Reflecting on his new role, O’Herron said, “My career in Catholic education is one of the greatest gifts God has given me. I look forward to drawing on the many lessons I’ve learned as both a teacher and principal to help our schools grow even stronger – continuing to nurture in our students a meaningful and loving relationship with Jesus Christ.”
O’Herron’s January start will allow for a smooth transition for the new principal at St. Matthew School.
Dawn O’Connor and Emma Roche
Dawn O’Connor, who has been serving as director of school operations, is returning to her former role as administrative assistant at St. Patrick’s School. Emma Roche will be stepping into many of the responsibilities previously managed by O’Connor.
— Catholic News Herald and Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office