EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (PDF)
Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta is looking to hire an Executive Director. This assignment is to commence in August 2026, or at a mutually agreed upon date.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Catholicity
- Knowledgeable, practicing and active Catholic
- Committed to the promotion of publicly funded Catholic education
- Background in Theology and/or Religious Education would be an asset
- Possesses spiritual humility
- Values Catholic education as a vocation
Experience
- Senior administrative level in Catholic education
- Working in or with school districts, education partners and government departments
- Leading strategic planning processes including the development and action of goals, budget and implementation plans
Personal Attributes
- Independent worker
- Organized and successful administrator
- Effective communicator
- Problem-solver
- Visionary leader
Professional Attributes
- Establishing and maintaining positive professional working relationships with colleagues and supervisors
- Knowledge of Alberta Education and Religious Education Curriculum
- Maintaining fiscal prudence, accountability and reporting with budgets
- Social media communication awareness and acumen, including website maintenance
- Professional leadership attributes that are viewed positively by colleagues and supervisors
- Established relationships with Alberta Catholic education partners
- Politically astute
Duties
Faith Leadership
- Models involvement in a Catholic faith community and ensures members are provided opportunities for spiritual development
Catholic Education Leadership
- Provides Religious Education Curriculum and Resource Development oversight and support in all matters relating to Catholic education for the CCSSA and Alberta Catholic Curriculum and Resource Advisory Committee
Fiscal Responsibility
- Ensures the fiscal management of the council
Executive Director /Executive and Member Relations
- Establishes and maintains positive professional working relationships with the President, Executive and members
Annual Planning and Reporting
- Leads the strategic planning process including the development and action of council goals, budget and implementation plans as approved by the Executive
Organizational Management
- Demonstrates effective organization skills resulting in compliance with Executive mandate
Communications and Community Relations
- Takes appropriate actions to ensure open, transparent and positive external and internal communications are developed and maintained
Leadership Practices
- Practices leadership in a manner that is viewed positively and has the support of the President, Executive and membership
Specific Responsibilities
- Supervises and collaborates with the Director of REN and Curriculum resource development
- Other duties as determined by the CCSSA Executive
For more information regarding this position, please contact the President, Ms. Chantel Axani, at
Interested, qualified applicants are asked to apply online with a complete application package by June 12, 2026.
Application package must include the following:
- A cover letter addressed to: Chantel Axani, President;
- Resume and any other documentation which would support your application;
- Contact information for 3 references.
Please note: We wish to thank all applicants in advance for submitting résumés, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Vision Statement
“The Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta is a community of disciples providing a valuable and valued voice that influences the development and direction of Catholic Education in Alberta”
The Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) was honored to recognize Rachel Starko, a student at St. Joseph’s College, Edmonton and Vanessa Havery, a student and pre-service teacher at St. Mary’s University, as the recipients of the 2025 Justice Kevin Feehan Award during our Annual General Meeting and Convention. This prestigious award celebrates students who exemplify faith, service, and leadership while promoting and living out the principles of Catholic education in Alberta.
The Justice Kevin Feehan Award is presented annually to two full-time students—one from St. Joseph’s College in Edmonton and one from St. Mary’s University in Calgary—who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Catholic education. Named in honor of Justice Kevin P. Feehan, a passionate advocate for faith-based learning and a long-time supporter of ACSTA, this $1,500 award reflects his enduring legacy of championing Catholic education and its role in shaping compassionate, faith-filled leaders.
[Kelly Whalen, President, ACSTA, and Rachel Starko, award recipient and student at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta]
Recipients are selected based on strong academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Preference is given to students enrolled in or who have completed the St. Joseph’s College Certificate in Catholic Education, a program designed to foster a deep understanding of the principles and values of Catholic education.
Respectively, Rachel and Vanessa received their awards in Spring and Summer of 2025, and they were formally honored by ACSTA President Kelly Whalen, who presented them with their awards at the gala portion of our 2025 AGM, on behalf of Justice Kevin P. Feehan.
Rachel reflected on her journey in Catholic education, sharing that
"As a future teacher passionate about Catholic education, I am grateful for the formation I have received at St. Joseph’s College. My experiences have strengthened my faith and prepared me to support the faith development of my students. Being a Catholic leader in the student community has helped me gain skills to witness my faith daily and foster a strong sense of community in my classroom."
[Kelly Whalen, President, ACSTA, and Vanessa Havery, award recipient and student at St. Mary's University, Calgary]
Vanessa also shared her gratitude for being a recipient of the Justice Feehan award and why she is committed to being a Catholic educator:
"Catholic education, to me, means teaching faith, care, and connection throughout our community with intention and purpose. It is about creating spaces where faith and learning come together to form not only knowledgeable students, but deep-rooted, compassionate, and caring people… Receiving the Justice Kevin Feehan Award is an extraordinary blessing, one that fills my heart with gratitude and humility. It reminds me that this is my calling. . . ."
Their achievements highlight the transformative power of Catholic education to foster students who love Christ and who will be the next generation of compassionate and faithful leaders within the Church.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rachel and Vanessa on this well-deserved honor and offer prayers for their continued success. May God bless them and all who champion Catholic education as we work together to ensure that our students are given every opportunity to grow in their relationship with Christ and receive an excellent education that equips them for whatever God asks them to do.
The Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA) proudly presented the 2025 Excellence in Catholic Education Awards at this year’s SPICE & Blueprints Retreat Banquet.
SPICE and Blueprints are annual retreats put on by the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association. SPICE is a retreat-style conference that supports teachers, chaplains, and school-based leaders in deepening their understanding of Catholic education. Blueprints is a similar gathering featured for Catholic School-based Administrators, Catholic Central Office Administrators, Catholic Trustees, Curriculum Leaders, Parish Priests and Religious Leaders to reflect on and strengthen the mission of Catholic education at the system level.
These awards recognize outstanding Catholic educators who exemplify the spirit of faith-filled teaching and leadership in their communities. Congratulations to the following recipients:
- Brooklynn deWaal – STAR Catholic Schools
- Victoria Hoddinott – Calgary Catholic School District
- Stephanie Krueger – Christ The Redeemer Catholic Schools
- Danielle Dallaire – Conseil scolaire FrancoSud
- Cain Collins – East Central Alberta Catholic Schools
- Tia Myrick – Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Christopher Ferguson – Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Daniel Moisan – Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Kim Frey – Elk Island Catholic Schools
- Mary-Anne Kinahan – Evergreen Catholic Schools
- Sheri Crowston – Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
- Lori Fox – Holy Family Catholic Regional Division
- Siobhan Squires – Lakeland Catholic Schools
- Sharon Davyduke – Living Waters Catholic Schools
- Kendra LaRocque - Lloydminster Catholic School Division
- Robert Dumanowski - Medicine Hat Catholic School Division
- Linda Downey - Red Deer Catholic School Division
- Ginette Plante - St. Paul School Division
These educators have made extraordinary contributions to the formation of students in Catholic schools through their faith, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Their work continues to strengthen the mission of Catholic education across Alberta.
The Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Bridget Adedayo, the recipient of the 2024-2025 Justice Kevin Feehan Scholarship. Bridget is currently in her second year at St. Mary’s University, pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education, with a focus on English Language Arts.
Bridget’s deep commitment to Catholic education shines through in her academic pursuits and her aspiration to become a teacher in a Catholic school environment. Raised in the Catholic faith and having attended a Catholic high school, Bridget has experienced firsthand the transformative power of Catholic education. Her passion for teaching is driven by a desire to integrate her faith seamlessly into her classroom, ensuring that students not only receive academic instruction but also grow in their spiritual and personal development.
In her award application, Bridget expressed the importance of fostering an environment where students can learn about both academic subjects and the values of the Catholic Church. Her previous teaching experience in a Catholic school in Nigeria has shaped her commitment to nurturing compassionate individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to their communities and the world.
This scholarship is a testament to Bridget’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. The financial support provided by the Justice Kevin Feehan Scholarship will help ease the burden of her education and allow her to focus on her goals of becoming a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also helps to shape the faith and character of her students.
We look forward to watching Bridget’s journey as she continues her studies and works toward her goal of becoming a compassionate and faith-filled educator in the Catholic school system. Her commitment to both academic excellence and her faith promises a bright future, and we are confident that she will make a lasting impact on the lives of those she teaches.
Once again, congratulations, Bridget, on this well-deserved recognition. Your dedication to both education and your faith is truly inspiring!
ACSTA Executives, Directors, and staff attended the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association (CCSTA) AGM and Convention in Calgary last week, along with members from over 90 school boards who represent more than 850,000 students.
Attendees prayed and worshiped together, heard from a variety of keynote and
breakout speakers, discussed national resolutions, and broke bread over the course of their three and a half days together.
Hosted by the Calgary Catholic School District, the event spanned three days of discussions, keynote speeches, and fellowship. It began
with an inspiring address by Father Cristino Bouvette titled “Reconciliation is Possible: The Contribution of Catholic Education towards Reconciliation with our Indigenous People,” highlighting the role of Catholic education in fostering reconciliation.
On Friday, attendees were treated to thought-provoking sessions by Ian McCormack and Dr. Bob Murray. McCormack’s presentation, “Who’s Driving the School Bus,” explored leadership dynamics in educational settings, while Dr. Murray’s talk, “Maintaining the Gift of Catholic Education in an Era of Political Polarization,” addressed the challenges and resilience of Catholic schools amid contemporary political tensions.
That afternoon, attendees could choose from a range of topics presented by notable speakers, including Janelle Reinhard, Dr. Peter Baltutis, Kevin Warriner, Father Paul Moret, Dr. Bryan Szumlas & Cynthia Launière, and Dr. Caroline Maillet-Rao.
The day's activities concluded with a social event at Calgary’s Heritage Park. This evening of dining and networking reinforced the sense of fellowship and shared purpose that defines the CCSTA.
Saturday’s program featured Kate Mallon from Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education (GrACE), who delivered a compelling keynote on “The Courage to Lead” in Catholic education. In addition to reviewing the current state and history of Catholic Education in Alberta, Mallon emphasized the importance of strong leadership in navigating the challenges facing Catholic schools and highlighted GrACE's role in advocating for the system. Her talk was followed by the formal AGM, where members voted on key resolutions and discussed pivotal issues impacting Catholic education. The meeting concluded with a Mass and procession at St. Mary’s Cathedral celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi, during which the CCSTA Board of Directors received a blessing from Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary. 
With this year’s event in Calgary over, attendees are already looking forward to the 2025 convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, promising another opportunity to celebrate and strengthen the bonds within the Catholic educational community across Canada.
ACSTA is represented on the CCSTA Board of Directors by our President, Kelly Whalen and also by ACSTA’s Past President, Harry Salm, who is currently serving as CCSTA’s Vice President.
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