Executive Leadership Academy

The ten-month Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) provides Catholic school leaders with institutional vision and essential business practices for leading effective Catholic schools.

At a Glance


10 Month Program


In-Person Summer Kick-Off
Mid-Year Retreat
Spring Summit
Monthly Virtual Cohort Sessions


Earn a Micro-Credential

Objectives

Executive leadership requires strategic vision and critical management skills most educational leaders are not prepared for. The Executive Leadership Academy accompanies leaders interested in developing strategic thinking and refining operational management. It provides leaders with the essentials to:

  • Drive generative thinking and planning with mission-aligned priorities
  • Manage and develop one's board with proven best practices for strategic results
  • Steward financial resources through practical knowledge of budgeting and financial planning
  • Raise the imperative for advancement, expanding the school's development efforts to guarantee educational and institutional sustainability
  • Oversee the development of the school’s unique value proposition and marketing strategies
  • Manage human resources and measure mission effectiveness

Interested in learning more about the scope and delivery of the Executive Leadership Academy? Download our Program Flyer or review our Monthly Schedule.

Leaders who complete the Executive Leadership Academy receive a micro-credential from the Roche Center for Catholic Education. This competency-based recognition is given to individuals who attend the in-person events, engage in the monthly PLCs, meaningfully participate in coaching, and complete a final poster presentation.

ELA Information

Print

Audience

Participants include sitting PreK-12 Catholic school leaders and senior administrators with active advisory, specified jurisdiction, or independent boards.

Throughout the program, participants will have opportunities to invite and include members of their board and/or school leadership team to attend sessions, which helps to build executive leadership teams, distributing knowledge and understanding of key concepts and practices.

Wondering if ELA is right for you? Interested in nominating a school leader? Email Chris Martin, Associate Program Director, at christopher.martin@bc.edu.

2025-2026 Dates

Participation in the ELA includes:
  • Two-Day Opening Session at Boston College, July 30-31, 2025
  • Monthly Cohort Sessions and Coaching from September 2025 - May 2026
  • Mid-Year Retreat, January 2-4, 2026
  • Program Commencement at Boston College, May 2026 

Costs

  • $2,500 per participant. Some scholarship support may be available for eligible participants.
  • Travel costs to in-person opening, retreat, and commencement are the responsibility of the participant.
  • Meals and lodging are included in the overall program cost.

Apply

Ready to apply? Complete the application form.

Nominations and applications are considered on a rolling basis. Application review begins April 15, 2025.

Interested in creating an arch/diocesan or regional cohort? Contact us. We will be happy to support your efforts.

ELA Facilitators

Dan Ferris
Dan Ferris
Program Director of the Executive Leadership Academy
X
Dan Ferris

Dan Ferris

Program Director of the Executive Leadership Academy

Dan comes to the Roche Center from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) where he served as Director of Accreditation and School Improvement for the Commission on Independent Schools. Before his time with NEASC, Dan was the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Providence and an assistant superintendent for the Diocese of Arlington. Although, arguably, his best years were in the classroom as a humanities teacher, he has dedicated most of his career to championing Catholic school mission viability, leadership development, and institutional sustainability as a school-based and diocesan leader. Dan has master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and The Catholic University of America, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Christopher Martin
Christopher Martin
Associate Program Director of the Executive Leadership Academy
X
Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin

Associate Program Director of the Executive Leadership Academy

Chris returns to Boston College, where he previously spent six years working in Career Services and University Advancement. Prior to joining the Roche Center, Chris worked at the Healey Education Foundation implementing new Catholic school governance structures in the Archdiocese of Boston and leading comprehensive assessments of Catholic elementary schools around the country. Through Healey, Chris successfully coached more than 80 school and board leaders on governance and board management best practices, while helping develop strong operating principles aligned with church teaching and on the ground needs of schools. Chris has nearly 15 years of direct service work with Catholic schools, including 4 years as a senior administrator leading fundraising efforts and alumni engagement at a Catholic high school and 3 years serving as vice chair of the board for a Catholic high school in Boston. Chris earned his MA in Education Administration, his MA in Pastoral Ministry and his BA in Human Development and Philosophy, all from Boston College.

Executive Leadership Academy - Cohort 1

"The Executive Leadership Academy is a breath of fresh air. It's providing the resources, support, and connections needed to strengthen my skills across Catholic school leadership. The monthly sessions, resource site, and personal coaching are empowering me with critical skills in strategic planning, board management, and development. It's already helped shape my leadership at St. Augustine School with strengthened clarity and vision."

- Joseph Bianco, Principal, St. Augustine School