Saint Albert Catholic School Expands Leadership Team
by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | January 30, 2026
January 30, 2026, Council Bluffs, IA — Saint Albert Catholic School is pleased to announce an expansion of its leadership team with the appointments of Mike Murtagh as the inaugural Chief Advancement Officer and Todd Barnett as Middle School-High School Administrator. These strategic hires reflect the school’s commitment to its "cradle-to-college" mission and its continued growth as the only daycare through 12th-grade academic system in southwest Iowa.
Mike Murtagh – Chief Advancement Officer
In a historic move for the institution, Mike Murtagh will join Saint Albert as its first-ever Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). Murtagh will officially begin his duties on February 2, 2026, following Catholic Schools Week. To welcome him to the community, Saint Albert will host a meet and greet for staff on February 2 at the school.
Murtagh brings decades of experience in providing innovative leadership and strategic growth for educational institutions. A proven fundraiser, he has personally secured seven-figure gifts and led teams that generated over $225 million in capital campaign support. Prior to joining Saint Albert, Murtagh held leadership roles on the advancement teams at Western Illinois University, Eureka College, and Loras College, among others, once leading a team that was recognized as one of the top 43 fundraising programs in the nation. Additionally, Murtagh brings a disciplined leadership perspective from his 20-year career as a naval officer.
"I still have a fire in my belly to make a difference," Murtagh said. "As a practicing Catholic, I am proud of Catholic education and value and support the difference it has made in me and literally millions of others around the world.”
Todd Barnett – Middle School-High School Administrator
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Todd Barnett will serve as the Middle School-High School Administrator. In this role, Barnett will oversee the educational programming for grades 6-12, focusing on academic excellence, professional learning communities (PLC), and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). A veteran educator with more than 33 years of experience in the Council Bluffs School District, Barnett holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from New Mexico Highlands University.
Barnett brings extensive administrative leadership to Saint Albert, currently serving as the Principal of Kanesville Alternative School. His background includes tenures as Principal of Thomas Jefferson High School and Abraham Lincoln High School. Beyond administration, Barnett has a significant background in athletics, having served as a Head Varsity Baseball Coach and assistant coach for wrestling, football, and women’s basketball.
"I believe Catholic education plays a vital role in forming the whole student academically, morally, and spiritually," Barnett stated. "I am motivated by opportunities to collaborate with faculty, families, and the broader community to strengthen school culture, support staff, and ensure students are prepared to succeed both in school and in life."
Barnett succeeds Doreen Knuth, who leaves a lasting legacy of excellence within the middle school and high school. Her tenure was defined by a rigorous focus on student outcomes and administrative stability.
"We are deeply grateful to Doreen for her steadfast leadership," said Donna Bishop, Superintendent of Schools. "Her dedication to educational excellence has significantly moved the academic needle for Saint Albert students, establishing a strong foundation upon which Mr. Barnett will continue to build."
Positioning for Future Success
These new leadership appointments will be joining Pat Ryan, Chief Administrative Officer, and Holly De Rocher, Early Childhood Education-5th Grade Administrator, during a transformative era for Saint Albert Catholic School. By integrating Mr. Murtagh’s unparalleled expertise in institutional advancement and Mr. Barnett’s decades of local administrative excellence, the school is uniquely positioned to enhance its "cradle-to-college" model.
The expanded leadership team will work together to implement the newly established strategic plan for Saint Albert. They will focus on fiscal sustainability, academic rigor, and deep-rooted faith formation, ensuring that Saint Albert remains a premier destination for families seeking a comprehensive Catholic education in southwest Iowa for generations to come.
About Saint Albert Catholic School
Founded in 1964, Saint Albert Catholic School is a Catholic, PreK–12 school dedicated to faith formation, academic excellence, and service. As the only daycare through 12th-grade academic system in southwest Iowa, Saint Albert serves more than 750 students across a "cradle-to-college" model. To learn more, visit www.saintalbertschools.org.
About Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation for students. To learn more, visit www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools/.
COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT:
Jake Shama, Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management
jshama@dmdiocese.org