St. Albert School revamps leadership

February 19, 2024

St. Albert Catholic School in Council Bluffs introduced today a revamped leadership structure featuring the establishment of key roles including a Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Advancement Officer.

This strategic restructuring, born out of concerted deliberation on the school's present and future needs, reflects St. Albert's commitment to optimizing focus and expertise in the areas of academic excellence and operational vitality. These changes are intended to fortify the school's leadership framework and elevate operational efficiency to deliver a premier education rooted in faith to its nearly 700 students.

“Ensuring the success of our Catholic schools requires attention to both academic leadership and adept fund development,” said Donna Bishop, Superintendent of Schools. “Investing in expertise in these critical areas demonstrates our commitment to sculpting a future where education thrives and opportunities abound. Moreover, these changes position St. Albert for continued success now and in the future."

The St. Albert leadership team will include Father Dan Siepker as Canonical administrator, appointed by Bishop William Joensen; Pat Ryan as Chief Administrative Officer to serve as the school’s educational leader as well as oversee facility management; and Doreen Knuth, who will remain in her current role as K-8 administrator and 9-12 Dean of Students.

To fill the newly established position of Chief Advancement Officer, the Diocese of Des Moines and St. Albert Catholic will commence a nationwide search. This key role will spearhead St. Albert Catholic's fundraising initiatives, events, strategic partnerships, and alumni relations.

As the school implements this new leadership structure, Ryan will assume the role of Chief Administrative Officer effective July 1. With more than 19 years of experience at St. Albert, Ryan brings a wealth of leadership along with a deep commitment to the school's mission to the new role. A 2000 graduate of St. Albert Catholic, Ryan holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Briar Cliff College and a master's degree in Administration from Creighton University.

Having served in various capacities, including teacher, coach, and school administrator, Ryan, in his new role, will collaborate closely with the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools Office, as well as the St. Albert faculty, staff, and community.

“I am thrilled about my upcoming role as the Chief Administrative Officer at St. Albert Catholic,” shared Ryan. “Working tirelessly with our staff, my aim is to continue inspiring our students to grow in knowledge, character, and their Catholic faith.”

Founded in 1964, St. Albert Catholic is the only birth through 12th-grade academic system in southwest Iowa, serving more than 675 students. St. Albert's mission is to offer meaningful educational experiences for young people, nurturing faith, community, prayer and service.

The Diocese of Des Moines includes 16 schools in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide students with innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation. To learn more about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit dmdiocese.org/grow or email grow@dmdiocese.org.