The Superintendent of Schools Office for the Archdiocese of New York has announced the appointment of nine new principals who will serve Catholic school communities across the Archdiocese during the 2026–2027 academic year.

The appointments come as Catholic schools prepare to welcome students and families for a new school year and reflect the Archdiocese’s continued commitment to developing strong, faith-filled leaders. Catholic school principals are called to provide vision and direction for their schools while fostering communities where academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the Catholic faith are central to the educational experience.

“You have said yes to the call from the Lord to have you become a principal in the Archdiocese of New York,” said Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools.

“It is so essential in this twenty-first century to have men and women of faith leading our schools,” she said.

The newly appointed principals participated in a three-day Principal Onboarding program August 11–13 at Windrose on Hudson in Ossining, New York. The program was led by Sr. Mary Grace Walsh and Sr. Anne Massell, PBVM, Associate Superintendent of Leadership.

The onboarding program prepared the new principals for the responsibilities of Catholic school leadership through formation in three areas: Catholic Identity and Spiritual Leadership, Academic Leadership, and Administrative Leadership. The program combined practical preparation with prayer, reflection, professional formation, and a commissioning service.

A central theme of the formation was the spiritual dimension of Catholic school leadership. Principals serve an important role in shaping the faith life of their school communities and helping faculty, staff, students, and families encounter Christ through the daily life of the school.

As part of the formation, Sr. Mary Grace presented each principal with The Catechism of the Catholic Church as a resource for their ministry. She encouraged them to begin with the final section of the Catechism, which focuses on prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

“Help feed your soul, and you need to feed yourself spiritually if you are going to take on this spiritual leadership role,” Sr. Mary Grace said.

The newly appointed principals are:

• Ms. Vanessa Rymer, Sacred Heart Grade School, Yonkers
• Mr. Christopher Siegfried, St. Anthony School, Yonkers
• Mr. Giuseppe Campailla, St. Barnabas School, Bronx
• Mr. Jason Ford, St. John the Baptist School, Yonkers
• Ms. Melissa Torres-Lopez, St. Theresa School, Bronx
• Ms. Regan Haney, St. Margaret of Cortona-St. Gabriel School, Bronx
• Mr. Michael McCabe, St. Mary School, Fishkill
• Ms. Helena Vasquez, Transfiguration School, Manhattan
• Ms. Renee Rawlins-Boddie, St. Philip Neri School, Bronx

Ms. Jennifer Iannazzo, whose appointment was previously announced, will serve as principal of John Cardinal O’Connor School in Irvington.

The principal serves as a key leader in establishing the vision, culture, and direction of a Catholic school. In addition to overseeing the school’s academic and operational needs, principals work closely with faculty and staff, engage parents and families, support students, and help ensure that the school’s Catholic identity is reflected in its programs, relationships, and daily life.

Their leadership also contributes to the Church’s broader mission by creating environments where students are formed in faith, challenged academically, and encouraged to live out the Gospel through service to others.

The formation of the new principals will continue throughout the 2026–2027 academic year. Beginning this fall, they will meet monthly with the Superintendent of Schools Office for ongoing mentorship, professional development, and support as they begin their service to their respective school communities.

The Archdiocese of New York welcomes the nine new principals and entrusts them with the important ministry of leading Catholic school communities in faith, excellence, and service.