Principal Search Announced
Mercy launches search for its next exceptional academic leader
December 4, 2020
Dear Mercy families, alumnae, Sisters of Mercy, and friends,
As you know, because of Jeanne Blakeslee’s anticipated retirement, we are now engaged in a national search for the next principal for Mercy High School. Our principal search committee is optimistic about finding an excellent candidate who will champion Mercy as the exceptional educational institution that it is. The members of our search committee are:
• Tess Veloso ’68, Former Director of Communications, Mercy High School, and Former Member, Mercy High School Board of Trustees
• Sister Patricia Smith, Former Faculty Member, Mercy High School, and Past Chair and Member, Mercy High School Board of Trustees
• Lou Heidrick GP’16, Former Principal, Calvert Hall College High School, and Member, Mercy High School Board of Trustees
• Nancy Uryasz, Chair, Science Department, Mercy High School
• Niakia Cheese, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Mercy High School
• Mary Beth Lennon ’85, President, Mercy High School
• Dr. Kia Myrick McDaniel ’95, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Prince George’s County Public Schools
• Kathleen Radebaugh ’04, Assistant Principal, Little Flower Catholic High School (Philadelphia)
• Cheryl Smith P’17, Officer, Office of Minority Business Enterprises, Maryland State Department of Transportation (retired)
• Heather Cucuzzella, Principal, Immaculate Conception School
• Brian Marana, Assistant Principal for Academics, Loyola Blakefield
We ask for your help in sharing the position description with potential applicants. Nominations of qualified candidates and application materials should be sent to search@mercyhighschool.com. The application deadline is March 1, 2021. Representatives of the broader Mercy community—faculty, staff, alumnae, Sisters of Mercy, students, and parents—will be engaged in the final interview stages. We expect to announce our new principal in spring 2021. Further information and updates to the community will be posted here.
Thank you for keeping the search committee and the search process in your prayers. We are confident that with the clear-sighted work of the search committee and the guidance of Catherine McAuley, we will identify the next outstanding principal for Mercy High School. In the meantime, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jeanne Blakeslee for helping to lead Mercy High School to this strong position and for being an inspiring Woman of Mercy.
Sincerely,
Tess Veloso ’68
Chair, Principal Search Committee
Mary Beth Lennon ’85
President