Gloucester Catholic High School has named Dr. Glenn J. Benjamin as its new president, appointing an experienced Catholic educator and school leader to guide the school as it begins its second century of education and ministry.
Benjamin brings more than two decades of experience in education, including ten years as principal of St. Jude Regional Catholic School in Rockville, Maryland. During his tenure, St. Jude experienced 33 percent enrollment growth over five years, including the largest single-year enrollment growth among Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington in 2013–14.
Benjamin also led St. Jude’s fundraising, financial planning, marketing and facilities efforts. Among his accomplishments, he led a campaign that upgraded the school’s facilities with a state-of-the-art STEM lab, instituted and funded new scholarships and need-based financial aid, restructured the school’s budget, and oversaw significant campus improvements.
“Gloucester Catholic enters its second century with a proud tradition and a clear vision for its future,” said Father George Seiter, pastor of St. Mary Parish. “Dr. Benjamin brings experience in precisely the areas that will be important to that future — enrollment, advancement, strategic planning and building strong relationships — together with a deep understanding of the mission of Catholic education.”
As president, Dr. Benjamin will provide strategic leadership for Gloucester Catholic, with responsibility for enrollment, institutional advancement and fundraising, financial and operational sustainability, alumni and community engagement, and implementation of the school’s strategic plan. He will work in partnership with Principal Tom Iacovone, who continues to lead the school’s academic and student programs.
“Gloucester Catholic has an extraordinary history and a community that cares deeply about this school,” Benjamin said. “I am excited to listen, build relationships and work alongside our students, families, faculty, alumni and supporters to ensure that Gloucester Catholic remains strong and continues to provide an outstanding Catholic education for generations to come.”
Benjamin’s background in Catholic education includes service at St. John’s College High School, San Miguel Middle School and Holy Redeemer Elementary School, as well as his decade leading St. Jude. He holds graduate degrees in Lasallian Leadership from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University, and a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies from The Catholic University of America. He earned his doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University.
“Glenn’s record demonstrates that he understands the connection between mission and institutional strength,” said John Smithson, Chair of the Board of Limited Jurisdiction at Gloucester Catholic. “Growing enrollment, engaging alumni and donors, strengthening finances and planning strategically are not ends in themselves. They create the conditions in which excellent Catholic education can flourish. That is the work we are asking him to lead at Gloucester Catholic.”
Benjamin arrives as Gloucester Catholic begins implementation of its 2026–2031 strategic plan, Rooted in Faith. Focused on the Future. The plan establishes four priorities for the school’s next five years: deepening Catholic identity, elevating academic excellence, growing enrollment strategically and ensuring long-term sustainability.
