KENMORE ­— The St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute board of trustees announced, the appointment of Christopher Fulco, Ed.D., as the next president of the Kenmore school. He will assume the role after the retirement of Robert T. Scott, AFSC, on June 30.

"Young men from all over Western New York are transformed by a St. Joe's education," stated John Berger Jr., chair of the St. Joe's board of trustees. "Dr. Fulco's track record in fostering collaboration and innovation both inside and outside of the classroom, combined with a deep commitment to his faith, make him the right choice to sustain our mission to provide high-quality, Lasallian Catholic education."

Fulco brings more than 20 years of experience and results in education and leadership, most recently as the head of school at Woodlynde School in Strafford, Pa. In his current position, he oversees the operations for all departments, including academics, admissions, advancement, financial management and strategic planning.

"Our search committee conducted a comprehensive national search, and the individuals on the committee volunteered countless hours," said Scott. "Throughout the process, there were opportunities for members of the school community - students, parents, faculty, alumni and friends - to provide valuable feedback and insights."

Maureen Hurley, chairperson of the search committee, continued, "Dr. Fulco emerged as the right leader for St. Joe's out of a pool of very strong candidates."
During his tenure at Woodlynde, Fulco led the K-12 school through the creation and implementation of two strategic plans. He reorganized staffing and strategies in admissions, resulting in an 18 percent enrollment increase in three years. By revitalizing the school's cultivation and stewardship program, the school's annual giving program increased 60 percent.

Fulco began his career in 1996 at Georgetown Prep in the Washington, D.C. area. He spent one year as an admissions counselor while completing his master's in teaching, then spent three years in the classroom as a high school English teacher and coach.

In 2000, Fulco moved to Pennsylvania and began teaching English at Downington High School with a student body of 1,600. After earning his principal certification in 2003, he accepted the assistant principal position and was responsible for the professional development and evaluation of teachers.

Another opportunity presented itself in 2007, and Fulco was named principal at Springfield High School in Springfield, Pa. In this role, he instituted a new plan for special education programming and oversaw a school-wide campaign focused on increasing literacy levels.

In May 2009, Fulco completed his doctor of education degree from Seton Hall University, and was appointed to his current role as head of school at Woodlynde. On July 1, he will become St. Joe's fourth president.

"I am deeply honored and absolutely thrilled to be joining the St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute community," said Fulco. "St. Joe's Lasallian mission, with its focus on quality education, inclusivity, respect for all people, service with the poor, and the presence of God, is the perfect recipe for forming the type of men and leaders that our society needs right now."