James and Katherine Spillman will lead St. Joseph Colligate Institute and Mount St. Mary Academy, respectively, beginning this year.

You don't see this every day. On Thursday, Mount St. Mary Academy named Katherine M. Spillman as its new principal. What's unique about the appointment is that Spillman's husband, James Spillman, was recently named the new principal of St. Joseph Colligate Institute.

For the last decade, Katherine Spillman served as director of staff formation at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA. Spillman succeeds Dawn Riggie, who announced her retirement in March after 25 years leading the Kenmore girls high school.

"The board is thrilled to welcome Katie into our family. Her warm personality and vision for the future align perfectly with the character of Mount St. Mary," said Board President Kathy Hoelscher Glieco '81. "She comes to us with vast experience teaching in and ministering to Catholic school communities."

Meanwhile, outgoing St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute President Robert T. Scott, announced the appointment of alumnus James Spillman as principal in March. James Spillman, who earned a bachelor's and two master's degrees from Boston College, brings more than 15 years of experience in education, having served as a principal, dean of students, campus minister, and teacher. He will assume the role on July 1.

"Jim is a dedicated, faith-filled, and innovative school leader," stated Mr. Scott. "I've had the pleasure of knowing him and his family since he was a student here, and I have no doubt that our Lasallian Catholic community will continue to thrive under his care."

The two Spillmans were overjoyed with the announcement of their new jobs.

"I am filled with joyful anticipation for all that awaits me at Mount St. Mary Academy," Katherine Spillman said. "Building on the strong foundation established by beloved Principal Mrs. Dawn Riggie, and the faculty and staff, I look forward to guiding the community to continue to be a place where young women thrive and are nurtured in their unique giftedness."

"I am extremely humbled and honored to have the opportunity to return home to my alma mater - a school community that was so foundational in my own development as a young man," stated James Spillman. "I look forward to partnering with (President) Christopher Dr. Fulco and the staff of SJCI to educate, form, and transform this new generation of St. Joe's students."

Katherine and Jim Spillman are natives of Western New York, having grown up in Rochester and Tonawanda, respectively, and they have three children.