Bishop Michael Duca is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Claire L. Willis as the new Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, a position she will assume on 01 July 2022. Claire is no stranger to the Greater Baton Rouge area, having served as Principal of the Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School and most recently as the Executive Director of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge.
“Claire’s vision to establish a team of dynamic individuals in the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office who will build on our existing strengths and success to elevate performance and sustainability in all our schools is precisely the type of team member who will work directly with our new Superintendent Dr. Pattie Davis” noted Bishop Duca. Vicar General Fr. Jamin David cited Mrs. Willis’ focus on academic rigor, intentionality to increase student and staff retention, and strategic planning experience for organizational vitality as core reasons for the unanimous choice for her in this position.
Mrs. Willis was chosen by a nine-member search committee which included the Vicar General and leaders from the Catholic Life Center, Pastors, Principals, Dr. Davis, and Diocesan School Board representatives, after an extensive interview process, with the final candidate approved by Bishop Duca.
The new Assistant Superintendent brings with her a robust career in education. After serving as an educator in public and Catholic schools from 2007-2012, Claire served as a local assistant principal and then later as a principal. She has also engaged other institutions as a consultant for educational advancement.
Mrs. Willis earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She later earned a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University in Secondary Education. She is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University – Shreveport.
Claire joins Dr. Pattie Davis – the newly appointed Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge – who will assume this position later this summer.