Marian Catholic High School is pleased to announce the appointment of alumnus Dr. Brian Baddick ’87 as the school’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective November 5, 2026.

The newly created position represents an important step in Marian’s ongoing effort to strengthen its leadership structure, enhance operational effectiveness, and position the school for long-term growth and sustainability. Dr. Baddick will serve as the senior operational leader of the school and will work closely with Principal Rev. Robert Finlan ’86 CBHS, the Board of Directors, faculty, staff, families, alumni, donors, and community partners.

“Marian is at an important moment in its history,” said Rev. Robert Finlan ’86 CBHS, Principal of Marian Catholic High School. “We are called to provide an outstanding Catholic education while also being thoughtful, innovative and disciplined in how we lead and operate our school. Brian understands Marian, he understands Catholic education, and he understands the importance of putting students and families at the center of every decision. I look forward to working closely with him as we build an even stronger future for Marian.”

Fr. Finlan will continue to serve as Principal and retain overall responsibility for the leadership of the school, with particular responsibility for Marian’s Catholic identity and mission, spiritual life, academic excellence, faculty, students, and school culture. Dr. Baddick, in his role as Chief Operating Officer, will provide executive leadership and accountability for the school’s operational and strategic functions.

His responsibilities will include finance and business operations, advancement and fundraising, admissions and enrollment management, facilities and campus operations, marketing and communications, strategic planning and institutional growth, organizational leadership and accountability, and strategic innovation and program development.

“Creating the Chief Operating Officer position is a significant investment in Marian’s future,” said Dave Bielen ’69, P ’91, GP ’24, Chairman of the Marian Catholic High School Board of Directors. “Brian brings a unique combination of professional experience, leadership ability, familiarity with Marian, and a deep commitment to our students and our mission. His return to Marian comes at an exciting time as we work together to preserve and reimagine Catholic education in Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties for generations to come.”

Dr. Baddick returns to Marian with more than three decades of experience in educational leadership, including service as a high school and middle school principal, Director of Pupil Services, and Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services. His career has included leadership positions with the Penn Manor, Manheim Central, Weatherly Area, Crestwood Area, Jim Thorpe Area, and East Stroudsburg Area school districts. He has also worked extensively in strategic planning, organizational leadership, curriculum and instruction, professional development, budgeting, school improvement, and community engagement. Most recently, Dr. Baddick served as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services with the East Stroudsburg Area School District. He completed his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership through Delaware Valley University in 2025.

For Dr. Baddick, the opportunity to return to his alma mater carries a particularly personal significance.

“Marian has always been an important part of my life,” said Dr. Brian Baddick ’87, Chief Operating Officer. “It was during my freshman year, at Ash Wednesday confession and Mass in the Marian gymnasium in 1984, that I received and accepted my Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. My life continues to be very blessed because of my Marian experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to return to Marian and to fulfill my personal ministry for Christ.”

“Coming back to Marian is both an honor and a responsibility,” Dr. Baddick continued. “Marian has an important mission to fulfill for students and families throughout our region. I am excited to work alongside Fr. Finlan, the Board, our faculty and staff, alumni, families, and the entire Marian community. Together, we have an opportunity to build on Marian’s strong foundation while embracing new ideas, strengthening our operations, and creating an even brighter future for our students.”

Dr. Baddick’s leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, accountability, innovation, and a student-centered approach. His professional profile emphasizes the importance of developing a shared vision, creating the operational structures and resources necessary to achieve that vision, and continually assessing an organization’s progress.

The creation of the COO position comes as Marian Catholic High School continues to examine new ways to strengthen its academic, operational, enrollment, advancement, and community engagement efforts.

“The challenges and opportunities before Marian require us to think differently and to act with purpose,” said Bielen. “We have an obligation to future generations of students to ensure that Marian remains a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable Catholic high school. This new leadership structure is an important part of that work.”

Dr. Baddick will work closely with Fr. Finlan to ensure that Marian’s operational growth and strategic development remain firmly connected to the school’s Catholic mission and commitment to academic excellence. Together, they will lead an effort focused on strengthening Marian today while preparing the school for the opportunities of tomorrow.

“Marian has a tremendous story to tell and an important future to build,” said Dr. Baddick. “I am grateful to be coming home and to have the opportunity to be part of that future.”

The appointment of Dr. Baddick reflects Marian Catholic High School’s commitment to preserving and reimagining Catholic education in Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties for generations to come.