The Diocese of Cleveland’s Office of Catholic Education appointed Deborale Richardson-Phillips as president of Cleveland Central Catholic High School. She replaces John Simon, who retired Aug. 1 after nearly four years as president. Simon, a 1972 Central Catholic graduate, previously served as president of the school’s advisory board.
An accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience within Catholic, public and private secondary and post-secondary schools, Richardson-Phillips brings to CCC strong skills and proven experience in strategic planning, community partnership, donor engagement and relationship building.
She has leadership experience at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland and most recently as the president of Loyola High School in Detroit, Michigan.
Richardson-Phillips earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Winston-Salem State University, and has doctoral and master’s degrees in human development and public administration respectively from the University of Delaware.
“I am particularly drawn to this opportunity because of Cleveland Central Catholic’s commitment to embracing challenges as opportunities – a philosophy I deeply resonate with. It will be an honor to contribute to nurturing an environment where students can prepare confidently for their futures,” she said.
“The Diocese of Cleveland’s Office of Catholic Education believes that Dr. Richardson-Phillips possesses the skills and passion to effectively lead Cleveland Central Catholic High School as its next president,” said Michael Zelenka, diocesan associate superintendent for secondary schools.
“Dr. Richardson-Phillips' deep faith inspires her work as a Catholic school leader and her experience in various sectors – Catholic secondary schools, higher education and business – provides a broad set of talents to effectively lead organizations and personnel. A leader who prides herself on forming authentic personal relationships with all members of the community, her emphasis on teamwork and open communication act as hallmarks of her collaborative style,” he added.
Sister Allison Marie Gusdanovic, SND, Cleveland Central Catholic principal, said she is eager to partner with Richardson-Phillips. “We welcome Dr. Richardson-Phillips to Cleveland Central Catholic and look forward to ministering with her as we prepare our students to embrace the future with confidence and hope.”
Founded in 1968 when St. Stanislaus, St. Michael the Archangel, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. John Cantius high schools merged, Cleveland Central Catholic is a diocesan-sponsored, co-educational, comprehensive, college preparatory high school. Committed to fostering the spiritual growth, academic excellence and leadership of each student, CCC serves approximately 450 students from across Greater Cleveland.