Mount Carmel High School​ Welcomes New President

CHICAGO, IL — Mount Carmel High School this summer will welcome a new president, an experienced education leader who has two master's degrees.

In a news release, school officials said the incoming president, Brendan Conroy, will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Ned Hughes.

Hughes will retire this summer after five years at the helm of Mount Carmel, said Don Barry, Chairman of Mount Carmel’s Board of Trustees.

“Ned [Hughes] has been a catalyst for change and has demonstrated strength and courage in making difficult decisions," Barry said. "He made us all better stewards of this great institution; we are all so proud of him. He is one of the few people who could have put MC in the position it is in today with such a bright future ahead.”

Hughes will remain a member of the Mount Carmel Board of Trustees following his retirement.

Conroy is set to take over as president on July 1. Barry said the incoming leader is poised to lead the school to success

“As our next school President, Brendan will bring his wealth of administrative experience to continue the great mission of educating young men for the 21st Century," Barry said in a statement, in part. "He is ready and prepared to lead as a great listener and collaborator. We pray that as he focuses on enrollment, fundraising, and community building, that Our Lady of Mount Carmel will guide him along the way."

Conroy has a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, a master of arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a master of education degree from Chicago State University.

He has worked in several Catholic educational institutions and has served as the English department chair of Leo Catholic High School, as the assistant principal at St. Ignatius College Prep and as founding principal of Christ the King Jesuit College Prep.

Conroy has also worked as principal of St. Rita of Cascia and as associate provincial assistant for secondary and pre-secondary education for 20 Midwest Jesuits schools.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve Mt. Carmel as its next president," Conroy said. "As a longtime admirer of MC, I have often marveled at the loyalty of its faculty, students, families and alumni. I'm grateful and humbled to be granted this opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to the tradition of Carmelite education in the City of Chicago."