Central Catholic High School names president

Matthew J. Stoessel recalled taking the Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s light rail system into Downtown Pittsburgh from his Upper St. Clair home. He then transferred to the 71B on his way to Central Catholic High School in Oakland.

He had been making that trip as the school’s executive director of advancement since 2017 and interim president since June.

He will now be doing it as the school’s president.

The 1995 graduate was officially named to the position on Friday.

“I am honored, and I am humbled,” said Stoessel, 47, who lives in Upper St. Clair. “I never thought I would be in this position when I entered Central Catholic in 1991 as a freshman. But I truly believe my 20-plus years working for non-profits prepared me for this moment.”

Bishop David A. Zubik said in a statement that he is confident that Stoessel will continue to build upon the “fine tradition of excellence that has always been a hallmark at Central Catholic High School.”

Zubik said Stoessel understands the importance of forming young men in the faith and guiding them to excel in service and leadership.

The youngest of seven children, Stoessel attended St. Thomas Moore for elementary school in Bethel Park before going to Central Catholic and then Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Central Catholic has an enrollment of 715 students. The school offers 153 total courses and 40 clubs and activities.

Stoessel said it is his mission is to make the school better and continue its “proud tradition.”

“Tradition never graduates,” he said.

Attending Catholic school was an important part of his life, Stoessel said. His daughter graduated from Oakland Catholic and his two sons attend Central Catholic.

Stoessel was voted unanimously to the position by the school’s board of directors and the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s secretariat for education, under superintendent of Catholic schools Michelle Peduto.

“We believe Matt is fully committed to the success of Central Catholic and is determined to lead us into our 100th year and beyond,” John Staley V, chairman of the board of directors, said in a statement.

Among Stoessel’s duties will be direct oversight of business operations, facilities, fundraising/development, marketing, alumni and community relations, student recruitment and enrollment management activities.