The Commission serves as an advisory group of Catholic education practitioners who assist the USCCB Secretariat of Catholic Education in its efforts:To maximize participation by Catholic school students and teachers in federally-funded educational programs.

  • To advocate on behalf of Catholic school students, teachers and administrators during re-authorization and/or revision of existing federal education programs.To evaluate, and support proposed federal legislation that could result in positive benefits for Catholic school students and staff.
  • To oppose any such proposals that result in negative outcomes.
  • To monitor the implementation of federal statutes, as well as the development of regulations and guidelines that affect Catholic schools, their students and staff.

Members

Michael F. Acquilano
Director 
South Carolina Catholic Conference

Erin C.O. Barisano, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Diocese of Orange

Matthew Daniels
Senior Director
Diocese of Toledo

Jeremy Ekeler
Associate Director of Education Policy
Nebraska Catholic Conference

Brett A. Farley, OP 
Executive Director
Catholic Conference of Oklahoma

Michael Juhas
Superintendent
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

Laura Knaus
Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Detroit

Garrett J. O'Day, Esq.
Deputy Director
Maryland Catholic Conference

Chris Riso
Assistant Superintendent of Government Services
Diocese of Buffalo

Domonic Salce
Superintendent
Diocese of Phoenix

Pam Schwartz
Assistant Superintendent
Archdiocese of Seattle

Paul Stankewitz
Policy Advocate
Michigan Catholic Conference

NCEA Representative
Sr. Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD
Director of Public Policy

Staff

Chair

Jennifer Daniels
Associate Director for Public Policy
USCCB/Secretariat of Catholic Education

Mary Pat Donoghue
Executive Director
USCCB/Secretariat of Catholic Education

Michelle Gress
Director
USCCB/Government Relations

Mary Gigliotti
Administrative Assistant
(202) 541-3132