Nashville Dominican Sister Named Head Of USCCB Education Office

WASHINGTON—Dominican Sister John MaryFleming, a member of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee, has beennamed executive director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education of the U.S.Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Sister Fleming currently is principalof St. Dominic School, Bolingbrook, Illinois.

Shesucceeds Marie Powell, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Msgr.Ronny Jenkins, USCCB general secretary, announced the appointment May 29.

“Iam delighted that Sister John Mary will soon join the USCCB and am grateful toher religious community for allowing her to accept this appointment,” Msgr.Jenkins said. “Both she and her religious community have shown a commitment toCatholic education that resonates with our conference and which has been ahallmark of the Catholic church in this country.”

Hethanked Marie Powell for her years at the bishops’ conference and commended herboth for her generous service at the bishops’ conference and for her outstandingcareer in educational leadership.

“Marieserved well for many years as a strong advocate for Catholic schools and as aleader in the education community,” Msgr. Jenkins said. “She can be proud ofher contributions, as we are proud of her.”

SisterFleming holds a licentiate in canon law from The Catholic University ofAmerica, a master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University ofSteubenville, a master of education degree in educational leadership andsupervision from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor’s degreein education from Belmont University, Nashville.

Priorto her term as principal at St. Dominic’s, 2010-present, Sister Fleming was director of education for herreligious congregation, 2000-2007; interim vice president of operations atAquinas College, Nashville, 2000-2001; and coordinator of her congregation’s$46 million motherhouse building project, 2000-2006.

Sheserved on the board of Aquinas College, 2000-2007, and currently is a boardmember of Providence Academy, Minneapolis. In 2012, she also served on the10-member team to develop a program for the year of Faith for the Diocese ofJoliet, Illinois.

# # ## #