This past June, CCSTA welcomed its newest president, Harry Salm. A dedicated Catholic school trustee from Alberta, Harry brings with him a deep commitment to faith, family, and Catholic education.
His journey has been rooted in parish and community service—from teaching sacramental preparation classes and chairing his school council to serving as a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Encouraged to run as a trustee in 2007, Harry has since built strong relationships with trustees across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond, always guided by his Catholic faith in both his personal and professional life.
As president, Harry brings both local trustee experience and a national vision for the future of Catholic education in Canada. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, what inspires him to serve, and what he hopes to see in the coming years at CCSTA.
Can you share a bit about your background and what first led you to become a Catholic school trustee?
It has been a privilege for me to serve as a Catholic school trustee for almost 20 years.
I came to the position of trustee after having led several Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation preparation classes over the years in our parish, particularly as my children were growing up. I was the first School Council Chair for our Junior/Senior Catholic High School and later became Grand Knight for our local Knights of Columbus.
The next step in my journey of faith and Catholic education happened in 2007, just prior to the election of Alberta Catholic school trustees. During the search for a candidate, I was tapped on the shoulder and encouraged to put my name forward. The rest is history.
What role has your Catholic faith played in your personal and professional life?
As a municipal administrator, overseer of a planning and development department, and a Safety Codes Officer, I tried to see Jesus Christ in each person with whom I interacted. In my travels around Alberta, I was able to see a great many churches of various religions, and I always valued the conversations I had in each of these buildings.
What has been one of the most rewarding experiences of serving as a trustee in Alberta?
I have thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with many, many trustees—not only around Alberta, but also in Saskatchewan.
How did you first become involved with CCSTA, and what are your thoughts on now stepping into the President role?
As president of the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association, I also held the position of Alberta’s director on the CCSTA Board of Directors. In terms of stepping into the CCSTA presidency, I find it very humbling to follow in the footsteps of past presidents Teresita Chiarella and Pat Daly.
As you begin this new role, what are your priorities for the year ahead?
My greatest hope is that our Board of Directors, together with our members and our Canadian Bishops, will help raise the profile of Catholic education across the country even higher than it is today.
Where do you see CCSTA making the most impact for Catholic education across Canada?
I believe our greatest impact comes from building and strengthening relationships with Members of Parliament and with our Bishops. Together, we can foster greater awareness and support for the value that Catholic education brings to our parishes and our country.
Catholic education faces unique challenges in different provinces and territories—what gives you hope about our shared national mission?
I derive much hope from the strength of each of our CCSTA directors. I am continually inspired by their willingness to learn and support the cause of Catholic education for the benefit of all our students.
Outside of your trustee and CCSTA work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy a game of golf, gardening around our house, being involved with our parish, and taking on projects to improve our house or those of our children.
What message would you like to share with Catholic trustees, board members, and families across Canada as we begin a new school year?
Each of our schools is a place of tremendous hope.
I thank the trustees who serve their Catholic school divisions, and I applaud the parents who have chosen and supported Catholic education for their children. My hope is that parents recognize how the Christian values woven into their children’s education will continue to guide and support them for many years after graduation.
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As Harry begins his first school year as CCSTA President, he carries forward a strong spirit of service and a deep love for Catholic education. His hope-filled vision, rooted in faith and strengthened by years of trustee and community leadership, will guide our national board in the months and years ahead. We invite all our members and friends of Catholic education to keep Harry in their prayers as he steps into this important role. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and strengthen him as he serves Catholic trustees, families, and students across Canada.
