New Year, New Beginnings for CCSTA

Calm, dependable, supportive, authentic – these are the recurring words used by anyone describing the leadership of Julian Hanlon.

From 2015 to 2023, Julian worked as CCSTA’s Executive Director, overseeing countless changes and many new initiatives in support of Canadian Catholic schools.

Pat Daly, CCSTA’s Past President, captured, perfectly, the admirable legacy left behind by Julian:

“ It has been an honour to serve with Julian and witness his effective and faith-filled leadership. He has provided outstanding service throughout his years as Executive Director of the CCSTA and made a significant contribution to Catholic Education throughout Canada. His advocacy in support of the Toonies For Tuition Program has made a positive difference in the lives of many children who otherwise may not have benefitted from the gift of Catholic Education. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ showers Julian with all of His blessings and that he has a retirement filled with good health and much joy.”

A graduate of the University of Ottawa and Queen’s University, Julian holds a Masters of Education (Administration). Prior to his role as CCSTA’s Executive Director, Julian served the Ottawa Catholic School Board for 36 years as Teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal, Supervisory Officer, Deputy Director and Director of Education. 

With a wealth of experience at every level of the mission of Catholic Education, Julian brought a keen understanding of its positive impact on Canadian families – as well as the many challenges faced by Catholic Educators across the country. 

Over Julian’s 8 years of leadership, Canadian Catholic schools faced their fair share of challenges. From the Trinity Western and Theodore Court cases, ongoing threats against the Catholic Identity of our schools, lack of access for families in partially or non- funded provinces to the many difficulties faced by schools during the pandemic, Julian’s calming leadership gave vital support to our mission every step of the way.

During his years with CCSTA, Julian worked with 5 different presidents, all of whom had overwhelmingly positive things to say about working with him. 

Mike St. Amand, CCSTA’s 2015 President at the time of Julian’s hiring, shared, “I consider Julian a friend who just happens to be one of the most caring , organized people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His passion for Catholic Education was evident in all of his time as Executive Director. The organization has been blessed to have his leadership! I wish him all of the best in retirement !” 

Marino Gazzola, who served as CCSTA President for three years, said, “Julian was great to work with. Always prepared for meetings and events. Very knowledgeable about the issues and extremely connected. I could always count on Julian for accurate information and he was always available with assistance when I needed it. A pleasure to work with, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

From Lloydminster, SK, Paula Scott, having served as president from 2019 – 2021, shared, “In my time spent working alongside Julian as president, I always knew I could depend on his help, guidance, and insight. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. His retirement is well earned after many years of dedication to Catholic Education. Wishing him a blessed retirement. “

CCSTA’s current president, Teresita Chiarella, joined the CCSTA Board of Directors in the same year that Julian was hired in 2015. Reflecting on her years spent working as a CCSTA board member and now President, she shares, “It was a privilege to have joined the CCSTA at the same time that Julian became the new Executive Director in 2015. He demonstrated calm and exceptional leadership qualities with his ideas that helped guide the Board of Directors over the years. CCSTA was very well served by Julian, especially with the relationships he created with trustees across provinces.”

As Julian begins his retirement, CCSTA is extremely pleased to welcome his successor, Rose Burton Spohn as executive director.  Rose brings decades of experience in Catholic Education to her role at CCSTA and a passion for furthering its mission in Canada. Having worked in several different positions within the Ontario Catholic School system, including teacher, superintendent and director of education, we’re confident her extensive personal experience and understanding will be a tremendous gift to our organization and to Catholic schools across the country. 

Upon being hired, Rose shared, “CCSTA has a rich tradition of advocating strongly for Catholic education and facilitating dialogue among Catholic boards and organizations.  I am grateful to my predecessor, Julian Hanlon, for the many contributions he has made, and I look forward to continuing CCSTA’s efforts to protect Catholic education in Canada.”

We wish Julian all the best in his much-deserved retirement and we pray in thanksgiving for the significant contribution he has made to Canadian Catholic Education.