Gonzaga Preparatory School

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Principal Search 2023

President Search

Gonzaga Prep’s search for its next president is actively underway as we seek a mission-centered, visionary leader prepared to build upon the school’s strong foundation and lead Prep into its next chapter.

NEWS AND UPDATES
Sept. 21, 2026
President search enters next phase
The application period for Gonzaga Prep’s next president closed on Sept. 15, yielding a robust pool of candidates. The Search Committee has since engaged in group discernment to carefully consider the applicants and determine which candidates will move forward in the search process. 
Interviews with those candidates are expected to take place throughout October and November as the committee continues the important work of identifying Prep’s next leader. We are grateful for the support and prayers of our community and ask for your continued prayers for the committee and all those participating in the process.
June 25, 2026
Julie McCulloh selected as interim president
Gonzaga Prep is pleased to announce that Julie McCulloh has been selected to serve as Interim President of the school. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work for and with the Gonzaga Prep community in the year ahead,” she says. "As we navigate this leadership transition, we remain grounded in our mission—educating students in the Gospel tradition and inspiring leaders committed to building a more just and loving world. I look forward to working, learning, and growing together.”
READ MORE »
 
April 30, 2026
Announcement from the Board of Directors & President Michael Dougherty
The following letters were sent to members of our community announcing President Michael Dougherty's departure.

(Click to read full letters.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TIMELINE
What is the timeline for the president search?
We are conducting a thorough and thoughtful search, and we look forward to welcoming our next President by or before ...

summer 2027. The application window will be open throughout the summer and early fall of 2026, with candidate interviews taking place later in the fall. From there, the Search Committee will bring forward its recommendations in winter 2026, with our goal of having a contract signed by early 2027. We are hopeful we may be able to welcome new leadership even sooner, and we will keep our community informed as the process unfolds.  

SEARCH COMMITTEE
Who is on the President Search Committee?
The Search Committee brings together a thoughtful cross-section of school and board representation ...

as well as parent, alumni, and faculty and staff perspectives. Together, this group is deeply committed to finding the right leader for our community.

  1. Jim Brasch `76, board chair, co-chair
  2. Karen McLeod, VP of academics, co-chair
  3. Amy Sanchez, human resources, non-voting
  4. Corrina Kelsey `06, VP of advancement
  5. Forrest Higgins `95, faculty and board member
  6. Fr. Gilbert Sunghera, SJ, board member
  7. Katy Bruya, board member
  8. Terri Givens `83, board member
  9. Tom McKeirnan `87, foundation board member
  10. Leslie O'Neil `88, foundation board member

Other crucial perspectives will be included in the search, including a structured listening tour with key groups connected to Gonzaga Prep.

GOVERNANCE
What is the relationship between the President Search Committee and the Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors selected and charged the Search Committee with the significant responsibility of conducting a thorough search ...

and bringing forward a final candidate recommendation. The President Search Committee, made up of board members, school leadership, and community representatives, will lead the day-to-day work of the search, from gathering community input to evaluating candidates. Once the committee has completed its process and identified its top candidate or candidates, that recommendation will be brought before the full Board of Directors for a final vote. This structure ensures that the search is both thorough and collaborative.

Read the President Prospectus below to learn more about this opportunity to serve the Gonzaga Prep community. The detailed job description is available here. 
 
Click to view prospectus