Important Message from Board Chair
Dear Lowell Catholic Community,
On behalf of the Lowell Catholic Board of Trustees, I am excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Ian Snyder as the next Head of School at Lowell Catholic, effective July 1, 2027. Ian will succeed Maryellen DeMarco, who will retire at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year following nearly 25 years of extraordinary leadership and service to our school community.
Ian's appointment follows a comprehensive national search that began last spring with input from faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and other members of the Lowell Catholic community. Following multiple rounds of interviews with candidates, and careful consideration, the Board of Trustees is confident that Ian possesses the experience, vision, and commitment to Catholic education necessary to lead Lowell Catholic into its next chapter.
Ian brings to Lowell Catholic extensive experience in Catholic school leadership, strategic planning, and school operations. He currently serves on the academic leadership team at Malden Catholic, where he led the successful launch of a new seventh and eighth grade division.
Previously, Ian served as Head of School at Saint Joseph School in Needham, overseeing academic, financial, and operational leadership for more than 450 students. He also held leadership roles at Saint Patrick Academy in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Ian holds graduate degrees from Boston College and Assumption College and a bachelor's degree from Saint Anselm College. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of New Hampshire.
Throughout his career, Ian has demonstrated a strong commitment to Catholic education and the spiritual, moral, and academic formation of young people. His leadership emphasizes humility, service, collaboration, and meaningful relationships—values that closely align with Lowell Catholic's mission and commitment to faith-centered education.
Ian has shared his excitement about the position and this quote: “Lowell Catholic is a blessed community that has been fortunate to have a dedicated leader in Maryellen, who has stewarded the school through various stages of growth and adaptation. As I prepare to make the transition, I am eager to contribute to that legacy of stewardship. My goal is to continue the good work already underway at LC, building on our strengths and supporting our growth opportunities. I look forward to building new relationships and leading this vibrant school community into a bright future.”
As we celebrate this appointment, we also recognize the extraordinary legacy of Maryellen DeMarco. Her nearly 25 years of leadership have helped transform Lowell Catholic, expanding its educational mission, strengthening its facilities, and establishing a vibrant Preschool through Grade 12 community rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service. We are deeply grateful to Maryellen for her continued leadership and her support during this transition.
Of the incoming Head of School, Maryellen DeMarco remarks that: “It has been an amazing journey serving as the leader of Lowell Catholic. As I close this chapter of my career, I am thrilled to welcome Ian as he starts his new chapter at LC. I am excited to see where Ian's leadership will take us and after meeting with him, I am confident that the future of LC is bright!
Ian will officially assume his responsibilities on July 1, 2027, allowing time for a thoughtful and well-coordinated leadership transition. In the coming months, he will work with Maryellen, the Board of Trustees, and school leadership to build relationships, become familiar with Lowell Catholic’s priorities, and ensure continuity. Opportunities for the community to meet and welcome Ian will be shared as transition plans progress.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the Head of School Search Committee for their dedication and thoughtful work throughout this process. I am equally grateful to the many faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and community members whose participation and feedback helped inform this important decision.
I am pleased to welcome and support Ian as he brings his experience, leadership, and passion for Catholic education to the Lowell Catholic community. His proven ability to strengthen school communities, foster academic excellence, and lead meaningful growth reflects the values and mission that define Lowell Catholic.
Please join me in congratulating Ian and welcoming him to the Lowell Catholic community. We ask that you keep Ian, Maryellen, and our entire school community in your prayers during this exciting time of transition.
Sincerely,
