Sweda, currently president of Archbishop Hoban High School, Akron, Ohio, will assume his new duties in July. He said he will come prepared for his work to continue the excellence of the Catholic schools in St. Louis.

Sweda cited educator-mentors in his life whose wisdom he will rely on and share “depending on the needs of the individual schools.”

The archdiocesan high schools are Bishop DuBourg, Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Duchesne, Rosati-Kain, St. Dominic, St. Francis Borgia, St. Mary’s, St. Pius X and Trinity.

He seeks to use his experience in capital campaigns, new programs, leadership and entrepreneurship along with developing professional learning communities for faculty and staff for “their ongoing education and ownership of the process.”

The schools play “a critical role in formation of young people and ultimately in transforming the world for the better,” he said.

Sweda said he appreciates the team approach in serving the Catholic schools in St. Louis. With the reorganization of the Catholic Office of Education and Formation, Sweda will work closely in a leadership team with Maureen DePriest, superintendent for elementary schools, and Mike Duffy, director of finance and strategic planning.

Sweda earlier served as dean of students, principal, and associate head of school/dean of academic programs and planning at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio. He began his school career at Georgetown Preparatory School, North Bethesda, Maryland, where he taught English, worked in the resident program and also was director of alumni relations and the annual fund, associate campaign director and associate advancement director.

Sweda served as an adjunct instructor for the Center for Educational Leadership at Cleveland State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, a master’s degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and a doctorate degree from Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J.