Bishop David Zubik appoints new Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Pittsburgh

Bishop David Zubik has appointed Lauren Martin as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Pittsburgh effective July 1, 2024. Martin brings with her extensive experience in Catholic educational leadership.

The appointment is the result of a search which began in January, when Michelle Peduto announced her retirement after five years as Superintendent, and 21 years of service in Catholic education in Pittsburgh, reflecting her desire to focus on her health and quality time with her family as she continues treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Sharon Loughran Brown, Assistant Superintendent, along with Peduto, in a limited way, will assist with Martin’s transition.

"Faith is at the heart of everything we do in our schools,” said Bishop Zubik. “Lauren is deeply committed to upholding, cultivating, and promoting the Catholic identity of our schools, while fostering academic excellence and instilling values of compassion, integrity, and service in our professionals and our students. We are pleased to welcome her passion, expertise, and leadership to the School’s Office to contribute to the continued success and growth of Catholic education in Pittsburgh."

Martin currently serves as the Principal of Seton LaSalle Catholic High School. Through her leadership, the enrollment and achievements of Seton LaSalle students over the last several years has increased. Last year alone, graduates received $227,000 in scholarships and 100 percent were accepted into post-secondary programs.

She has worked to develop positive relationships within and among faculty and staff, board members, and students and their families. Martin was also instrumental in developing and successfully implementing the Honors programs to challenge gifted 8th grade Catholic school students. And, she is committed to building strategic partnerships with universities, Catholic education reform groups, and other relevant organizations to further enhance the educational experiences offered within our Catholic schools.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Education Administration and Leadership from Georgian Court University. Prior to becoming Principal at Seton LaSalle, Martin served as an Assistant Principal, Academic Affairs at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel, New Jersey, and taught English for three years at schools in West Virginia.

“I am humbled to step into the role of superintendent for the diocese of Pittsburgh and serve the people in our Catholic schools. I love Catholic education!,” Martin said. “My children attend Catholic grade school, and I have a profound appreciation for Catholic grade school administrators, faculty, and staff. Having the opportunity to be involved in and support their ministry and the foundation of formation of our youth in the Church is very exciting for me.”

In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Schools Office is part of an evangelization team formed by Bishop Zubik to expand the love of Jesus and the mission of the Church. Martin will work collaboratively with other diocesan offices as she oversees the 10 high schools and 35 elementary schools in the diocese.

To learn more about how Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools are Lighting the Way, visit: https://diopitt.org/schools.