Marian Catholic High School announced the appointment of Brian Baddick, Ed.D., a 1987 graduate of the school, as its first chief operating officer.

The new position represents an important step in Marian’s ongoing effort to strengthen its leadership structure, enhance operational effectiveness and position the school for long-term growth and sustainability.

Baddick will serve as the senior operational leader of the school and will work closely with the principal, the Rev. Robert Finlan, and the board of directors, faculty, staff, families, alumni, donors and community partners.

“Marian is at an important moment in its history,” Finlan said. “We are called to provide an outstanding Catholic education while also being thoughtful, innovative and disciplined in how we lead and operate our school. Brian understands Marian, he understands Catholic education, and he understands the importance of putting students and families at the center of every decision. I look forward to working closely with him as we build an even stronger future for Marian.”

Finlan will continue to serve as principal and retain overall responsibility for the leadership of the school, with particular responsibility for the school’s Catholic identity and mission, spiritual life, academic excellence, faculty, students and school culture.

Baddick will provide executive leadership and accountability for the school’s operational and strategic functions, including finance and business operations;, advancement and fundraising, admissions and enrollment management, facilities and campus operations, marketing and communications, strategic planning and institutional growth, organizational leadership and accountability and strategic innovation and program development.

“Creating the chief operating officer position is a significant investment in Marian’s future,” said Dave Bielen, chairman of the school’s board of directors. “Brian brings a unique combination of professional experience, leadership ability, familiarity with Marian, and a deep commitment to our students and our mission. His return to Marian comes at an exciting time as we work together to preserve and reimagine Catholic education in Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties for generations to come.”

Baddick has more than three decades of experience in educational leadership, including service as a high school and middle school principal and, most recently, as assistant superintendent for pupil services at East Stroudsburg Area School District. His career has included leadership positions with the Penn Manor, Manheim Central, Weatherly Area, Crestwood Area and Jim Thorpe Area school districts. He completed his doctoral studies in educational leadership through Delaware Valley University in 2025.

“Marian has always been an important part of my life,” Baddick said. “It was during my freshman year, at Ash Wednesday confession and Mass in the Marian gymnasium in 1984, that I received and accepted my Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. My life continues to be very blessed because of my Marian experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to return to Marian and to fulfill my personal ministry for Christ.”

He said his return to Marian is both an honor and a responsibility.

“Marian has an important mission to fulfill for students and families throughout our region. I am excited to work alongside Father Finlan, the board, our faculty and staff, alumni, families and the entire Marian community,” he said. “Together, we have an opportunity to build on Marian’s strong foundation while embracing new ideas, strengthening our operations and creating an even brighter future for our students.”