Mary Claire Kasunic served Catholic education for over three decades across multiple roles - from Faculty Department Chair to President of Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA. With a depth of experience in strategic thinking, she brings expertise in strategic planning, executive coaching, board and leadership development, marketing, and advancement. A staunch believer in mission driving all decisions, Mary Claire initiated multiple programs across both curriculum and advancement that enhanced the school and enriched the community. In her leadership coaching and strategic planning, she deftly guides committees, boards, and school leaders to become versed in authentic mission advancement.
A Partner with Partners in Mission and a Trustee on the board of Duquesne University, she brings a unique perspective and understanding of Catholic education from pre-K through higher education. Leaders seeking to optimize their impact will find her a key strategist and partner as they plan, innovate, and envision a transformational future for their school communities.
As the school's second president, Mary Claire elevated the professionalism of her advancement team, streamlining operational and HR processes, tapping into foundations, increasing student sponsorship, and establishing an online giving day to grow the annual fund. Skilled in marketing and admissions, she has first-hand experience in how to convey a school's image, reputation, and value to a broader audience. She increased the school's diversity across several key markers, strengthened financial assistance, and more than quadrupled the annual fund revenue stream. Under her leadership, programs focused on global competence, leadership development, and STEM/technology were initiated. A committee member or leader on four of her school's five most recent strategic plans, she now shares insight and expertise on the power of strategic planning as a partner.
Mary Claire's career in Catholic education officially began in 1992, after years of volunteer service to her parish and elementary school. A longtime lector at St. Jude Parish, Mary Claire resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, Jon, in the home where they raised their four children. Their three daughters, now married with families of their own, reside in Rockville, MD, Arlington, VA, and Pittsburgh, respectively. Their son is an artist who splits his time between Los Angeles and PA.
