James Kennedy ’02 Named President of Brooklyn Jesuit Prep

Vice President for Development James Kennedy ’02, whose 16 years of service to Regis also included stints as a teacher, REACH dean, and coach, has been named President of Brooklyn Jesuit Prep middle school.

A 2002 Regis graduate, Kennedy returned to 84th Street in 2007 as an English teacher. In 2014, he was named REACH Dean of English Language Arts while continuing to teach Regis students. Three years later, he became Director of Development, and in 2019 was named Vice President for Development. During his time on the Regis faculty, Kennedy also spent time as an assistant coach of the cross country team, moderator of the freshman retreat, and Assistant Athletic Director.

“In his work as a Regis and REACH teacher, head of the Development team, and a member of our leadership team, James has been generous, collaborative, mission-driven, and caring,” said Regis President Rev. Christopher J. Devron, SJ. “Regis’s transformative mission is to develop leaders who dedicate their talents, skills, and resources on behalf of the underserved and those on the margins. James’s availability and desire to embrace this new work serves as a powerful example to our community of this mission.”

The mission of Brooklyn Jesuit Prep, which opened in 2003 in East Flatbush and serves students from low-income families in fifth through eighth grades, is to break the cycle of poverty through education. Kennedy will begin at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep on July 1.

“Some of my best memories as an educator and administrator come from my time working with REACH,” said Kennedy. “BJP is a middle-school that serves low-income students, and I was drawn to it in part because of those great memories. Jesuit education is transformational, and I think as Catholics, we're called to serve those who are most in need. I'm eager to continue this work in a new school.”

During his successful tenure leading Regis’s Development Office, Kennedy oversaw a team that set records for fundraising. The 2022 Annual Fund raised $10.9 million, the highest total in the school’s history.

“I'm truly grateful I had the opportunity to give back to Regis,” said Kennedy. “As students, we were taught to be grateful, and that gratitude should inspire generosity. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to be able to give back in my own way.”

Catherine McCordick P'17'19 will serve as Interim Director of Advancement. More details about the Vice President for Advancement role will be announced at a later date.