Hinsdale man named president of high school

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Ernie Mrozek

Updated: March 10, 2012 8:32AM

St. Rita of Cascia High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, announced the promotion of several key leaders and the addition of a new position in order to further strengthen the leadership team of the school and enhance the experience of its students in the Augustinian tradition.

Ernie Mrozek, 58, of Hinsdale, has been named the school’s president. He has been the board chairman and vice president at St. Rita. A 1971 St. Rita alumnus, Mrozek retired from a successful career with The ServiceMaster Company in 2008, having served as the Fortune 500 company’s chief financial officer and then as its president and chief operating officer.

As vice president of the college preparatory school for young men for the past three years, Mrozek has overseen the school’s finances and several other key functions, including the most successful capital campaign in the school’s history. As president, he will be responsible for the overall leadership of the school, with a primary focus on planning and institutional advancement, finances, facilities and alumni and external relationships.

Mrozek also is a member of the board of directors of The DuPage County Community Foundation, serving on its grant-making and investment committees.

The president of St. Rita for 12 years, the Rev. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., 46, has been named vocation director for the East and Midwest Provinces of the Augustinians. To maintain a key leadership role at St. Rita and fulfill his ministry in Augustinian vocations, he will be promoted from the position of president to chairman of the board and chaplain for the school. In these roles, McCarthy will maintain a regular presence at St. Rita, provide strategic direction and continue to minister to students and families.

Additionally, the Rev. Rich Young, O.S.A., 48, a 1982 St. Rita alumnus, has been appointed to the new full-time position of director of Augustinian mission. As director, he will head the newly created Office for Mission and Ministry, directing activities that demonstrate St. Rita’s commitment to living out the Augustinian mission and values in all aspects of campus life. Brendan Conroy will continue in his role as principal, supported by his team of assistant principals, faculty and staff.

The new appointments, made by the Augustinian provincial, are effective on July 1.