Saint Viator president, the first layperson in the role, to end tenure in June
Saint Viator High School President Brian Liedlich - the first layperson to serve that role in the Arlington Heights Catholic school's history - announced Wednesday that he will not renew his contract when his current term ends on June 30.
Liedlich said the decision came only after prayerful consideration and discussion with family, friends, and the Rev. Dan Hall, who is provincial of the Viatorian community.
It's likely he will return to the private sector, but not before sorting out health issues he and his wife have been dealing with over the years, he added.
The Barrington resident was hired as the school's top administrator in 2016, following a long line of Viatorian priests and brothers who held the position. He previously served as the school's executive director of institutional advancement from 2003 to 2008. He then became managing director of regional development for Marquette University, and later vice president of development for Advocate Health Care.
As the first layperson to lead the school, Liedlich said it was important to adopt new mission, vision and values statements and create the administrative role of vice president of Viatorian identity and mission, which is filled by a priest or brother.
"One of the biggest things I was focused on was to make sure that the lay leadership here - the board of trustees, the volunteers - has to own the mission in a new way," Liedlich said. "There's sort of an acceptance when a priest or brother is at the helm, 'They got the mission, and we'll get our marching orders from them and they'll kind of lead us.'"
"But when a layperson takes over, you have to articulate your mission, vision and values in a different way."
During Liedlich's tenure, the school unveiled the Klues Center for Innovation, a cooperative-type classroom with whiteboard and modual seating that's home to the school's entrepreneurship program; a renovated and expanded counseling center; and a new strategic plan and facilities master plan.
The Viatorian board of governors will lead the search for a new school president and come back to the school's board of trustees with a list of candidates to evaluate, according to school spokesman Jim Mitchell.
In a statement, Hall thanked Liedlich for his service and role he played as the first non-clergy member to lead the school.
"Brian's impact has been felt in multiple ways and his leadership and vision will be missed," Hall wrote. "He has led an important transformation for our community and has made significant contributions to our operations and long-term viability as a Catholic institution."