ATLANTA—Father Frank McNamee, pastor of the Cathedral of Christ the King, has appointed Tricia Ward as principal of Christ the King School, Atlanta, effective Jan. 11.

“This is exciting news and I am confident that Mrs. Ward will hit the ground running in her new role,” he said.

Ward has been serving as interim principal since last July, following the retirement of principal Peggy Warner. A local and national search was conducted, Father McNamee said in a news release.

Tricia Ward (Photo By Michael Alexander)

“Several highly-qualified, impressive candidates applied for the job,” he said. “After a thorough interview and screening process, Mrs. Ward emerged as the best person for this role.”

An experienced educator, Ward worked at Christ the King School for 23 years, including teaching social studies in the middle school, serving as vice principal for 15 years and then interim principal.

“Tricia’s vision made it clear to me that she can and will move the school forward,” said Steve Spellman, the principal of St. Pius X High School, Atlanta, who served on the search committee.

“She is an experienced administrator with a passion for education and a love for children. She will be an outstanding principal,” Spellman said in the news release.

A native of Columbus, Ga., Ward has a master’s degree in education from Columbus State University, an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and an Educational Leadership Certification in Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University.

“I look forward to being part of Christ the King’s success under Mrs. Ward’s leadership,” said Rosa McHugh, parent and chair of the school advisory council.

Christ the King School was founded in 1937 and has served the Atlanta community for over 75 years. The school enrolls over 560 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.