(KAIR)--A new president has been tapped for Maur Hill-Mount Academy, in Atchison.

The Board of Directors of Maur Hill-Mount Academy (MH-MA) announced, in a release, that David Trotter has been hired to replace Phil Baniewicz as president of the school effective January 5, 2024.

The release says Trotter has over 18 years of experience in Catholic ministry organizations, and most recently served as Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), Genesee, Colorado. T

Trotter- selection for the position followed an extensive nationwide search, led by Catholic Recruiter Associates, that began in late June. In seeking a new leader, the release says the school focused on identifying a qualified person who will carry on the tradition that has made Maur Hill-Mount Academy one of the leading Catholic schools in the nation.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy Board Chair Dave Domann said, “The school is excited to have a person with Trotter's experience in leading the Catholic faith and philanthropic direction at the college preparatory, boarding school. His foundation of faith and proven success in development, recruitment, and business management made him the ideal fit to lead our school into the future for many years to come.”

Trotter started his career with FOCUS in 2005, as a missionary and eventually led 15 teams across the Midwest, followed by a stint on the President's Cabinet at Benedictine College where he was the Director of Mission and Ministry. While at Benedictine College, the school was recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as having one of the best Catholic Campus Ministry Programs in the country. He rejoined FOCUS in 2017 where he has played a leadership role building their alumni effort as well as philanthropy, developing a portfolio of major gift giving nationally.

Expressing a view on his new role, Trotter said, “Serving as the next president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy is an exciting opportunity to impact the young people from around the world as well as our local community. I'm thrilled to invest deeply in the mission of Maur Hill-Mount Academy as a Catholic, college preparatory, boarding school that educates men and women in the Benedictine tradition. It is a special place with a unique mission.”

Reiterating the Board's gratitude to Baniewicz for his years of service to MH-MA, Domann stated, “During Phil's tenure as president, the school has made important advancements in academic and athletic achievements and has undergone substantial capital projects to modernize the campus buildings, athletic facilities and programs. He will be leaving MH-MA well-positioned to build on its legacy, and the Board wishes him much success in his future career endeavors.” Mr. Baniewicz will continue as president through this transition of leadership.

The Board is grateful to members of the Maur Hill-Mount Academy community for their patience, and feedback as we proceeded through the selection process, with special thanks to Dr. Carlson, and Ms. McGinnis who were instrumental in providing support throughout. Domann said, “In hiring David Trotter to lead our school, we are very confident we have found the right person who can help our school reach new heights in academics and Catholic faith.”