-John 14:27

I am filled with anticipation to connect with you and our beloved Cavaliers as we embark on this journey together. Over the past few months, I have been able to meet with our staff one on one, and each conversation has affirmed that this is indeed the place. Something remarkable has been happening for almost 150 years at the corner of Orange and Columbus high up on a hill in Macon, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

First, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to past board chair Justice Verda Colvin and current board chair Jamie Simpson for their support during the interview process. They have continued to be great partners throughout the transition. I am also grateful to David Held for his steadfast leadership at MDS and the unwavering care he has extended to me over the past few months. I am joining a community that is already extraordinary. There is a rich tradition of commitment to Catholic education with the highest levels of academic rigor and care. The Sisters of Mercy started this work, inspired by the charism of Mercy and the life of Catherine McAuley, and deeply faithful and capable educators and leaders have preserved and cultivated it. I owe them a debt of gratitude.

As president, my top priority is to ensure our success and the lasting prosperity of Mount de Sales Academy. We offer a place to thrive, a diverse college-preparatory community of learners, and the students, our Cavaliers, are at the core of this mission. We value, challenge, support, and empower every student. When we value each student, they find peace in being recognized as unique individuals where God already resides. When we challenge each student, they meet high expectations and face difficulties head-on, with faith that God has provided all the necessary gifts to meet the moment. When we support each student, they know they have a loving and capable community to accompany them on this journey. When we empower each student, Cavaliers go forth with confidence and the ability to transform the world.

At Mount de Sales Academy, we are a community called to excellence. As Catherine McAuley said, “We can never say ‘it is enough.’” This relentless pursuit drives us to maintain the highest standards and provide unwavering support. I am inspired by the results of our dedication to this noble cause, such as our impressive 83% acceptance rate at the University of Georgia this year. I pledge to build on these efforts and explore new ways to strengthen our local and global connections to secure a hope-filled future for our school.

Attentive listening is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Therefore, as I assume the role of president at MDS, my foremost priority will be to listen intently. As we prepare for our 150th anniversary in 2026, we are embarking on a new strategic planning process that will celebrate our progress, assess our needs, and determine the best way forward. A crucial aspect of this process involves gathering insights and wisdom from the community. I am committed to immersing myself in the unique context of MDS, understanding our identity, aspirations, and collective vision. To promote unity and collaboration, I will soon begin a community-wide listening tour, where I will connect with diverse groups, organizations, and esteemed leaders. I invite all students, staff, and community partners to join me on this journey. I will communicate the details of these engagements and look forward to meeting you!

I am eager to hear from each member of our MDS family. Please do not hesitate to reach out and extend invitations for meetings or events. You can contact me via email at brendan.okane@mountdesales.net or connect with me on Instagram using the link below.

Together, let us script our next chapter in the legacy of Mount de Sales Academy. We are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve. We are the Cavaliers.

Forever de Sales!

Brendan O’Kane

President, Mount de Sales Academy