The Roman Catholic Church has been operating non-government schools in the United States for more than two centuries. Our schools were founded to…

Thornton, CO – Today the Board of Directors for Catholic Education Partners (CEP) announced that Brittany Vessely will step down from her position at CEP to accept the role of executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference, and that Shawn Peterson is appointed as CEP’s new executive director.

Peterson brings over 25 years of non-profit, public policy, and government affairs experience to this new role, having served as associate director for public policy with the Minnesota Catholic conference, a staff person for a state legislature and two governors, as well as service to other non-profit and policy organizations. Most recently, Peterson served CEP as director of policy for nearly one year.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are grateful to Mrs. Vessely for her service as executive director. She worked tirelessly to position CEP as an organization in the greater service of the Church and its mission to advance Catholic education and school choice for all who desire it. Her work at CEP is a blessing and we wish her and her family the best in her new endeavor,” said CEP board chairman Louisville Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz upon Vessely’s departure.

Vessely offered a comment on the transition: “It was an honor to help Catholic Education Partners (CEP) get started and I am confident in Shawn’s vision for CEP’s future. Shawn brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for CEP’s mission. I am excited for this next chapter for CEP under Shawn’s leadership.”

The Board of Directors welcomes Shawn Peterson’s expertise in state politics and Catholic social teaching as the new executive director. “Mr. Peterson has proven an asset to CEP as director of policy and our Board of Directors join me in having every confidence he will continue to advance our mission of empowering more families to enjoy the benefits of a Catholic education for their children. We are pleased with his appointment and look forward to working with him as we serve the Church and families across the country,” said Archbishop Kurtz.