The New York Archdiocese has named BriAna Pechin as regional manager of the newly established Northwest/South Bronx region for its consolidated elementary schools.
Archdiocese officials closed a number of financially struggling schools in the Bronx and the rest of its metro area of coverage last year.
It plans more cuts at the end of this coming school year, with regional councils taking over operation of most of the remaining schools.
Eastern Bronx schools to be consolidated after others are closed, will come under a Northeast/East Bronx regional council, set to go into effect next year.
Parish schools across the Bronx and elsewhere that can show they are financially stable will escape the Archdiocese bringing them under the control of the regional groups.
The Archdiocese has also established similar pilot program regions in Staten Island and Rockland County.
Superintendent of Schools Timothy McNiff said that Pechin will provide day-to-day oversight of all business operations within the new pilot region, as well as being responsible for implementing business policies and procedures developed in conjunction with the regional office and its 17-member board of trustees, divided between clergy and lay members.
“Business managers will play a pivotal role in the regionalization process,” said McNiff. “I am confident that these talented individuals possess the skills, experience and leadership necessary to support our Boards and ensure each region will operate as smoothly as possible, allowing schools to focus on educating children.”
Pechin has been involved with Catholic education, development, operational management and finance for over 24 years, most recently as principal at the School of the Incarnation in Washington Heights.
Prior to that, she worked as director of institutional advancement and recruitment at Sacred Heart Private School in the Bronx, and as a finance administrator at Calvary Hospital in Morris Park, serving as assistant to the hospital’s chief financial officer.
Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at ksanchez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394
