President Transition
Introducing Our New leader
A Letter from Our New President, Greg Deja
As I begin my new role as President, I am overjoyed to introduce, or reintroduce, myself to you all.
I come to you as a product of and proud supporter of Catholic education. Growing up, I attended Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary and High School in St. Joseph, MI, and continued on to John Carroll University where I studied English and obtained my teaching degree. I then completed my Master’s in School Administration at Providence College in Rhode Island and served as a teacher, dean of students, and coach at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, MA.
With Michigan always in my heart, I relocated to Grand Rapids and served as Principal of Catholic Central from 2010–2020. These were years of tremendous growth for me, personally and professionally, as I worked alongside this incredible community. Together we celebrated the Greatest Gift campaign, built Cougar Stadium, implemented weekly Mass, became the state’s first STEM-certified high school, launched the house system, and celebrated countless winning seasons, honors, and graduations.
In 2020, I became the first full-time Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan. In this role, I’ve continued to grow in my appreciation for how stewardship, collaboration, and faith can transform organizations and lives. The past four years have broadened my perspectives and strengthened my resolve to steward the mission of Catholic education with boldness and care.
Returning to Catholic Central truly feels like coming home. Together with family—my wife, Caroline, and our four children, Chris (12), Samantha (11), Teddy (8), and Ben (5) who attend St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School—I look forward to reconnecting with students, families, alumni, staff, and supporters.
My first months will be focused on listening and learning, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts, hopes, and dreams for our school as we work together to continue building on its mission.
Thank you for the warm welcome I’ve already received. It’s an honor to serve as your President, and I humbly ask for your prayers as we embark on this journey together. Know that I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead.
I come to you as a product of and proud supporter of Catholic education. Growing up, I attended Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary and High School in St. Joseph, MI, and continued on to John Carroll University where I studied English and obtained my teaching degree. I then completed my Master’s in School Administration at Providence College in Rhode Island and served as a teacher, dean of students, and coach at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, MA.
With Michigan always in my heart, I relocated to Grand Rapids and served as Principal of Catholic Central from 2010–2020. These were years of tremendous growth for me, personally and professionally, as I worked alongside this incredible community. Together we celebrated the Greatest Gift campaign, built Cougar Stadium, implemented weekly Mass, became the state’s first STEM-certified high school, launched the house system, and celebrated countless winning seasons, honors, and graduations.
In 2020, I became the first full-time Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan. In this role, I’ve continued to grow in my appreciation for how stewardship, collaboration, and faith can transform organizations and lives. The past four years have broadened my perspectives and strengthened my resolve to steward the mission of Catholic education with boldness and care.
Returning to Catholic Central truly feels like coming home. Together with family—my wife, Caroline, and our four children, Chris (12), Samantha (11), Teddy (8), and Ben (5) who attend St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School—I look forward to reconnecting with students, families, alumni, staff, and supporters.
My first months will be focused on listening and learning, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts, hopes, and dreams for our school as we work together to continue building on its mission.
Thank you for the warm welcome I’ve already received. It’s an honor to serve as your President, and I humbly ask for your prayers as we embark on this journey together. Know that I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Give Our New President a Heartfelt Welcome
Join us for a special evening to welcome home President Greg Deja! Whether meeting Greg for the first time or reconnecting, enjoy the opportunity to hear his remarks on why he returned to CC and his leadership vision, and mingle with others in our beloved community.
Date: Thursday, March 13
Time: 5–6:30 p.m.
Location: Catholic Central Student Center
RSVP TODAYDate: Thursday, March 13
Time: 5–6:30 p.m.
Location: Catholic Central Student Center
Inspiring Community, Faith, and Service
President Greg Deja is overjoyed to return to the Catholic Central community. In this video, Greg shares his passion for community, faith, and service—reminding us to take care of ourselves, take care of each other, and take care of this place through Jesus.
Greg’s Presidential Announcement
