For Immediate Release
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
GREGORY A. FARNO APPOINTED CHANCELLOR OF EDUCATION
FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE
Baltimore, MD, (Monday, Dec. 4, 2023) – William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, appointed Mr. Gregory A. Farno as Chancellor of Education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore school system. The appointment of Mr. Farno comes after an extensive search following the retirement of Chancellor Emeritus, James B. Sellinger, in June of 2022.
“We are truly blessed to welcome Mr. Farno into this significant role of leading our Department of Catholic Schools. He is an individual with a long-standing commitment to education, to his community and to his faith. His impeccable record in leadership and organizational success make him the ideal person to take on this important position,” said Archbishop Lori. “I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build upon our School’s strong Christ-centered foundation where every student is valued and where learning is celebrated.”
Mr. Farno joins the archdiocese from Truist Financial Corporation, where he served as the Regional President for the Maryland Region until his retirement in September 2023. As the Regional President for the Maryland Region, Mr. Farno skillfully led the commercial operations of Truist Financial Corporation, ensuring the effective delivery of the firm’s services to its clients. Prior to his tenure at Truist Financial Corporation, Mr. Farno held various distinguished positions at SunTrust Bank, including president, managing director, and senior vice president.
Mr. Farno is a highly regarded figure within Baltimore’s business community, known for his extensive involvement with philanthropic boards and committees throughout the region. His contributions have extended to organizations such as the B&O Railroad Museum, the Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, the Greater Baltimore Committee, the Living Classrooms Foundation, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, St. Timothy’s School, Family and Children Services of Maryland, the Center for Urban Families, and the Maryland Bankers Association.
“Mr. Farno loves our community and has been a champion for Catholic education for the more than 25 years that I have known
him,” said Bill McCarthy, Executive Director Catholic Charities. “He has spent his 40-year banking career in greater Baltimore where he and Kathy have raised their family. He is a passionate mission driven leader, who as Chancellor will ensure that Catholic education thrives and is accessible to all neighbors who seek it. We are incredibly fortunate to have Greg as our Chancellor of Education.”
Mr. Farno will succeed as the second Chancellor of Education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, a position established by Archbishop Lori in 2014 to ensure the long-term sustainability of Catholic Schools through enhanced operational efficiency and oversight.
As the Chancellor of Education, Mr. Farno will oversee the business operations of the Catholic school system. His responsibilities will encompass strategic initiatives for the advancement of Catholic schools, including enrollment recruitment and retention, financial stability, and the implementation of effective marketing and communication strategies. Furthermore, he will actively engage in fundraising endeavors, the development of local school boards, and advocacy for public policy.
Dr. Donna Hargens will continue to serve as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the archdiocese, a role she has ably held since 2018.
Mr. Farno will assume his new role on Jan. 17, 2024, poised to bring his exceptional leadership and expertise to further strengthen the educational foundation of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
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About Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools: Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore provide a Christ-centered education that is academically excellent and empowers students to reach their full potential–spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and morally. There are 40 archdiocesan Catholic schools located in nine jurisdictions throughout Maryland, including the city and county of Baltimore. The 34 elementary schools and 6 high schools enroll almost 17,000 students and are vibrant communities of faith and learning. Additionally, there are 12 Independent Catholic High schools and 6 independent
To read more about Gregory Farno, visit https://catholicreview.org/gregory-farno-appointed-new-archdiocesan-schools-chancellor/