April 17, 2018 - Thomas Haferd, Ph.D., announced as the new Head of School for Saint Paul’s Choir

Father William Kelly, Pastor of Saint Paul’s Parish in Harvard Square, announced today the appointment of Thomas Haferd, Ph.D. as the Head of School at Saint Paul’s Choir School, effective June 11, 2018.

Father Kelly stated, "After an effective search process and meetings with several strong candidates, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas Haferd as our new Head of School.  Dr. Haferd impressed the Search Committee and me in many ways. Because of his demonstrated success as an educator, leader and fundraiser, we are confident that he is the person to lead the Choir School to a bright future. Dr. Haferd articulated a clear vision about ensuring academic excellence based on content, rigor, and collaboration.  Moreover, he understands that the education of a boy is a holistic experience where character and moral development are key.  Please join me in congratulating Dr. Haferd on his appointment.  I look forward to all of us working together with him at this new moment in the Choir School’s service to the boys, our families, staff, the Church and the world.”

Advisory Board Chair Paul Haley, who also served as one of the search committee chairs, said, "Dr. Haferd fell in love with the mission of Saint Paul’s Choir School well before he became a candidate for Head of School.  He has spent the better part of the past three decades in the Harvard Square area, attending liturgies at Saint Paul’s and building relationships with leaders in the Harvard Square area.  His education at Notre Dame, Harvard and Columbia prepares him well to lead a school in which our boys aspire to attend universities of that caliber.  His teaching, administrative and advancement experiences also will allow Dr. Haferd to begin quickly to strengthen the school’s processes in these areas.  All of us on the Advisory Board look forward to working with Dr. Haferd over the upcoming years, to continue to provide a transformative and unique Catholic Boys Choir School education to every one of our students.”

Acting President Scot Landry commented, “Dr. Tom Haferd brings tremendous expertise in educational leadership, fundraising for Catholic initiatives, boys formational processes, and a deep love of choral music and the liturgies of Saint Paul’s Parish.  He is an ideal fit to lead the school into its next chapter.  Dr. Haferd innately understands the school’s four-fold mission to be academically, musically, spiritually and formationally rigorous.  He has been coaching and developing principals for many years.  The school will benefit tremendously from Dr. Haferd’s wisdom as he begins his service this June.”

Music Director John Robinson remarked, “Dr. Haferd’s experience is outstanding. He has worked in managing grass-roots organizations, fundraising on both the macro and micro levels, and has vast experience working with boys of middle-school age, and older. He brings to the position a wealth of academic knowledge, both in practical situations, and in theory. Most moving of all to me mind, is that Dr. Haferd has lived St. Paul’s mission deeply and perceptively through his son’s experiences as a student. The way that Dr. Haferd talks about the school shows he has a fundamental appreciation of its potential, whilst being under no illusions that much hard work is needed. He has clear vision of how to move the school in the above academic direction.” 

Dr. Haferd shared his thought on the appointment, “I am truly grateful for this amazing opportunity. Saint Paul’s Choir School has an internationally renowned reputation, and I am honored to have been selected to be able to contribute to its success over the next several years. I know that all faculty and staff at the school are committed to greatness.  I share their enthusiasm and will do my best to match their energy, professionalism and dedication to the boys and to the school’s mission. I am excited about what the future holds. Together we can continue to build upon the solid 50-year legacy of service to St. Paul’s parish, providing beautiful liturgies to parishioners and all those who visit St. Paul’s from across the globe. We can bring an unprecedented success to the families who seek a rich academic and musical education that brings joy, excitement and opportunity to their boys.”

Dr. Haferd has been involved in leadership of educational initiatives and Catholic organizations for his entire professional life.  He has earned a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from Notre Dame, a Masters in Operations Research from Columbia, an MBA in Financial and Strategic Planning from Columbia, a Masters in Teaching and Learning from Harvard, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Columbia.   He has earned certifications in Massachusetts and New York State for teaching Math and Physics and in Administration both as a Principal and as a Superintendent.

Dr. Haferd has taught in the Boston Public Schools, New York City Public Schools, at Wheelock College and at Matignon High School.  He has administered the Principals Academy at Columbia Teachers College and the SPES Program in Boston which served 2,500 middle and high school students in Dorchester and Mattapan by providing them wind and brass instrumental instruction.

In his executive leadership roles, Dr. Haferd has overseen a $2MM campaign to renovate a school building, a $20MM campaign to renovate and add to a retreat center, and a $50MM campaign to build a new ministry center in New York City.

About Saint Paul’s Choir School | Harvard Square

Saint Paul's Choir School is a school for boys in grades 3 through 8 and is a vital part of Saint Paul's Parish in Harvard Square. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, we work in partnership with committed parents and inspirational teachers to form the faith, character, and intellectual and musical abilities of our young men. Our goals are to help students pursue their highest God-given potential, prepare them for the strongest secondary schools and beyond, and equip them to become virtuous leaders who serve God and the world.  We are truly unique as the only Catholic Boys Choir School in the United States.