Introducing Dan Kerns

It’s been a whirlwind first two weeks for our new President, Dan Kerns. From the breakfast line with Chef Russell Byrd and volunteer Don Kisicki, to the clothing closet with Franciscan Mission Service ; from snow days to monitoring the COVID situation to keep us all safe; and simply getting to know the team, Dan is settling in to the busy atmosphere of The Center! Welcome – it’s great to have you here.

I consider it a great privilege to follow Dr. Kim Cox as the Executive Director of The Father McKenna Center.  Her visionary leadership has placed the Center on firm footing as we fulfill the legacy and carry on the important work of Father McKenna.

Executive Director Dan Kerns comes to The Father McKenna Center following a long tenure as a leader in Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Washington, most notably as the Head of School at Georgetown Visitation for 33 years before retiring from that position in 2019.  A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Dan has a JD from the Scalia School of Law, George Mason University.  While at Visitation, he spearheaded an increase in enrollment and innovative programing.  In 2018, under his leadership, the school successfully completed its largest capital campaign to date and secured funds for new construction and financial assistance to build the school’s endowment.

Following retirement, Dan was active in a number of non-profit boards and served as the Service Engagement Director for the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, which has placed several service corps members at the Center, and as Coordinator of the North American Salesian Network.  A longtime volunteer at The Father McKenna Center, Dan and his wife Alice are also proud that each of their children (Gonzaga College High School grads Matt ’15, and Danny ’18; Tom, St. John’s College High School ’19; and Katie, Visitation ’22) have also logged service hours at the Center.