Laura Blake
Laura Blake, a longtime educator and administrator in the Diocese of Erie whose previous work included an administrative job in Venango County, has been appointed superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese.
Blake, whose new duties start June 1, currently serves as assistant superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese.
She has nearly 20 years of experience in Catholic education, including service as a teacher, principal, school president and diocesan leader.
Blake will succeed the current superintendent, Jim Gallagher, who led the office for the last decade.
“Laura Blake is a dedicated and faith-filled leader who understands the mission and importance of Catholic education,” said Erie Bishop Lawrence T. Persico. “Her experience, commitment to students and collaborative leadership style will help continue the strong tradition of Catholic schools throughout our diocese.”
In accepting the appointment, Blake reflected on the mission of Catholic education and the opportunity ahead.
“With deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I am honored to accept Bishop Persico’s appointment,” Blake said.
She said she “looks forward to listening, learning and collaborating with our pastors, boards, presidents, principals, teachers and families as we continue strengthening Catholic education across the diocese.”
Gallagher said he is grateful for the opportunity he had to serve the diocesan school community.
“It has been a privilege to serve the Diocese of Erie and work alongside such dedicated educators, boards, pastors and school families,” said Gallagher, who added he is excited to serve the church in a new capacity and return to his Ohio roots.
Gallagher also said Blake “is an exceptional leader who cares deeply about students and the mission of Catholic education.”
Blake began her career in Catholic education as a teacher, and then principal, at Seton Catholic School in Meadville.
She then served from March 2019 to August 2022 as the first president of the Venango Region Catholic School system, which included Venango Catholic High School in Oil City, St. Stephen Elementary in Oil City and St. Patrick Elementary in Franklin.
St. Stephen is the only one of those schools still in operation as St. Patrick was merged into St. Stephen in 2020 and Venango Catholic closed its doors at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Blake has been the assistant superintendent for the diocese’s Catholic schools since leaving Venango Region Catholic School. Those schools currently serve nearly 5,000 students across 13 counties in northwest Pennsylvania.