PALM BEACH GARDENS | The Diocese of Palm Beach recently announced an upcoming leadership transition in the Office of Catholic Schools.
After more than a decade of dedicated service, Gary Gelo, superintendent of schools, will retire in February 2026. He has led Catholic education in the diocese with vision, integrity and unwavering faith.
Throughout his tenure, Gelo was instrumental in strengthening and expanding Catholic education throughout the five-county diocese. He championed numerous scholarship programs, expanding access for thousands of students, and oversaw a significant increase in diocesan tuition assistance to $1.5 million during his time as superintendent. Under his leadership, the diocese experienced a notable increase in student enrollment while advancing strong academics, vibrant faith formation and a commitment to educational excellence.
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To ensure continuity and continued growth, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito has appointed Katie Kervi, assistant superintendent, to succeed Gelo as superintendent of schools, effective Feb. 6, 2026.
“We are most blessed in the Diocese of Palm Beach with our Catholic schools in service to our young people. Our schools offer the best in terms of their overall education and faith formation. I am deeply grateful for the exceptional accomplishments of Mr. Gary Gelo, who has served as our superintendent of schools since 2011,” Bishop Barbarito said. “I have appointed Mrs. Kervi to succeed him, when Mr. Gelo retires upon completion of his years of ministry in the diocese. I have no doubt that she will continue to build on the extraordinary foundation he has provided.
“I am also deeply grateful to Mr. John Clarke, associate superintendent of schools, for the outstanding service which he will continue to render in that capacity. This transition of leadership offers the continued confidence and hope in our Catholic schools,” the bishop said.
Among his key accomplishments, Gelo led the development and implementation of two diocesan strategic plans, expanded partnerships with the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education and collaborated with school leaders to enhance school governance and community engagement. The Office of Catholic Schools instituted diocesan curriculum guidelines for religion, math and English/language arts.
In addition, Gelo guided major communications and marketing initiatives in conjunction with the diocesan Communications Office. His leadership extended to the international level as a delegate to the Vatican’s World Congress on Catholic Education in 2015.
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“I have thoroughly enjoyed my ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach over the last 14 years,” Gelo said. “It has been an exceptional opportunity and blessing to work alongside Bishop Barbarito, other diocesan leaders, school pastors and administrators, faculty and staff, and many committed lay leaders. I am deeply grateful for these relationships and proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The Catholic schools in the diocese are in an excellent position to move forward with near-capacity enrollment, strong academics, and a vibrant faith community.”
A product of diocesan schools, Kervi is a graduate of St. Luke School and Cardinal Newman High School. She has faithfully served in Catholic education for more than 20 years — as a teacher, principal and, most recently, assistant superintendent. Kervi earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 2003 and completed a master’s in education from Walden University in 2008.
“Mrs. Kervi is highly qualified and will provide excellent leadership,” Gelo said. “Together with Mr. John Clarke, associate superintendent, she will ensure that our Catholic schools are well positioned to serve the faithful in the years ahead.”
For more information about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach, visit www.DiocesePBSchools.org and its social media sites.
Discover Catholic schools
Discover Catholic Schools Week, Nov. 16-22, aims to help schools connect with prospective families, donors, educators and other community members. This national initiative showcases what makes Catholic schools the best option for families. To discover Catholic schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach, visit www.diocesepbschools.org and connect on Facebook and Instagram.
