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The Indiana Non-Public Education Association is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has selected James McNeany as its next executive director. He will begin his new role in June and will assume full responsibility upon the retirement of John Elcesser in July. John has served as INPEA’s executive director since January of 2008.
“We are thrilled to welcome James McNeany as the new executive director for INPEA,” said Michelle Priar, INPEA Board President and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Evansville. “His extensive leadership experience in non-public schools as well as his unwavering commitment to INPEA make him uniquely qualified to take the reins upon John Elcesser’s retirement.”
McNeany has served as the principal of St. Theodore Guerin High School in Noblesville since 2013. As principal, Guerin Catholic has been recognized as one of the top 50 Catholic High Schools in the U.S. and a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. Under his leadership, McNeany oversaw a 10-person leadership team and a faculty of 60 teachers, completed a $26.5 million capital campaign for a new arts and wellness center, and managed the creation and implementation of several multifaceted strategic plans. For his outstanding achievements, he was recognized as the Indiana District 5 Principal of the Year in 2024. Prior to his role at Guerin Catholic, McNeany served as principal at All Saints Catholic School in Logansport and assistant principal and athletic director for Logansport Community School Corporation. McNeany began his education career as a middle school math teacher at Columbia Middle School in Logansport.
“James brings the unique combination of having had successful school leadership experience while also being actively involved in the public policy arena,” said John Elcesser. “He has been involved in the work of INPEA for over ten years, so he has a keen understanding and commitment to INPEA’s mission and work.”
McNeany earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Purdue University and a Master of Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and Legislative Advocacy Committee for INPEA. He is a former board member of the Indiana Association of School Principals and the Logansport Rotary Club.
“James has worked closely with INPEA for a number of years, including serving on our Board of Directors, so he understands the importance of fostering relationships and creating a culture of collaboration that will serve Hoosier educators, students, and their families well,” said Priar. “I’m confident that his expertise will build on the legacy that John Elcesser has determinedly developed over the past 17 years and I’m excited to see how James will lead INPEA into our next chapter.”
A man of deep faith, McNeany is a member of St. Maria Goretti parish in Westfield. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and active in the Central Indiana Cursillo Community. He also studied in the Ecclesial Lay Ministry Program at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer. James lives in Westfield with his wife, Dr. Jennifer McNeany, and five children, all of whom are current students or graduates of Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana schools.
"I am truly honored and excited to serve as the next executive director of this vital organization,” said McNeany. “Representing the outstanding non-public schools across our state is a privilege. I have long admired the exceptional work of John and the INPEA team in fostering an environment where non-public schools can thrive in Indiana. I look forward to building on their efforts and continuing to advance the mission of each school we represent."
McNeany will begin his new role with INPEA in June.
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