Daniel O’Keefe, vice principal and academic dean at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, Elmhurst, has been appointed principal of Cardinal Spellman H.S., the Bronx.
He replaces Sister Veronica Wood, O.S.F., interim principal, as head of the 1,400-student Catholic, co-educational college preparatory high school as of Aug. 1.
Cathedral Prep has named Richie Diaz, ’96, assistant dean and English Department chairperson, as the new vice principal and academic dean.
Since 1992, O’Keefe has served as a teacher and administrator at Cathedral Prep. He taught English, theology, global studies, French and physical education, before serving as prefect of students, 1994-99, and then vice principal and academic dean, 1999-present.
He will continue teaching pre-theology to seminarians at Cathedral Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception, Douglaston.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature from Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception, Douglaston, and master’s degrees in religious studies from St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, and school building leadership from St. John’s University, Jamaica.
O’Keefe resides with his wife Lucy and four daughters in Sandyston, N.J., where they attend St. Thomas the Apostle parish.