Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F., who has spent the last 30 years as principal of St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, has been named the first-ever president of the Queens school. Taking over as principal is Patrick J. McLaughlin, a member of the faculty for the past 30 years.

The Prep’s board of trustees adopted the new model of leadership to “continue to meet the challenges of the 21st Century with the confidence and enthusiasm” that the school always has demonstrated.

Brother Leonard, in his 45th year as a Brooklyn Franciscan brother, has been associated with St. Francis Prep for 42 years.

He is a graduate of Bishop Ford H.S., Park Slope, and St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights. He began teaching at the Prep when it was located on North 6th Street in Williamsburg.

McLaughlin is a 1973 alumnus of St. Francis Prep. For more than 20 years, he has served as assistant principal for faculty and instruction. He also has taught at Queens College and the St. John’s University School of Education and Human Service.