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February 17, 2023Dear Elyria Catholic community,
I am delighted to announce that Garen Distelhorst has accepted the Director of Philanthropy & Engagement position at Elyria Catholic High School.
Garen is a mission-driven development professional who currently oversees alumni relations and planned giving at Saint Ignatius High School. He brings eight years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, event planning, and prospect management.
Garen graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in 1996, Miami University, with a B.S. in Health & Sports Organization, in 2001, and has a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University. Additionally, Garen earned a Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives, a membership organization that promotes higher professional standards within the association and nonprofit community.
Garen lives with his wife, Katie (née Flanagan, an Elyria Catholic class of 2002 alumna), and their three children, Garen Jr., Teddy, and Annie, in North Ridgeville. They are members of St. Mary of the Falls Parish in Olmsted Falls.
Garen served as head coach for all three St. Ignatius lacrosse teams during his 12 years with the program. Most recently, he has acted as the program's Director of Lacrosse Operations. In his free time, Garen enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and following Cleveland and OSU sports.
Garen expresses his excitement about joining the Elyria Catholic team saying, "Thank you to Annie Heidersbach and the search committee for the amazing opportunity to work on behalf of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members of Elyria Catholic High School. I look forward to becoming part of the school I have heard so much about through the years from my wife, her family, and the many family and friends who attended EC."
“Elyria Catholic, with the support of the EC Advisory Council and Steering Committee, has a fantastic Strategic Plan in place. I cannot wait to begin working on the immediate goals and objectives. Thank you to Annie's Philanthropy & Engagement team, who has already welcomed me during the transition—the positive culture is apparent, and I'm eager to be a part of it all. Go Panthers!!!"
I look forward to introducing you to Garen when he begins his position at Elyria Catholic on March 6.
Annie Heidersbach
President
