J.P. Kelly to Step Down as Advancement Director; Ben DiPalma to Take Over as Lead of Advancement Team

BATON ROUGE, LA – April 9, 2025 – Catholic High School announced today that after nearly 25 years of dedicated service to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, J.P. Kelly ’92, will step down from his position as Director of Advancement to pursue ventures outside of CHS. Kelly says it has been a privilege to serve Catholic High School and it is his hope to remain involved with the school in an auxiliary capacity. 

“I’m deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve built and the knowledge I have gained from the alumni, parents, faculty, friends, and students of Catholic High,” Kelly said. “Being a part of this community and contributing to the meaningful experiences of so many young men has been a blessing, and I remain committed to helping CHS uphold its tradition of excellence in all areas.”

CHS President Lisa Harvey says the school’s administration is grateful for Kelly and his unwavering commitment over the years. 

“J.P.’s time here has come full circle – from student to parent to teacher to coach to school leader – his passion for Catholic High School is evident to anyone who has crossed paths with him,” Harvey said. “He has given his time, care, and expertise to our school for more than two decades and we wish him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter.”

Upon Kelly’s departure, Ben DiPalma ’00 will transition from his position as CHS Athletic Director to take over as the CHS Director of Advancement. As head of the Advancement Team, DiPalma will lead the school’s community engagement and fundraising efforts while overseeing the activities of the alumni and communications departments. He says he is humbled and excited to take on this new adventure.

"It has been a true privilege to serve as the Athletic Director at Catholic High School over the past four years,” DiPalma said. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside an exceptional athletic leadership team and a group of passionate, dedicated coaches. Most of all, I’ve been blessed by the opportunity to support and celebrate our student-athletes – sharing in their victories and standing by them through challenges. I am deeply grateful to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart for entrusting me with this role. As I transition into my new position with the Advancement Team, I look forward to the opportunities ahead and the continued chance to serve this incredible community."

DiPalma has been a member of the CHS faculty for 13 years. An experienced attorney, teacher, coach, and school leader, he served as Athletic Director for the last four years. DiPalma recently completed the Coindre Leadership Program, an intensive personal formation experience designed to prepare school leaders and future mentors in the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to better ensure its continued, lived expression in the Brothers’ schools. 

CHS now seeks to fill the position of Athletic Director for the school’s premier athletic program. Interested applicants should submit a resume to CHS Principal, Dr. Tom Eldringhoff, at teldringhoff@catholichigh.org.