The board of trustees of Mater Dei Prep announced the appointment of Donald Galante as president of the school. Galante brings 35 years of management experience to his new role, where he will focus on strategy, development, direct marketing, finance, operations and community engagement.
“Don received the unanimous support of the board and we welcome him to our community,” said Randy MacDonald, chair of the board of trustees. While Mr. Galante assumes the role of president, the board continues its search for a Head of School – a position currently filled by interim head John A. Anderson.
“This additional layer of governance will allow the Head of School, as chief academic officer, to be intensely focused on our central mission – the delivery of a superior curricular and extra-curricular experience for our students to maximize their potential and gain acceptance to the colleges of their choice,” said MacDonald.
Working in financial companies including Citibank, MF Global, Dresdner Bank, and Barclays Bank, Galante held the positions of chief operating officer and chief investment officer at multiple firms. As a chief operating officer, he was responsible for operations, accounting, technology, human resources, facilities, compliance, risk management and marketing, all skill areas he will utilize in his new role as president of Mater Dei Prep.
“For the past 56 years Mater Dei Prep has had a rich history of preparing young adults for college and beyond,” said Galante. “I am extremely excited and motivated to take on this role as president and help lead Mater Dei Prep into its next chapter.”
In addition to his career accomplishments, Galante has spent many years as a volunteer in his community, serving as an elected official in Little Silver, for 15 years. He committee chair for the municipal advisory board to the Monmouth County Board of Taxation; a founding board member of the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers, and has served as a board member and head of the audit committee for the Community YMCA in Monmouth County.
Galante and his wife, Mandy, have been married for 34 years and have resided in Little Silver for the past 31 years.
“Don has been an important and respected community leader in Monmouth County,” said MacDonald. “His leadership style of collaboration and teamwork will elevate Mater Dei Prep’s brand and accomplishments.”