Christian Brother Frank Byrne, president of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, will end his term at the Lincroft school to become Auxiliary Provincial for Brothers’ District of Eastern North America (DENA) as of Sept. 1.
Reflecting upon his term as president, Brother Frank said, “I have enjoyed my 12 years as president of CBA tremendously. It has been an honor to come back to my alma mater and work with a group of dedicated faculty, staff and administration. The students, parents and alumni have been supportive, and I will truly miss my day-to-day interaction with the CBA community.”
During his presidency at CBA, Brother Frank led an expansion of offerings across campus. Assuming his role at the start of the academy’s “Project 50th” capital campaign, he oversaw the additions of the Quinn Library & Media Center; new administrative and guidance office suites; multiple new classrooms and labs, and an expanded fitness center.
CBA earned the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for high performing schools in 2017 (the second time in the school’s history) under the direction of Brother Frank, Principal Ross Fales and Associate Principal Sean Nunan. The religious also was the main catalyst in expanding the school’s scholarship and financial aid offerings, as well as maintaining strong enrollment numbers. The Academy now has 84 named scholarships, and awards $1.9 million each year in scholarships and aid.
As a CBA alumnus, Brother Frank made alumni participation one of his priorities. He instituted alumni events across the country, networking nights in Monmouth County and New York City, and five-year reunions at every end-of-year Family BBQ.
“Forever CBA: Securing Our Mission,” the second capital campaign under his leadership, was launched in 2019 and has raised $10.8 million towards its $12 million goal. This campaign aims to build a new Round Barn athletic facility, a soccer and lacrosse turf complex, the Sheehan Track & Field complex, as well as add or expand multiple buildings for academics and extracurricular activities. “Forever CBA” will also add millions to the school’s endowment and allow the Academy to offer more scholarships and aid to students and support programs across campus.
Before his tenure at Christian Brothers Academy, Brother Frank had led the New York District as Provincial from 2002-2009. He will join the DENA administration as they prepare to welcome a new Provincial this summer, Brother Robert Schaefer, FSC. Both appointments have been approved in Rome by the Superior General of the Brothers, Christian Brother Robert Schieler.
Christian Brother Thomas Gerrow will succeed Brother Frank as president of CBA beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year. Brother Thomas, the former president at both La Salle Academy, Providence, R.I., and St. John’s College High School, Washington, has been appointed with the CBA Board of Trustees in accord.