Education Council

Meet our Education Council

Chris Hay, President

Chris serves as President of the Seton Catholic Education Council. As President and CEO of Dannemora Federal Credit Union, Chris brings expert skills in finance, strategy, and organizational design. An alumnus and parent of two recent graduates, he has served the Education Council since 2006, leading Seton through major mergers. He remains dedicated to preserving the rich tradition of Catholic education in the North Country.

Cheryl Kabeli, Vice President

Cheryl is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at SUNY Plattsburgh and a senior nurse practitioner. She contributes high-level expertise in educational theory and evidence-based teaching to support Seton Catholic’s advanced coursework. A dedicated parent of a recent graduate, Cheryl has led the school gala and various fundraising efforts for over a decade, driven by her passion for shaping future leaders.

Mike Howley, Secretary

Mike serves the Catholic Church as a deacon, following a distinguished legal career as a practicing attorney and New York State Family Court Magistrate. He utilizes his extensive judicial experience to support thoughtful, sound decision-making for the school. An alumnus and father of three Seton Catholic graduates, Mike is deeply committed to preserving the school's spirit within our Catholic community.

Katie Harrica

As a practicing attorney, Katie brings valuable legal expertise to the Seton Catholic Education Council. A proud alumna and current parent, she actively leads the Outreach Committee—a group established in 2025 to enhance communication and community engagement, in response to parent feedback. Katie is deeply committed to Seton Catholic’s future and is excited to play a role in the school’s continued growth and success.

Katy Mast

As the Director of Global Operations at GE Healthcare, Katy brings twenty years of expertise in Lean methodology and strategic reporting to the Council. A Seton Catholic graduate, parishioner, and parent of a Seton student and recent graduate, she offers a deep understanding of the school's rich traditions. She is passionate about leveraging her professional background to ensure future generations continue to learn, serve, and worship at Seton Catholic.

Judge Pat McGill

Judge McGill serves as a lawyer and Clinton County Court Judge, bringing significant legal discernment and decades of professional leadership to the Council. As a parent of three Seton Catholic alumni, he has a long-standing personal investment in the school’s mission. He remains deeply committed to the Council, where he enjoys contributing to the ongoing success and excellence of Seton Catholic.

Stephen Gagnier

A retired mechanical engineer with nearly 40 years of experience at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Stephen provides invaluable expertise in maintaining the school’s buildings and grounds. An alumnus, parent, and current grandparent of two Seton Catholic students, he has served on the Council since 2008. Stephen is proud to be part of the leadership team dedicated to navigating Seton Catholic’s facilities and mission into the future.

Fr. Kevin McEwan, Holy Cross Parish Pastor

As the Pastor of Holy Cross Parish since 2019, Fr. Kevin is a steadfast advocate for the vital role of Catholic education in modern society. Representing Seton Catholic’s largest institutional donor, he provides essential spiritual leadership and communal support to the Council. He is inspired by the collective passion of the council members and their shared dedication to Seton Catholic’s success.

Fr. Chris Looby, Pastor of St. Alexander’s, St. Augustine’s and St. James’ Parish

A priest in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, Fr. Chris contributes extensive experience in pastoral leadership, faith formation, and community engagement. His history with the school dates back to 2001, when he served as the varsity football chaplain. He is eager to strengthen Seton’s Catholic identity while supporting the spiritual, academic, and moral development of every student.

Dr. Anthony Conti, M.D.

A dedicated physician, Dr. Conti brings a unique professional perspective to the Council’s problem-solving and strategic initiatives. He is the proud parent of two Seton Catholic alumni and one current student, giving him a long-standing personal connection to the school community. As a new member, he is eager to share fresh ideas that ensure Seton Catholic thrives for years to come.

Mary Forbes, Principal

The principal of Seton Catholic, Mary has served the school for over three decades in a variety of capacities, including middle school and high school math teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal, among others. She has a heart for the Seton Catholic community, having personally met and taught nearly every student that has come through its doors. She serves on and reports monthly and as needed to the Seton Catholic Education Council.