Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Names New Superintendent

SCHRIEVER, LA- The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has named Amy Vaccarella the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools, effective July 1, 2026. She succeeds Dr. Mark Williams, who served in this role for the past four years. 

A native of Patterson, Louisiana, Vaccarella is an accomplished educational leader with more than two decades of experience in accounting, classroom instruction, and school system leadership. She began her career in accounting and auditing before transitioning into education, bringing a strong foundation in finance and operations to her work in schools. 

Over the course of her career, she has served as a classroom teacher in business education, mathematics, and computer enrichment, and later in district leadership roles as Technology Facilitator and Chief Technology Officer for the St. Mary Parish School Board. In these positions, she led large-scale instructional and technology initiatives across 21 schools, gaining a comprehensive perspective that bridges classroom practice with system-level leadership. 

She currently serves as Principal of Patterson High School, where her leadership has contributed to significant academic growth, including the school’s rise from a “B” to an “A” performance rating and recognition as an Opportunity Honoree School for demonstrating strong student achievement and academic growth, particularly among disadvantaged and at-risk students.  

Vaccarella is a graduate of Nicholls State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting), and holds a Master of Educational Leadership and a Master of Technology Leadership. She is a National Board-Certified educator and has been recognized as the Region 3 Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators. 

Rooted in her parish community at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson, Vaccarella has faithfully served as a lector, sacristan, and parish council member, and she also taught catechism and founded a youth group to help form the next generation in their faith. Her commitment to the Church extends beyond the parish through her leadership as Retreat Captain for the Women’s Silent Retreat at Our Lady of the Oaks in Grand Coteau.  

The selection committee, consisting of school leadership, diocesan board and council representatives were unanimous in recommending Vaccarella for this role. Dr. Mark Williams said, “The ideal superintendent has four qualities: experience as a principal, a well-grounded temperament, a willingness to serve, and a strong faith. Amy has all of these. There is no question that she has the skillset to be a strong superintendent.” 

Reflecting on her appointment, Vaccarella shared her gratitude and her hopes for the mission of Catholic education moving forward: “Serving God through the education and formation of His children is a calling I hold close to my heart. I look forward to working alongside Bishop Simon Peter, our pastors, principals, teachers, and families to strengthen Catholic education by forming students in faith, academic excellence, and service. Together, we will continue building school communities where every child is known, loved, and encouraged to grow in Christ.” 

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux serves families across the region through 10 Catholic schools, educating nearly 5,000 students and supported by nearly 500 faculty and staff. Learn more at www.htdiocese.org/catholic-schools.

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