Courtesy St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School
Dr. Shannon Gomez
St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School recently announced the appointment of Dr. Shannon Gomez as the school’s next president. Amid St. Agnes Academy celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, Gomez will officially begin her role as president on July 1, 2026.
After an extensive 10-month national search led by the Presidential Search Committee, in partnership with the Board of Trustees, Gomez’s appointment will succeed Tom Hood, who has served as president since 2016.
Gomez brings a 25-year span of leadership for Catholic and independent schools, with her most recent service as head of school at Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Maryland. As a visionary leader, she succeeded transformative growth for Connelly School of the Holy Child, advancing it towards becoming a destination school in the Washington, D.C. area.
Some of Gomez's tenure includes: leading a 20-year master campus plan, two major capital campaigns, modernized learning environments driven by faculty, and 30 percent expansion in enrollment — positioning the school to thrive as a joyful, mission-driven community, recognized for both academic and spiritual excellence.
“Dr. Gomez’s deep commitment to Catholic education and her proven experience leading mission-driven communities make her an extraordinary choice to advance our school,” says Travis LeMonte, chair of the St. Agnes-St. Dominic Presidential Search Committee. “She views educational leadership as a ministry and is known for building vibrant, inclusive communities where students are encouraged to grow in faith, intellect, and service. We are confident Dr. Gomez is the ideal leader to steward our school’s 175-year legacy of Dominican education and shape a vibrant future for St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School.”
The following is an exerpt from what Dr. Gomez shared regarding her enthusiasm and appreciation for joining the St. Agnes-St. Dominic community:
"I am filled with gratitude and excitement as I step into the St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School community, a place where the Dominican mission has been lived with dedication and heart since 1851. From my very first visit, I sensed the warmth, purpose, and unique spirit that make this school so remarkable, a spirit that celebrates each student as an individual, challenges them to grow, and encourages them to shine as their best selves.
I am especially thankful to President Hood for his thoughtful leadership and the profound impact he has had on shaping this community. My husband, Art, and our children are eager to call Memphis home and to join all of you in nurturing this extraordinary place we are so lucky to be part of.
...I look forward to building on the remarkable legacy of St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, honoring our past, embracing the present, and imagining a future where the Dominican spirit continues to thrive for generations to come."
St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School is a Catholic, independent school rooted in the Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Service, and Community. Guided by its 175-year legacy and a vision for the future, St. Agnes–St. Dominic forms young people of integrity who are ready to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
To learn more about the 175-year legacy and to see a full statement and announcement of Dr. Shannon Gomez, visit saa-sds.org.