our leadership
Executive Director
Angela Pohlen
Angela has been leading the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport since 2019. Her prior experience includes being a preschool-8th grade administrator for 17 years and leading schools in Southern California and Vermont. While in Vermont, she also served as Assistant Interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington where she led the diocese’s curriculum revision in English & Language Arts and Mathematics.
Angela is originally from California, and received a BA in Communications and an MA in Catholic Inclusive Education from Loyola Marymount University. Her masters was in a program that focused on special education designed for a Catholic school model, and deeply influenced Angela’s educational philosophy. She has instituted formal academic and behavior intervention programs at schools where she served as principal, targeted at helping teachers get the support required to meet the individual needs of the learners in their classrooms, thus broadening the population able to be served in her schools.
Angela has spoken nationally for organizations including the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), The National Inclusive Catholic Education (NICE) conference, and the Federal Women’s Professional Network. She served on several boards including the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington’s teacher licensing board, and the Vermont Independent Schools Association (VISA), and served for 11 years as a Commissioner on the Commission on Independent Schools for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and three years as the Chair of the Commission.
She brings a wealth of instructional and systematic know-how to the role of Executive Director and is passionate about the unique ability Catholic schools have to be game-changers for children.
Deputy Executive Director
DR. Allison Jordan-HURTT
Dr. Allison Jordan-Hurtt serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport, where she provides leadership and support to the Academy's four campuses, working closely with principals to advance academic excellence, strengthen Catholic identity, and ensure alignment across the organization.
Dr. Hurtt brings nearly two decades of experience in PreK–8 Catholic and independent schools, more than a decade of which has been spent in school administration. Prior to her appointment as Deputy Executive Director, she served as Principal of St. Augustine Academy for six years, leading significant growth in enrollment, student achievement, school culture, and student support services.
Beyond her work within CAB, Dr. Hurtt coaches and mentors school leaders and serves as a Commissioner on the Commission on Independent Schools for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), supporting accreditation and school improvement efforts throughout the region.
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Dr. Hurtt joined the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport in 2020 and is passionate about helping students flourish academically, spiritually, and personally within vibrant Catholic school communities. She is committed to ensuring that every Catholic Academy of Bridgeport student receives an exceptional, faith-filled education that prepares them to lead lives of purpose and service.
Board of Directors
The focus of our Board of Directors is to make sure that the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport has the necessary tools and resources to bring forth the best in the students entrusted to us. We realize you have chosen our school because of the strong academic advantage we provide in a faith-based, safe and supportive learning environment.
Our Board is a governing body with responsibility for the leadership and direction of the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport. Our campuses receive the full dedication and support of our 23 member Board of Directors.
Our students are nurtured, encouraged and challenged throughout their time here at CAB. Their academic and personal achievement assures us they will graduate well on their way to becoming women and men of courage, faith and compassion - prepared for a successful life of leadership and service.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Kreitler, Board Chair
James Bailey, Co-Vice Chair
Bradford Evans, Co-Vice Chair
Sheila Clancy, Secretary
William P. Russell, Jr., Treasurer
Angela Pohlen, Executive Director
Dennis G. Boyd
Peter Cieszko
Ann Marie Donnelly
DAN FERRIS
Tony Fox
Jamie Heffernan
Timothy D. Jensen
Rev. Michael Jones, Jr.
John J. Kennedy
Robert Lendrim
Jody Myers
Brian O’Connor
Brian O’Hare
Marylou Queally Salvati
Michael Sweeney
Sergio Toni
Thomas J. Walsh, Jr.
BOARD OF MEMBERS
Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano
REV. CHRISTOPHER FORD
Stacie Stueber