Dr. Scott Elmer Named Superintendent to Lead Denver Catholic Schools On Mission
- Archdiocese of Denver
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
After a brief period of service as interim superintendent, the Archdiocese of Denver is pleased to announce that Dr. Scott Elmer will assume the role permanently, effective January 1, 2026.
Reflecting on this call, Dr. Elmer shared, “I could not be more excited for this opportunity. I truly believe that our schools are our most potent mission field and the greatest lever we have to build the Kingdom of God and impact the future of our society.”
In addition to this appointment, Dr. Elmer will continue his service as Chief Mission Officer of the Archdiocese, a position that has included oversight of the superintendent’s office since July 1. His ongoing leadership in both roles ensures continuity and strengthens the missional renewal already underway within Catholic education across Northern Colorado.
Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila has entrusted Dr. Elmer with this sacred responsibility in recognition of the essential place schools hold in the archdiocese’s apostolic mission and future vitality.
"I am happy to announce Dr. Scott Elmer as the Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Denver. Scott has faithfully served in the Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries and as the Chief Mission Officer for over a decade. I look forward to seeing how Catholic education expands and grows under his leadership."
A Missionary Shepherd for Catholic Education
Dr. Elmer is no stranger to missionary renewal. As the archdiocese’s first-ever Chief Mission Officer, he has spent years helping drive the Church’s move from maintenance to apostolic mission, after previously leading the Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries. In his role as Chief Mission Officer, Dr. Elmer began serving on Archbishop Aquila’s Mission Leadership Team, working to animate every apostolate, including schools, with a deeper unity of purpose: so that in Jesus Christ all might be rescued and have abundant life, for the glory of the Father.
Now, this same missionary zeal turns directly toward Catholic schools. The superintendent’s role is not merely administrative; it is ecclesial. It is the work of ensuring that every school remains a place of encounter, formation and sending, a living extension of the Church’s own maternal and evangelizing heart.
Guiding Schools Through Renewal and Revitalization
Dr. Elmer’s appointment comes as the archdiocese continues a thoughtful revitalization of its schools’ footprint to secure long-term faithfulness and strength. Recent restructuring — including closings, consolidations and partnerships born of demographic and financial realities — has been framed not as retreat, but as renewal, grounded in three steady pillars: Catholic identity, educational vitality and financial stability.
In this moment, the superintendent is called to lead with both pastoral tenderness and apostolic courage, strengthening school communities, supporting pastors and principals, forming educators as missionary disciples and ensuring families find in Catholic schools a home where truth is loved, virtue is cultivated and the sacraments are central.
Gratitude for the Past, Confidence in the Spirit
Dr. Elmer follows Dr. Kemmery Hill, who stepped down this month after discerning a return to direct in-school ministry, returning to her previous role as principal in one of our schools.
As Dr. Elmer begins this new chapter, the faithful are invited to pray that the Holy Spirit will grant him wisdom and fortitude, and that every Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Denver may shine ever more brightly as a workshop of saints, joyfully on mission for the life of the world.
