The Academy’s Board of Directors bring a diversity of talent and experience to the service of the vision in various ministries. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7), that is to say, the Academy labors with and for the community of students, parents, and teachers for the sake of a common vision.  Each board member brings a different range of experience and skills to the joyful service of the Academy’s vision: establishing a sustainable institution in the Willamette Valley to provide young men and women an opportunity to receive an excellent liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic tradition.

The Board of Directors would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mary Jo Hettwer, our long-time volunteer secretary for the board and school. She will continue in her role with the school, however, has graciously asked to step down from her position in assisting the board as of July 2022. Her generosity and support has been a light and blessing for us all.

 

Board of Directors

Deacon James Thurman, President
Gerard Graveline, Treasurer

Cheryl Schwartz, Secretary;

Emily Brand

Nick Plato, Headmaster (non-voting member) and Rolando Moreno, Executive Director (non-voting member)

Advisory Council

These prominent people who love Chesterton Academy support as ambassadors, give vital input, broaden our base, connect us to other stakeholders, and strengthen our structure.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Patrick Ryan
Carl E. Olson
Dr. Ted Papa
Dr. Alex Plato

 
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Deacon James Thurman

President

Deacon James Thurman has a BA in Philosophy and Masters in Theology from Mount Angel Seminary and is the founder and organizer for the annual Holy League Northwest Catholic men’s conference. Newly ordained in October 2019 by Archbishop Alexander Sample for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, Deacon James is currently serving at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Silverton, Oregon. He is a Benedictine Oblate of Mount Angel Abbey. He has served as Pastoral Associate of Catechesis and Family Life at St. Joseph’s in Salem and at St. Paul’s in Silverton. James is  U.S. Army veteran as a Abrams tanker and Field Artillery specialist. He spent 3 years active duty and 2 years in the Washington State National Guard. He currently is a hospice chaplain for Evergreen Hospice House in Albany. Deacon James and his wife Kathleen have been married since 2009 and have three beautiful children. He loves spending time with his family in pursuit of outdoor adventures like camping and hiking. Deacon James’ passion is studying the faith, reading spiritual books and playing golf. When time permits, he too enjoys raising a glass in the company of good friends.

Gerard Graveline

Treasurer

Gerard and his wife, Abigail, were married in 2016 and live in Keizer with their two young sons. Gerard has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franciscan University of Stubenville and an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD. He has worked in banking for 12 years and is currently a Commercial Loan Officer in Salem, OR. He and his wife are parishioners at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Keizer. Gerard enjoys spending time with his family, especially traveling to new and not so new destinations like Michigan, where he grew up.

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Cheryl Schwartz

SEcretary

Cheryl Schwartz and her husband, Michael, have been married for 28 years, and have two children and one grandchild. Cheryl completed her studies in biology and science education at the Florida Institute of Technology, then worked at the environmental science lab at Disney for 9 years before leaving to become Executive Director of the non-profit Lakes Education/Action Drive. They relocated to Oregon from Florida more than 20 years ago and became involved in parish life at St. Philip Benizi; they are currently members at St. Mary in Mt. Angel. Cheryl and Michael are oblates of Mt. Angel Abbey and serve on the oblate council. Cheryl is principal at Holy Family Academy and a founding member of the Board of Directors at G. K. Chesterton Academy of the Willamette Valley.

Emily Brand

Board Member

Emily Brand has a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.  She is currently serving in the United States Air Force Reserves as a C-17A pilot out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  She also flies B-737 aircraft for Alaska Airlines.  Emily volunteers as an OCIA catechist at both her home parish of Immaculate Conception in Stayton and St. Mary in Mount Angel.  She has been busy learning farming and forestry since she moved back home as the fifth generation to live on her family's homestead outside of Stayton. 

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Nick Plato

Headmaster, Non-Voting Member

Mr. Plato earned his graduate degree from Western Oregon University and passed his exam with distinction. Since his youth, he's loved learning, music, reading, and good conversation. He has been involved at public and private schools as a teacher, coach, as well as involved in administration. Nick’s journey with Chesterton began in a coffee shop in Wilsonville with Rolando Moreno. They met to discuss the possibility of opening a Chesterton Academy in the Willamette Valley. Since then he's been a part of the adventure as a Board Member, President, and now as the Headmaster of the School. Nick loves his hobby farm, keeping bees, raising pigs, chickens, and a large flower and vegetable garden. Nick enjoys playing ping-pong with his family, playing board games, and living generally like a hobbit on his farm.

Rolando Moreno

Executive Director, Non-voting member

Rolando received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Philosophy with a Concentration in Catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He also received a Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. From 2005 to 2014, Rolando served as Pastoral Associate of Catechesis and Family Life at St. Joseph’s in Salem and has also taught Theology at Central Catholic High School. He also served as the Director of Catechesis and Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Portland from 2015-2023.

Rolando loves spending time with his wife, Angela, and five children, reading great books, writing, and hiking. When time permits, he enjoys raising a glass in the company of good friends.