WAUKESHA, WI (August 12, 2026) – Today, the Board of Directors of Catholic Memorial High School announced the planned retirement of President Donna Bembenek. Since assuming the presidency in July 2017, Bembenek has led Catholic Memorial through a period of significant growth and innovation, strengthening the school’s Catholic mission while expanding opportunities for students.
During her tenure, Bembenek led the school through numerous program advances including the expansion of the STEM offerings, the senior year internship program and the additional curriculum offerings in the Czarnecki Family Academic Resource Center. Bembenek also led significant facility enhancements – including renovations of the Helen R. Krahn Family Center for the Arts, a new Welcome Center, classroom upgrades, The Bill Young Performance Center and most notably, the purchase and construction of the Catholic Memorial Sullivan Campus. A passionate advocate for Catholic education, Bembenek also secured the presence of a full-time priest to serve the Catholic Memorial community.
“The Board of Directors is grateful for Donna’s leadership throughout the past nine years. She is a passionate leader, committed to Catholic education and has guided Catholic Memorial through extraordinary initiatives, growth in enrollment, academics, campus development, and faith formation” said Tony Mallinger, CMH board Chair. Mallinger went on to say, “Under Donna’s leadership Catholic Memorial has earned Exemplary Recognition for Academic Excellence and designation as a School of Distinction in STEM for nine consecutive years.”
In reflecting on her retirement announcement, Bembenek shared “I am eternally grateful for the generosity of the CMH community that makes our school possible. So many give their time, talent, and treasure to ensure CMH thrives.” Bembenek added, “returning to CMH as president, after experiencing its impact for my own children has been a tremendous privilege. I have been honored to work hard every day to ensure other families realize the gift of a CMH education. When looking back on a lifetime, you realize what a profound impact high school has on everything that comes after. The amazing academic foundation a CMH education provides serves our graduates extremely well; their faith will serve them more.”
The Board of Directors has appointed a search committee and will begin a national search immediately to identify the school’s next president. Bembenek will remain in her role until her successor is named. A new president is expected to be in place by the first quarter of 2027.