John Paul II Catholic School is thrilled to announce Mr. David Lima as our new President. With an extensive background in education, administration, and leadership, Mr. Lima brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Catholic education. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for our school community.

Mr. Lima holds a BA in History from Syracuse University and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Anna Maria College. He is certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA) to teach grades K-12 and holds a School Administrator’s endorsement also with the VCEA.

Mr. Lima joins us from his most recent role as the Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and Accreditation for the Diocese of Arlington, VA. There, he oversaw the accreditation of 44 schools, ensuring compliance with state and Catholic education standards. In addition to his work as an adjunct professor of education at Trinity Washington University, Mr. Lima previously served as principal of St. William of York Catholic School in Stafford, VA. During his tenure, he achieved remarkable success, including increasing student enrollment, and maintaining a zero percent teacher turnover rate over four years. This record highlights his ability to create a supportive, stable, and thriving environment for educators and students alike.

Mr. Lima’s diverse professional journey also includes 12 years with the Department of Homeland Security. As a Legislative Affairs Specialist, he served as a liaison between Congress and the Transportation Security Administration, honing his skills in high-level communication, strategic thinking, and crisis management. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions in finance, including roles with the R.I. Bar Association and State Street Bank.

Beyond his impressive resume, Mr. Lima is a devoted Catholic, husband, and father of four. His faith and family are central to his life and his vision for Catholic education. “I am deeply drawn to the faith-filled environment at JPII, where Christ is at the center of education and community life. The unique opportunity to lead a school serving grades 6-12 is particularly exciting to me,” he said. “I believe these years are formative, offering the prime opportunity to help students grow in their faith while fostering their academic and personal development. Additionally, I am excited to see the Innovation Center come to life along with further enhancements to the campus. These developments will contribute to making the JPII community the best in South Carolina.”

Mr. Lima’s vision for JPII’s future is both ambitious and inspiring. He hopes to build on the strong foundation established by JPII President Emeritus John McCarthy, aiming to achieve national recognition for excellence.

“My vision is to build on the strong foundation established by Mr. McCarthy and to propel JPII to not only be the best school in the Lowcountry but also the best in all of South Carolina. I would like to see JPII recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, added to the Neumann List as one of the strongest Catholic schools in the country, and earning the Purple Star designation from the U.S. Military, affirming our commitment to supporting military families. Achieving these milestones will require a team effort, but as a TEAM, I believe we can accomplish anything.”

With a career marked by resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, Mr. Lima’s leadership is shaped by significant challenges and achievements. “Leading a school during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic required swift decision-making and collaboration with community leaders to ensure the well-being of students and staff,” He recalled. “My time with the Department of Homeland Security honed my crisis management skills, and my role as a Congressional liaison strengthened my ability to negotiate and build consensus.”

Outside of his professional life, Mr. Lima enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, and their four children: Joshua (24), Sarah (22), Jack (19), and Daniel (15). The Lima family shares a passion for sports, particularly cheering for Notre Dame and New England teams. Mr. Lima also loves exploring historical sites and relaxing at the beach.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Mr. David Lima as the second President of John Paul II Catholic School. We are eager for this new chapter under his guidance, confident that his leadership will further enrich our school’s mission and vision for Catholic education in the Lowcountry.