Matthew Murphy, Chairman of the Board – Matt has been a member of the Board since the inception of the Catholic Academy of Stamford (CAS) in 2017. Matt has served as Director of Finance and Treasurer from 2017 – 2025, and appointed Chairman of the Board July 2025. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Matt attended Saint Andrew Avellino Parish and Holy Cross High School in Flushing. He earned both an undergraduate degree and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University. Matt is an experienced lending professional with a successful career in commercial banking. He and his wife, Amy, live in Stamford, and their youngest daughter is a 2020 graduate of CAS.

Maureen Belford, Chair Catholic Identity Committee – Maureen Belford joined the Board in 2022. She serves as Chair of the Catholic Identity domain for the school’s strategic plan. Having retired from teaching after 44 years in the Diocese of Bridgeport the last three being at CAS, Maureen brings her experience as an educator to the Board. She is deeply committed to Catholic education and the future of The Catholic Academy of Stamford. Maureen attended Catholic elementary and high schools and has been a lifelong member of Assumption Church in Westport.

Patrice Kopas, Chair of Curriculum Committee – Patrice Kopas is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the Diocese of Bridgeport. Patrice joined the Board in 2022, and serves as Chair of Curriculum. Mrs. Kopas received her BA from Michigan State University (Go Spartans!), her Master of Science degree from Southern Connecticut University and her Professional Certificate in Administration from Sacred Heart University. Mrs. Kopas began her career in education as a Middle School teacher at All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk. Mrs. Kopas was the Principal of Greenwich Catholic School for 13 years prior to her appointment to the Office of the Superintendent.

In her role on the CAS Board of Directors, she provides guidance and support in matters of administration, school leadership, Catholic Identity, and academics. Mrs. Kopas resides in Weston and is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Sydelle Exantus, Member of the Governance Committee – Sydelle was appointed to the board in 2024. Sydelle holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. She currently works as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Office of the State’s Attorney in Stamford.  Sydelle was educated from kindergarten though high school in the Stamford Catholic School system and credits the Diocese with fostering her love of God and learning. She is an active member of the Tabernacle of Grace Church in Stamford, where her mother is the head Pastor.

Christopher C. Kulick, Chair of Advancement Committee – Chris joined the board in 2022. He serves as Chair of the Advancement Committee. Chris brings over 20 years of experience in the capital markets. His experience ranges from working with individuals and institutions to better understand a vast array of Hedge Fund, Private Equity, and traditional investment strategies. Chris brings a deep understanding of strategic initiatives as well as tactical implementation across an organization. Chris graduated with an MBA in Finance from Wake Forest University and a BBA in Marketing from the University of Iowa. He is a strong supporter of Catholic Education, a member of the Knights of Columbus (#5833), and a member of the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist parish in Stamford. (Past Parent ’26)

Danielle Jahn, Secretary and Chair of Marketing & Enrollment Committee –  Danielle joined the Board in 2022, and serves as Board Secretary, and Chair of the Marketing & Enrollment Committee. She is a Creative Director with close to 30 years of experience in Branding, Promotions and Marketing in a variety of genres. A product of Catholic Education herself, Danielle also created and leads the CAS Grows Garden program as a volunteer. She and her family are members of St. Cecilia Parish in Stamford. (Past Parent ’26)

Francis Browne, Vice-Chairperson & Chair of Governance Committee – Frank has been a member of the the Board since the inception of the Catholic Academy of Stamford (CAS) in 2017 and has served as Vice-Chairperson and the Director of Governance.

bio coming soon…