LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
Anchored in tradition and forward-thinking vision, our leadership is comprised of accomplished professionals, distinguished alumni, monks and other passionate advocates for Portsmouth Abbey’s advancement.
Complementing this body is the Head of School, who embodies expertise and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual and personal development of every student. This dynamic relationship between governance and leadership is responsible for the academic distinction and holistic enrichment of Portsmouth Abbey School in the years ahead.
MATT WALTER BIOGRAPHY
Matt Walter was appointed head of school at Portsmouth Abbey on February 14, 2022. His journey to this position is marked by a deep and longtime commitment to Catholic education paired with a distinguished background in leadership and development.
A graduate of Cistercian Preparatory School in Texas, Matt was inspired by the values and traditions of monastic education from an early age. His father’s 46-year tenure as a teacher and administrator at Cistercian instilled in him a profound respect for the transformative power of an education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. He graduated from Cistercian in 1986.
He went on to pursue higher education at Princeton University, where he earned a B.A. in History in 1990. He continued his academic journey at the University of Texas, obtaining a J.D. in 1993. After practicing law, Matt discovered his true vocation in Catholic education.
In 1998, he began his educational career at his alma mater, Cistercian, as director of development and alumni relations. His passion for developing educational excellence led him to St. Mary’s in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he served in the same role before rising to vice president for development.
Matt’s dedication and vision brought him to Portsmouth Abbey School in 2014 as director of development. His leadership qualities quickly became evident, and he was appointed assistant headmaster for advancement in 2020, acting headmaster in 2021, and ultimately head of school in 2022.
At Portsmouth Abbey, Matt is known for his executive strength, compassionate leadership, and unwavering commitment to the school’s mission as well as its Benedictine traditions. He works closely with faculty, staff, monks and students to create and secure an environment where academic excellence and personal growth flourish.
Matt is married to Paula Walter, Portsmouth Abbey’s dean of student life. They reside on campus in St. Brigid’s House and are proud parents of two Portsmouth Abbey graduates, John Patrick ’18 and Matthew ’20.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors at Portsmouth Abbey serves as the guiding force behind the School’s strategic vision and operational excellence. Comprised of accomplished professionals, dedicated alumni, monks, and other esteemed community members, the Board embodies a collective commitment to maintaining academic rigor, spiritual integrity and inclusive growth. Through thoughtful governance and leadership, the Board ensures the ability of Portsmouth Abbey students to grow in Knowledge and Grace.
| portsmouth abbey board of directors 2023-2024 |
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Abbot Michael Brunner O.S.B. Mr. Christopher Abbate ’88 P’20 ‘23 Ms. Abby Benson ’92 Mr. Bernardo Bichara ’92 Mr. John Bohan P’20 ’22 ‘26 Dom Joseph Byron O.S.B. Mr. Ronald Del Sesto, Jr. ’86 Dr. Debra Falvey P’18 ’20 Dr. Timothy P. Flanigan ’75 P’06 ’09 ’11 ’19 Mrs. Margaret S. Healey P’91 GP ’19 ’21 ‘24 Mr. Denis Hector ’70 Mr. Thomas Hopkins ’85 Mrs. Cara Gontarz Hume ’99 Mr. William M. Keogh ’78 P’13 Mr. James Knight ’87 Ms. Linda Li P’25 Dom Benedict Maria O.S.B. Father Edward Mazuski O.S.B. Ms. Devin McShane P’09 ’11 Abbot Gregory Mohrman O.S.B. Mr. Ward Mooney ’67 Mr. Philip V. Moyles, Jr. ’82 P ’22 Mrs. Mary Beth O’Connor-Lohuis P’10 ’10 ’21 Mrs. Daphne Robbins ’04 Dom Sixtus Roslevich O.S.B. Mr. Michael Scanlan ’82 Mr. Felipe Vicini ’79 Mr. William Winterer ’87 EmeritusMr. Peter M. Flanigan g ’41 P ’75 ’83 Mr. Thomas Healey ’60 P ’91 GP ’19 ’21 ‘24 Mr. William K. Howenstein g ’52 P ’87 Mr. Peter M. Kennedy III ’64 P’07 ’08 ’15 Mr. Barnet Phillips, IV ’66 Ex-OfficioFrank and Rhonda Landers P’20 ’23 * deceased
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