Gary Cannon has been appointed the new principal of Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco. He will assume the office on July 1, 2011, when the current principal, Ken Hogarty, steps down to return to the classroom.

Cannon began his tenure at the high school in 1997 as a Religious Studies teacher. In 2001, he became Assistant Principal for Student Life and contributed greatly to the development of a new academic block schedule that enhanced instructional time while improving faculty collaboration and planning time. He also facilitated the expansion of co-curricular offerings, most notably the introduction of an instrumental music program. In the administrative area, he led the establishment of a comprehensive strategic plan in technology.

Cannon received an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in the Catholic Educational Leadership Program at the University of San Francisco.

“I am excited to serve as principal of Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep because I love this school,” he said. “Our greatest strength is the people who make up our wonderful community. As principal, I want to ensure that we live our mission and continue to grow in faith, service and academic excellence.”

Gary Cannon lives in San Francisco with his wife Betsy and their two-year-old twins.