New Principal Coming to Mercy

Sister Mary A. McCarthy, RSM, principal of , who will step down in July to become the school's president, has appointed Melissa Bullock as the next principal.

Bullock is the academic assistant principal at St. Catharine Academy in Bronx, N.Y., a position she has held since 2007. Prior to St. Catharine’s, she was the vice president for Mission and Advancement at Mercy Education Administration in Hartsdale, N.Y. She is a graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, completed her master’s degree at Fordham University, and holds a certificate in Professional Development in School Supervision and Administration from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 

She is a member of Mercy Secondary Education, where she served as president from 2008-2010. She is member of the Network for Mercy Education Board and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. 

“My 23 years as a Mercy educator will support a seamless transition to Mercy High School," Bullock said. "I look forward to getting to know the Mercy community and continuing the strong tradition of high quality Catholic education for the young women of the greater Middletown area. I am also excited to be working with Sr. Mary McCarthy, as she transitions into the role of president. She is an outstanding educator and one that is highly respected in the circle of Mercy educators."

Bullock will be the fourth principal in Mercy’s history. McCarthy joined Mercy in 1975 as a vice principal under the direction of Rev. Daniel McGrath, principal. She was appointed principal in 1978.  

In July, McCarthy will become president of Mercy. “I am confident that Melissa Bullock will embrace the vision of Catherine McAuley as lived out here in Middletown," she said. "With the Mercy faculty and staff she will work collaboratively to make Mercy High School an even better Mercy institution as we prepare our young women to take their place in today’s world."

As president of Mercy, McCarthy will concentrate on finances, development, public relations and admissions and the principal will oversee the daily, internal operation of the school.