Diocese of Portland names director of advancement for the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative
The Diocese of Portland is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Short as director of advancement for the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, the mission of which is “to proclaim the Gospel, bring others to Jesus Christ, and build the Reign of God through Catholic education.”
An accomplished Catholic leader and highly acclaimed author, Mr. Short brings a wealth of experience in institutional advancement, strategic development and classical Catholic education to his new role at the diocese.
Mr. Short most recently served as executive director of the Chesterton Academy of Vero Beach, FL where he established a development infrastructure for the new classical school, as well as a Faith and Reason Speaker Series, in which such highly respected Catholic educators as Dr. R. Jared Staudt and Professor Amy Fahey participated. Prior to that, as vice president of development for Saint Mary’s High School in Manhasset, Long Island, Mr. Short was instrumental in helping the school advance its highly innovative, faithful mission. His distinguished career also includes successful tenures at The National Gianna Center in New York City and Catholic Guardian Society in the Archdiocese of New York.
“Edward Short’s appointment as the first advancement director for the Cabrini Initiative marks an important milestone,” said Shelly Wheeler, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools. “He will be essential to the continued self-sustainability, growth and vitality of our primary and secondary schools.”
In addition to his extensive executive and development experience, Mr. Short is a prolific Catholic author and essayist. His published works include Newman and His Contemporaries (2011), Newman and His Family (2013), and, most recently, Newman and His Critics (2024), the third volume of his trilogy on John Henry Newman, which Bishop James Massa called a “gift for the whole Church.” Mr. Short also contributes frequently to such prestigious publications as City Journal, The Wall Street Journal, Literary Review (London), Catholic World Report and The New Criterion. Lord Roberts, Winston Churchill’s biographer, called Mr. Short’s most recent collection of essays, What the Bells Sang, “brave,” “beautifully written,” and “wise.” All of Mr. Short’s written work reflects a deep commitment to the intellectual and spiritual legacy of the Church, especially her rich tradition of faith and reason.
“I am delighted to join the Diocese of Portland to advance the mission of such an important initiative,” said Mr. Short. “The opportunities to grow Catholic education in a meaningful way, both in the state of Maine and nationally, are vast and I look forward to telling the story of the Cabrini Initiative far and wide.”
A member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Mr. Short is also a devoted catechist and an ardent supporter of Catholic religious communities, especially the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist based in Ann Arbor, whose dedication to Catholic education is justly renowned. Mr. Short holds a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Hunter College of the City University of New York, where he majored in History and minored in Art History.
Mr. Short resides in both Vero Beach and New York City. In addition to working in Maine, he will meet with donors and investors throughout the country to advance the replicable mission of the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative for the lifelong benefit of students nationwide.
To learn more about the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, visit www.mainecatholiceducation.org
