Board President John Darnell was first introduced to St. Ambrose through Guardian students he mentored in his parish. These students’ deep faith and thirst for the Truth inspired John to give more of himself to the mission. He and his wife, Tara, deeply desired this kind of education for his own young children, Kateri, Rosemary, Magdalene, Thomas, Michael, and Theresa. He is excited that his oldest, Kateri, is now a St. Ambrose student.

Catholic education has played a significant role in his own life, helping him to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. John attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a bachelor’s in economics and mathematics, followed by a Master of Education through the university’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE).

Following graduation, he taught religion and math in an inner-city Catholic school in Montgomery, Alabama. He moved to Madison to marry Tara, the love of his life. Once in Wisconsin, John took a role at Epic where he continues to work in Technical Services. He brings extensive management experience, overseeing teams of up to 100+ members, and expertise as an account executive and digital experience strategic advisor.

The Darnells are members of Divine Mercy Parish and attend mass at St. Andrew Church in Verona, where John has served on the Pastoral Council and as a member of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society chapter. In his free time, you can find John on the golf course, wrangling children at bedtime, fixing things the kids break around the house, or cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Though his time in the classroom was shorter than he imagined, John looks forward to continuing to support Catholic education through his role at St. Ambrose. We are grateful that John continues to place his many gifts at the service of our mission to offer young people the best Catholic classical education possible.