Sacred Heart names new head of school

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Jennifer M. Demert has been chosen to succeed Barbara E. Ochterski, Sacred Heart Academy's first lay leader and head of school.

Demert's appointment, announced by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity and the Board of Trustees of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, is effective July 1.

"We are excited and proud to name Jennifer Demert as our second head of school and 15th school leader," said Sister Dorothy Mueller, Order of Saint Francis provincial.

An attorney, Demert will use her experience in heading the academy's administration. She also has worked as a litigator, lecturer, mentor, volunteer leader and board president.

"As the product of Catholic all- women's education, I have experienced the tangible and intangible benefits such an education provides," said Demert. "I welcome the opportunity to give back to a system that was instrumental in gently molding me into the woman I have become."

Demert is a magna cum laude graduate of St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Ind., attended Georgetown Visitation, the nation's oldest Catholic women's high school, and graduated from Benet Academy in Lisle, Ill.

She received her law degree, magna cum laude, from the University at Buffalo School of Law.

A Buffalo native, she spent 15 years as an attorney in Western New York. Her memberships include president of the board of directors for Theatre of Youth Co. and board of directors for the Buffalo Alliance for Education, United Way Board of Governance for Women Project, Women's Bar Judiciary Committee and Women Lawyers of Western New York.