Meet President Jeff Kummer
In 2021, the Board of Trustees announced the hiring of President Jeff Kummer. In addition to a strong passion for his Catholic faith, Jeff is an incredibly successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses founded (and acquired) in the energy and technology sectors. The Board is confident that Jeff will bring an incredible wealth of leadership as a strategist and mentor to the team, and ultimately, as a strong leader for our founding families.
Jeff and his wife Valerie live in Denver, and all five of their children are enrolled in Classical schools, including his oldest son as a Sophomore at St. John Paul the Great.
Reach out to Jeff by email here.
What is your vision for St. John Paul the Great?
A place where students will thrive and be formed in virtue to live their best lives with Christ at the center. We are creating a school with a bold Catholic experience focused on the Eucharist, teachers who boldly bear witness to the faith, a dynamic community environment for students and parents, and a focus on solid academics that form our students to be successful in life.
What is your background as a business leader? How will that experience help the school succeed in these crucial first years?
I have been blessed to lead the startup of businesses across the energy, technology, and agricultural industries throughout my career, including multiple successful acquisitions.
In my experience, the recipe for a successful startup endeavor is bringing a desirable and well-thought-out product to the market, coupled with a passionate team, directed by a great leader. We believe Catholic, classical education is in demand in the Denver area, and our leadership team and Board of Trustees are on fire for this mission. And with hundreds of families registering for our Open House, the demand seems to be there in a big way.
How do you believe your business experience will benefit the school?
I have learned to be tenacious, and I have learned to take my passions and combine them with hard work and perseverance. The use of these skills aren't automatic, and I believe that what I have learned in business -- combined with my passion for our Catholic faith -- will help our school launch and successfully thrive for decades to come. My experience will undoubtedly help in strategic business decisions that must be made, but I also believe in the hiring and coaching of talented individuals who will come alongside us in this mission.
What words of wisdom do you have for parents discerning enrolling their students in JPG?
I know where you are coming from! As a parent of an 8th grader, I know the challenge of selecting a high school -- especially one at its founding. My invitation to you is to come and see. Meeting the leadership team, discovering the mission, and praying for clarity ultimately led my family to not only enroll our son but inspired me personally in such a way that led me to step away from the business world to serve this mission as President.
