Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Union Free School District.

This evening, I am pleased to be recommending that the Board of Education appoint Christian Hodge as our new Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics. Mr. Hodge comes to Pelham from the Poughkeepsie City School District, where he serves as Assistant Superintendent for Athletics, Physical Education, Health, Wellness and Security and succeeds Stephen Luciana who was recently named to a similar position in Mahopac.

Mr. Hodge brings a wealth of experience overseeing physical education and athletics departments in New York State, having held leadership positions in the Syracuse City School District, the Gates Chili School District and Section 1 Athletics. Prior to coming to New York, he also served as principal and assistant principal for the Calvert County School District in Maryland. He earned a B.A. in Secondary Social Studies from Cortland State University, a Master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Niagara University.

Following Mr. Luciana’s resignation in the late spring, the District began a broad search to fill this important position. Throughout the search process, which included screenings by myself and the assistant superintendents, interviews with a stakeholder committee comprised of administrators, teachers, coaches, parents and students, and final interviews with myself and the Board of Education, Mr. Hodge’s expertise, communications skills, and strong educational background made him rise to the top of the candidate pool.

“I am very excited and honored to be able to become a part of a wonderful school system and community,” Mr. Hodge said. “The new athletic facilities are state of the art and I look forward to being able to help students reach their full potential athletically. The staff members that I met have been very welcoming.”

I would like to thank Mr. Luciana for his incredible efforts leading and overseeing our physical education, health and athletic departments over the past seven years and wish him the best of luck in his new role.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Hodge, who will formally join Pelican nation on July 20.