O’DOWD LEADERSHIP

Bishop O’Dowd High School is a diocesan school, operating under the Diocese of Oakland and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Our collaborative President/Principal leadership model is designed to align the vision and direction of the school, from the overall vitality of the institution, to infusing our robust academic and co-curricular programs with the spirit of our Charism.

President J.D. Childs

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, J.D. Childs earned his BA in English, Philosophy and Theology from Notre Dame, going on to earn an MTS in Systematic Theology. J.D. also holds an MEd in Catholic School Leadership from Marymount University. He is the co-author of two books and several articles focused on imaginative teaching of high school religion class.

James began his tenure at O’Dowd as Principal, beginning in 2016. He has served as President since 2018, where he especially enjoys strengthening O’Dowd’s community culture.

President James "J.D." Childs, M.A., M.Ed.

Principal Doug Evans, Ed.D.

Dr. Evans earned his Ed.D. in Catholic Educational Leadership from the University of San Francisco, and MA degrees in Pastoral Ministry and Theological Studies from the Franciscan School of Theology at Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union. He has served in leadership roles at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School in Vallejo, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, and Moreau High School in Hayward. Dr. Evans is committed to Catholic education because he loves to empower students to work for justice.

Board of Regents

Our Board of Regents, including a number of parents and alumni, operate as a board of limited jurisdiction in collaboration with the President. Together the Board works to ensure the school fulfills its mission and prudently allocates its resources to provide an exceptional formational experience for students.