By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: COURTESY
Eric Pino, new director of faith and mission at Christopher Columbus High.
MIAMI | Christopher Columbus High School in Miami has appointed Eric Pino, Class of 2000, as the new director of faith and mission, a position that succeeds the former director of campus ministry role. Pino has worked at the school for over 20 years as a teacher and coach and led the Castaways Against Cancer non-profit as president and chair of the board. The appointment followed a nationwide search facilitated by a committee of administrators, teachers, Marist brothers and board members.
Pino will officially begin his role as director of faith & mission on Aug. 1, overseeing the school’s spiritual life and ensuring that the Catholic identity and Marist charism remains strong and vibrant within all aspects of the school. He will lead a team dedicated to faith formation, working to foster the culture of discipleship, service and prayer among students, faculty, staff and the broader Columbus community.
“Eric has been an integral part of our school community for two decades, and his deep commitment to our mission and our students is extraordinary,” said David Pugh, principal. “His leadership qualities and experience in education, campus ministry and community service make him uniquely qualified to guide us into this new chapter.”
Pino has been actively involved in the school’s campus ministry efforts since he was a student and served as a L.I.F.E. Youth Group Leader with Brother Kenneth Curtin and Father Liam Quinn. As a teacher, Pino helped lead retreats and youth groups for many years alongside Deacon James “Doc” Dugard and Matt Fallon. In addition to having completed Marist Brothers formation programs like Sharing Our Call, Pino is a dedicated member of the Marists of Champagnat, a global community that follows the spirituality of St. Marcellin Champagnat, seeking to make Jesus Christ known and loved in the world. As the local Marists of Champagnat Miami Group Leader, he guides fellow Marists in their spiritual journey and commitment to service.
“Eric Pino’s deep connection to the Marist community, coupled with his leadership experience, makes him the ideal person to guide our school’s mission forward as it continues to grow in faith and purpose,” said Thomas Kruczek, Columbus president.
Under Pino’s leadership, Castaways Against Cancer experienced remarkable growth. The non-profit tripled its participants and donors during Pino’s five-year tenure as president, raising over $1.6 million—more than the organization had raised in its first 20 years. “Eric’s track record speaks for itself. He is a servant and visionary leader who inspires others and leads by example,” added President Kruczek.
“I am excited to engage with our students in a new capacity and work with my colleagues in the area that is the heartbeat of our school,” said Pino. “I look forward to finding creative and meaningful ways to deepen our community’s faith journey.”
Having worked closely with former campus ministry directors Brother Curtin, Dr. Deacon Dugard and Mr. Gerardo Gonzalez, Pino emphasized, “I want to build on the strong foundation they have created and ensure that Marist charism remains at the heart of everything we do at Columbus.”
Pino holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. He is supported by his wife, Mary Beth Pino, director of campus ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, and their two children, Gabriel and Sophia.
