Roth is a CCC Alum and spent the previous five decades in the healthcare industry
NEWS RELEASE
November 11, 2026
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Most Rev. Bishop David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has appointed Edward J. Roth as interim president of Canton Central Catholic High School. Mr. Roth spent the past 46 years in healthcare, 20 of those as President and CEO of Aultman Health Foundation and Aultman Hospital in Canton. Since retiring in 2021, he has been active in the community and currently serves as past chairman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board, past chairman of Canton Central Catholic High School Board and serves on the boards of the Northeast Ohio Medical University, Ohio Hospital Association Institute for Health Improvement, Whispering Grace Horses Freedom Farm and the Divine Mercy Parish Finance Committee. Mr Roth is also an alum of Canton Central Catholic and the University of Akron. He will begin as interim president on December 1, 2026.
On his predecessor Mr. Roth says, “We are deeply grateful to Joe French for his exceptional leadership of Central Catholic High School. I am honored and eager to serve as interim President and collaborate with diocesan leaders, the board, school leaders and staff. Together, we will advance the school’s mission to foster students’ faith, academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service and social justice, guided by the light of Jesus Christ.”
Additionally, Joseph French, who served as President of Stark County Catholic Schools since July 2024, will become the full-time president at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School starting on December 1, 2026.
Mr. French was previously Chief Executive Officer of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health in Stark County. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in elementary education and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Ashland University. French is a Louisville High School graduate and a parishioner of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Canton. Last year, French was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Kent State University at Stark.
Dr. Steven Jones, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Youngstown, says “The appointment of Joe French as the full-time president of Aquinas is the final step in a process that began two years ago with the creation of two independent boards. I know the future is bright for both schools. Both Central and Aquinas are well positioned to take on the future and make their contributions to Catholic education in Stark County.”
Mr. French says, “I am incredibly excited and honored to continue my service as President of St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Middle School. Having had the privilege of serving both St. Thomas Aquinas and Central Catholic, I have come to deeply appreciate the unique traditions, strengths, and people who make each school special. My time at Central Catholic has been an incredibly meaningful chapter in my professional journey, and I am grateful for the relationships, experiences, and memories I will carry with me. As I begin this next chapter with my full focus on St. Thomas, I am energized by the opportunity to build upon the school’s rich tradition of faith, academic excellence, and service. I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, families, alumni, and supporters to ensure that St. Thomas continues to be a place where students grow in faith, discover their potential, and understand that their today does not dictate their tomorrow. I am excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work.”
