Learning with Leaders

Our "Learning with Leaders" Program is a dynamic interdisciplinary initiative for 7th Grade students enrolled in our Public Speaking Course featuring distinguished SJHA Elementary School Alumni. Before each session, students thoroughly research their guest speaker's background, accomplishments, and areas of expertise. This preparation enables them to develop thoughtful questions for an engaging interview-style conversation with distinguished professionals from various fields.

This program not only enhances students' public speaking skills but also provides authentic opportunities for them to connect classroom learning with real-world applications while developing valuable networking and professional communication abilities.

Mr. Lou Tobacco '86

Our 7th graders had the privilege of welcoming St. Joseph Hill Academy alumnus Mr. Louis Tobacco ‘86, now President of Monsignor Farrell High School, to Friday’s special session!

Students from Mr. Michael Smith’s Public Speaking Class came prepared with thoughtful questions about Mr. Tobacco’s journey from SJHA student to NYS Assemblyman, healthcare executive, and educational leader. He shared valuable insights with our students about leadership and personal growth.

Mr. Tobacco defined success not as material possessions but “being surrounded by family and friends that you love.” Success in your career can also mean setting proper goals and accomplishing them while staying true to your mission. He emphasized the importance of trusting your instincts and learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on regrets.

Quoting the Book of Ecclesiastes, he reminded students that “there’s a time for everything” and encouraged active participation in life rather than waiting for opportunities. He particularly emphasized travel as transformative, especially for young people. Mr. Tobacco concluded by encouraging students to stand firm in their convictions.
We’re grateful to Mr. Tobacco for investing time and energy into mentoring our students and demonstrating how SJHA values continue to shape impactful leaders!

More on Mr. Lou Tobacco

The Monsignor Farrell High School Board of Trustees named alumnus Lou Tobacco '90 as the first President of Monsignor Farrell High School on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, following an extensive search and interview process. The board selected Lou for his visionary leadership, to enhance the success of its Catholic mission and educational organization, and to ensure the continued viability of its financial and enrollment management.

Since being named president in 2019, Lou and his leadership team have made significant improvements to both the campus and academic programming.

Lou is currently presiding over the Strengthen the Legacy capital campaign, which has raised over $8 million dollars since its launch in 2020. By 2022, Lou already initiated and completed the construction of the award-winning Brother Henry S. Wright Learning Commons, the renovation of all science labs and suites, established the STEM and robotics center, the construction of the Business and Finance Center and Bloomberg Lab (the first of its kind in any Staten Island high school), as well as numerous upgrades to the campus infrastructure.

Most recently, Lou oversaw the development and construction of the state-of-the-art Performance and Wellness Center, which rivals Division I collegiate facilities, as well as the creation of Monsignor Farrell's own Bocce Complex.

Lou has also worked with his leadership team to enhance the academic programming at Monsignor Farrell. During his tenure, a number of new pre-professional academic societies have been established, including the Medical Education Development Institute (a partnership with Staten Island University Hospital-Northwell Health), the Leadership Institute, the Marine Biology Society, the Business & Finance Institute, the Writing Studio, as well as the Institute for Law and Public Policy.

Under Lou's leadership, Monsignor Farrell has also seen a significant increase in enrollment. The Class of 2027 was the largest incoming freshman class in a decade.

Prior to Farrell

Prior to being named president, Lou served as the Associate Executive Director of Community and Government Affairs for Staten Island University Hospital-Northwell Health. He has also held the titles of senior director of external affairs, as well as director of surgical business development at the hospital.

City and State Magazine named Lou as one of the Top 100 Staten Island Power Players every year since 2018, as well as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Staten Islanders of 2017.

Lou is also a former New York State Assemblyman, having been elected to three consecutive terms from 2007 - 2012. Representing the 62nd New York State Assembly legislative district (Staten Island), Lou served with distinction as the ranking member on the Health Committee. He was also appointed to the powerful Committee on Ways and Means, as well as committees on Higher Education, Codes, Transportation, Cities, Corporations, Authorities, Commissions, and numerous subcommittees.

Before being elected to public office, Lou enjoyed over thirteen highly successful years in pharmaceutical sales, first with Novartis and eventually with Pfizer Inc., where he received The Vice President’s Cabinet Award, Pfizer’s top sales honor.

Lou started his career in public service in 1994 as the Assistant Director of Contract Oversight in the Office of the Staten Island Borough President. He then served as the Director of Community Relations for the Borough President from 1996-1997.

In 1994, Lou earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in communications from the University of Albany’s prestigious Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, one of the nation’s leading public affairs institutions. While in college, Lou was selected to the New York State Assembly Intern Program, serving in the office of Assemblyman Robert Straniere.

A member of the University of Albany’s Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Lou was elected president and philanthropy chairman of the fraternity. In addition to being named to the Dean’s List, Lou received the University President’s Undergraduate Leadership Award at graduation.

A 1990 graduate of Monsignor Farrell High School, Lou served as student council president as well as the Superdance Chairman during his senior year.

While at Farrell, Lou was also a member of the Italian Club, 36 Neediest Families Drive, The Farrell Players, the Mock Trial Team, Prom Committee, Teaching the Christian Message, Big Brother, and Students Against Drunk Driving. He also attained the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14.

Community Involvement

In addition to Lou’s success in business and public service, he is also dedicated to his local community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Seton Foundation for Learning, the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance, the Joseph Maffeo Foundation, where he serves on the executive board and as chair of the annual casino night fundraiser, as well as the Staten Island Not-for-Profit Association.

From 2013 - 2017, Lou was a member of the St. Joseph - St. Thomas Parish Core Team during the Archdiocese’s Making All Things New initiative. He also served as the parish leader as part of the Renew & Rebuild campaign, helping to raise over $1.5 million for a new parish gymnasium, as well as other Archdiocesan initiatives. Lou also provided assistance with solicitation for the annual Cardinal’s Appeal.

A native Staten Islander, Lou is the youngest of three children (sister Gina and brother Dominic ’86 - also a Farrell alumnus) and was raised in Sunnyside by his parents Dominic, who was a New York City Police Officer, and Justina, who worked as a secretary.

Lou resides in Tottenville with his wife Jennifer and their children Madison, Christian (Monsignor Farrell High School Class of 2022), Ella, and Luke (Monsignor Farrell High School Class of 2027).

February 2024 with Mr. John G. Troiano

SJHA Elementary School launched our new Learning with Leaders Workshop during Catholic Schools Week in February 2024.

Students in Grade 7 had the opportunity to meet and discuss a variety of topics with St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School Alum John G. Troiano, Class of 1986. Mr. Troiano is the Managing Partner, CEO and Co-Founder of The Beekman Group. He has extensive experience in private equity, finance, and portfolio company management and operations.

Mr. Troiano answered the students’ thoughtful questions including how Hill had helped shape him. He feels that the discipline and faith he took away from his time at SJHA are essential to his success.

The ability to hear from alumni like Mr. Troiano at this age can be so transformative for our students.

Along with his foundational SJHA education, Mr. Troiano received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, summa cum laude, with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. Mr. Troiano earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a graduate of Regis High School.

Philanthropically, Mr. Troiano is on the Board of Trustees of The Episcopal School in the City of New York and Regis High School. He has sponsored oncological immunotherapy research for the treatment of terminal brain cancers, specifically Glioblastoma (GBM), at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center, in honor of his parents. He has endowed a perpetual scholarship for underprivileged middle school children in his hometown of Staten Island, and is involved with various other charitable organizations.

Mr. Troiano is the Managing Partner, CEO and Co-Founder of The Beekman Group. Mr. Troiano has extensive experience in private equity, finance, and portfolio company management and operations. He is the Chairman of the Investment Committee and manages TBG’s Industry Advisor network. He is the Chairman of the Boards of Directors of ABEA Master Holdings, Condado Tacos, TBG Food Acquisition Corp., REVA, Ted’s Café, Eclipse Fitness Group and is a member of the boards of Mesmerize Media Holdings LLC, Riccobene Family Dentistry, OneWater Marine, and Marlins Holdings, LLC.

Prior to co-founding TBG in 2004, Mr. Troiano was Partner and Managing Director of Onex’ New York office where he was significantly involved in and managed some of Onex’ most successful investments, such as SKY Chefs, Hidden Creek Industries and Celestica. Mr. Troiano began as one of two investment professionals in Onex’ New York office in 1996, and grew the office to eight investment professionals by 2004. Mr. Troiano was promoted to Managing Director in 1999. Onex, which is a publicly-traded investment company with offices in New York and Toronto, is one of the oldest and most successful private equity firms and has portfolio companies which aggregate over $30 billion in aggregate revenues and over $15 billion in total capital under management.

Prior to Onex, Mr. Troiano spent two years from 1992 to 1994 at Gleacher & Co., a mergers and acquisition boutique founded by Eric J. Gleacher, former worldwide head of M&A for Morgan Stanley & Co., and was at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in 1991 working with its Merchant Banking and Investment Banking groups. Mr. Troiano has significant transactional experience in the aviation, consumer products, financial services, healthcare, business services, restaurant, automotive, industrial and technology, media and telecommunications industries.

Mr. Troiano received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, summa cum laude, with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. Mr. Troiano earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Philanthropically, Mr. Troiano is on the Board of Trustees of The Episcopal School in the City of New York and Regis High School. He has sponsored oncological immunotherapy research for the treatment of terminal brain cancers, specifically Glioblastoma (GBM), at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center, in honor of his parents. He has endowed a perpetual scholarship for underprivileged middle school children in his hometown of Staten Island, and is involved with various other charitable organizations.