Christopher Columbus High School recently announced the appointment of Eric Pino, Class of 2000, as the new director of Faith & Mission, a position that succeeds the former director of Campus Ministry role.
Pino brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked at the school for more than 20 years as a teacher and coach, and having led a successful non-profit, Castaways Against Cancer, as president and chair of the board. The appointment followed a nationwide search that was facilitated by a dedicated committee of administrators, teachers, Marist Brothers, and board members.
As director of Faith & Mission, Pino will oversee the school’s spiritual life, 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, Columbus 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’s appointment comes at an exciting time as the school evolves its approach to fostering student engagement in faith-based activities. Pino has been actively involved in the school’s campus ministry efforts since he was a student and was a LIFE 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 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 nonprofit 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,” Kruczek added.
When asked about his new role, Pino expressed enthusiasm, stating, “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. 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 Kenneth Curtin, Dr. Deacon Dugard, and 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. Pino will begin his new role officially on August 1st.
