The Diocese of Gaylord has named Penny Clemens its new superintendent of schools.

In that role, she will oversee 14 schools in 13 counties, including All Saints Catholic School in Alpena and St. Ignatius Catholic School in Rogers City.

Clemens moves into that role after serving the diocese since 2018, including as principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in West Branch and multiple roles in the diocese administrative office.

Clemens told News staff writer Temi Fadayomi for a recent story that she knows she’ll face challenges in her new role, most notably how to overcome a nationwide teacher shortage.

But she also has big plans for the schools, including promoting better working relationships among the diocese’s schools so they become regional partners.

We say welcome aboard, Superintendent Clemens. We look forward to working with you in the future and seeing what you have in store for students and staff.