Who Is Dr. Brian David Wickstrom? Leadership Philosophy and Mission in Catholic Education
By Dr. Brian David Wickstrom
Dr. Brian David Wickstrom is an educational leader whose career has focused on strengthening institutions through mission-driven leadership, organizational culture, and strategic growth. With leadership experience in both Catholic education and NCAA Division I athletics administration, Wickstrom has built a reputation for aligning institutional mission with operational excellence.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wickstrom has emphasized the importance of building strong organizational cultures where integrity, accountability, and collaboration guide decision-making. His leadership philosophy centers on the belief that institutions perform at their highest level when leaders cultivate environments where individuals feel known, valued, and empowered to contribute to a shared mission.
As President and CEO of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, Dr. Wickstrom worked closely with faculty, staff, and the school’s board to strengthen the school’s academic programs, community culture, and mission-centered identity. His leadership approach focused on aligning strategic priorities with the school’s Catholic values while expanding opportunities for student growth and development.
Prior to his work in Catholic education, Dr. Wickstrom served as an NCAA Division I Director of Athletics at several universities, including the University of Louisiana Monroe, the University of California Riverside, and the University of the Incarnate Word. In those roles, he helped elevate athletic programs while emphasizing academic success, leadership development, and institutional alignment.
Dr. Wickstrom holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and has consistently advocated for leadership approaches that combine strategic vision with a deep commitment to institutional mission. His work often focuses on how leaders can build cultures of integrity, strengthen organizational trust, and guide institutions through periods of growth and change.
Today, Dr. Brian David Wickstrom continues to share insights on leadership, organizational culture, and mission-driven education through his writing and speaking, helping leaders build institutions that prepare students not only for professional success, but for lives of faith, service, and leadership.
