New Leader ‘Excellent Fit’ for Messmer’s Next Era

As Messmer High School approaches its 100th anniversary, it will have a new president: Dr. Richard Mannisto, a longtime area educator and leader, will take over the job this April.

Dr. Jim Piatt, retiring after 12 years as the school’s president, explained Messmer chose Dr. Mannisto after a seven-month search.

“Dr. Mannisto’s background, from high school teaching to advancement of faith-based Christian education, is an excellent fit for Messmer’s next era,” Dr. Piatt said. “We are called by our loving Creator to become our best selves, and actualizing that potential not only brings personal joy but makes each of us a gift to others.”

“The Messmer Board of Directors culminated an agreement to integrate Messmer Saint Mary and Messmer Saint Rose into the growing family of Seton Catholic Schools, at which point Messmer posted the vacancy for the president in May 2024, along with my decision to retire from this role in June,” Dr.Piatt said.

Mannisto brings extensive leadership experience to the position. He serves as vice president of advancement at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Wauwatosa, where he has raised $10 million annually and played a key role in fostering program expansion and financial sustainability. His broad expertise, which spans classroom instruction to administrative leadership, will empower him to build upon Messmer’s strong foundation.

“We are thrilled to have an educator and leader of Dr. Mannisto’s caliber as our next president,” said Jim Schubilske, Messmer Board Chair. “With Dr. Mannisto’s wealth of experience, leadership and commitment to educational advancement, we are confident that Messmer will continue to thrive and evolve as a pillar of the Milwaukee community.

Dr. Mannisto’s leadership, combined with Messmer’s dedicated faculty, staff, and community, will ensure that the school remains a beacon of excellence in Catholic education for years to come.”

Mannisto’s professional background includes leadership roles at multiple educational institutions, where he focused on advancement, program growth, and long-term planning. In addition to his work at Wisconsin Lutheran College, he has served on various boards, including his tenure as board chair of Pius XI Catholic High School, where he played a key role in the successful transition of the school’s leadership.

He also taught in public and private schools in southeast Wisconsin, including Wauwatosa East High School, Longfellow Middle School, Cudahy High School, Burlington High School, Wisconsin Lutheran High School and Wisconsin Lutheran College.

“This is a tremendous honor, and I am humbled to join the Messmer community,” he said. “I look forward to continuing the rich traditions of Catholic education at Messmer High School while also embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. Along with the students, faculty, staff and community, I’m confident we’ll ensure Messmer’s continued success and growth for generations to come.”

Mannisto said he is drawn to Catholic education because it seeks to integrate faith in all aspects of life.

“To know our Creator, ourselves and our vocations — the God-given dignity of every person guides our formation of conscience, our engagement with culture and our response to adversity,” he said. “Catholic identity comes with the understanding that integrity and service, as in the example of Jesus Christ, are at the heart of leading and following. Catholic education focuses on academic excellence as critical thinkers embracing the pursuit of eternal truth.”

Mannisto said he was interested in this new vocation at Messmer High School because it is a pillar of faith, education and community in Milwaukee, which has a rich history of nearly a century.

“I loved that Messmer’s legacy is built on a commitment to providing high-quality, faith-based education that empowers students academically, socially, and spiritually,” he said. “I have been seeking the next step of my journey as a servant leader.”

Piatt leaves Messmer after witnessing teachers grow into deans and assistant principals grow into principals. He has also watched educators build innovative, high-quality lessons, courses, and programs.

“My 12 years as Messmer president have provided an abundance of such moments and memories. It is hard to single out a few,” he said.

“Certainly, the growth of our innovative STEM and WinterM programs — and our high-quality faculty led by a 2023 Kohl Principal of the Year — are special. These efforts have provided students with pathways that their ancestors were often denied through blatant or de facto racism. I move on with gratitude for the opportunity to work with so many remarkable educators, administrators, board and committee members, and benefactors,” Dr. Piatt said.

Dr. Mannisto will partner with Dr. Piatt until his retirement in June to ensure a smooth and successful transition. He plans to immerse himself in the Messmer community, continue the school’s rich traditions and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

“As we embark on the 100th anniversary in 2025-26, we will honor the past and embrace an exciting future filled with opportunities and impact for our city and community,” Dr. Mannisto said. “I look forward to spending lots of time with the amazing students, talented faculty and staff, and passionate board, alumni and supporters who make up the incredible faith-based community of Messmer. Together, as we follow the example of the compassion of Jesus Christ, we will uplift others for the common good.”

Dr. Richard Mannisto

New role: Becomes President of Messmer High School in April.
Present role: Serves as vice president of advancement at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Wauwatosa.
Education: Doctorate in education from Concordia University, master’s in music education VanderCook College of Education, and bachelor’s of music education from Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Family: Wife Michelle, a nurse practitioner at Froedtert Health, a daughter, Grace, 15, and a stepson, Peter, 20.
Hometown: Grew up in Bay View and lifelong Milwaukee resident.