St. Elizabeth names 1979 alumnus as new athletic director

737

 

WILMINGTON – Joseph Papili, a 1979 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School, has been named the new athletic director effective April 7. Papili will replace Joe Hemphill, who is retiring at the end of this month after 41 years in the position.

Papili is currently a U.S. marshal for he district of Delaware. He retired in August 2010 with the rank of major from the Delaware State Police after 25 years of service. He has nearly three decades of professional experience in supervisory capacities and senior leadership positions. He also has a background in financial management, strategic planning, operations, marketing and other areas, according to St. Elizabeth.

Joe Papili

At St. Elizabeth, he was a four-year varsity participant in football, basketball and baseball. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. A lifelong member of St. Elizabeth Parish, he has served previously as treasurer of the high school alumni association and on committees for operations and school development.

Papili and his wife, Mary Ann, live in Pike Creek. They have two children, Brittany and Caitlin, both of whom are St. Elizabeth graduates.

“I am very anxious to get started at my new position and return to my roots at St. E, where the foundation of my career was developed,” Papili said in a statement. “St. E is a vital, strong, prospering school that has a lot to offer and I am thrilled to be able to be a part of its future.”