Mr. Porod has been the Principal at St. Cletus since 2019. He comes to St. Cletus with an extensive educational background that includes serving in both private and public education. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Benedictine University and a Master of Education degree from Loyola University. He also completed post Graduate Studies at both Concordia University and Loyola University. He currently holds five educational endorsements as an elementary teacher, high school teacher, guidance counselor, administrator, and superintendent.

Mr. Porod has served as Principal for over 30 years. His additional career roles included the following: both elementary and junior high teacher, educational team leader, athletic director, coach, department chair, assistant principal, District Bilingual Education Coordinator, and College Student Teacher District Coordinator. 

Mr. Porod has authored educational publications, presented at conferences, and has been a guest lecturer for both graduate and undergraduate classes. He was recognized for his dedication to students by the Parent Teacher Association and received ‘Educator of the Year Award,’ ‘Honorary Life Membership Award in the Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers, and was recognized by the Ridgeland District 122 Board of Education for Outstanding Professionalism.

In 2018, he was recognized as the Illinois Principal Association South Cook Principal of the Year.  Mr. Porod also serves as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, High School CCD Teacher, and Parish Mission Representative.

Mr. Porod is married to his wife, Mary, a retired Archdiocese of Chicago Principal. Together they have four daughters and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren.