Leadership Team

Levi Bennett

Director of Student Success

Levi Bennett is a true Vertus Warrior! As Lead Preceptor, he spends much of the day making sure staff and students are supported and have the tools/services needed to succeed. Bennett is also a certified TIG instructor and uses his calm demeanor to his advantage when dealing with students' social-emotional issues every day. Bennett has a true passion for the young men in the city of Rochester. Helping each student progress in many areas of their development—academic, social-emotional, behavior—is a challenge that he is honored to accept daily. He strives to create a community of educators and learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. Personally, Bennett loves music and performs worldwide with various artists, but the love for music does not compare to his love for quality time with his wife and kids.  lbennett@vertusschool.org

Joseph Carter

Director of Admissions and Public Relations

Joseph is a lifetime resident of Rochester. A high school graduate of Edison Tech, he then went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Keuka College! Joseph is passionate about making a difference for the youth of Rochester! He has over 25 years of experience working with youth, including 15 years with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). He volunteers at many different organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, NY, and is a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated member.  In Joseph's position as Dean of Students, he is responsible for all safety and security matters and plays a vital part in developing a positive school culture at Vertus. He believes that the Vertus school building can and will be a "safe place" for all students. jcarter@vertusschool.org

Timothy Hill

Director of Operations

Tim Hill is originally from Wade, MS, and graduated from East Central High School. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in History Education and earned his Master's Degree from the University of Alabama in Instructional Technology. He began his teaching career in Holly Springs, MS, where he taught US History and coached football and powerlifting for five years. He moved to Rochester, NY, and began teaching Social Studies at Vertus High School in July 2017. He then transitioned to Lead Teacher and Director of Blended Learning. Currently, Tim Hill is the Director of Operations at Vertus and runs the Strength and Conditioning Program. He is committed to the Vertus Way and helping the young men of Rochester develop into leaders of character. thill@vertusschool.org

Ben Kadar

Director of Academics

Ben Kadar is the Director of Academics at Vertus.  He was born and raised in Rochester, NY.  Since graduating from SUNY Geneseo in 2003 with a certification to teach Social Studies, he has spent his career working in Rochester schools (both public and charter) in various capacities.  Ben is an original staff member who came to Vertus during its planning stages as a preceptor.  The preceptor position attracted Mr. Kadar to Vertus because it provides support to students and families in a way that was unmatched by what he had experienced in his career.  As Vertus has continued to evolve, Mr. Kadar's position has also evolved, which has led him to the Director of Academics position.  His unique experience of being both a preceptor and teacher has provided him with a unique perspective to lead the Vertus Blended Learning Academic program's continued evolution. bkadar@vertusschool.org

Julie Locey

Chief Education Officer

Julie Locey is committed to offering young men of Rochester the high-quality learning environment they deserve. Julie has worked in education for over 20 years. From her beginnings as a fourth-grade teacher and middle school Social Studies teacher, Julie advanced through positions of Campus Minister, Dean of Students, Vice Principal, and Principal. During nine years as Principal of Bishop Kearney High, Julie spearheaded the change from the traditional school model to a 1:1 Laptop Program, helping to move the school to a 100% graduation rate over the last six years of her tenure. Julie joined the Vertus team in May of 2016 as Special Education Coordinator and later served as Director of Academics. In her current role as Principal, Julie furthers the Vertus mission of Building Leaders of Character, and works to offer the young men of Rochester opportunities not available in their former schools or the Rochester City District. Inspired by the work of Vertus founders Leigh McGuigan and Perry White, Julie builds on their vision to create the most successful school in Rochester – a school where students receive top-tier academic and career experiences alongside lessons in character development. Seeking to expand positive influence on the lives of students and their families, Julie is leading our effort to fine-tune existing Vertus program for possible growth in the future. Julie holds NYS Certification in Secondary Social Studies and School Supervision and Administration, with a Bachelor of Arts in History at SUNY Geneseo, a Master’s Degree in Science in Secondary Education from SUNY Brockport, and School Administrator Certification from the University of Rochester. jlocey@vertusschool.org

Richard Maez

Athletic Director/ Director of Facilities

Rich Maez is committed to offering the young men at Vertus High School an opportunity for participation in a wide variety of athletics and clubs.  He believes that athletics helps develop leaders of character and is an integral part of the educational process, which is consistent with Vertus High School's mission.  Rich is originally from Gilbert, AZ, and graduated from Gilbert High School.  He then attended Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education.  Rich taught Physical Education in Phoenix, AZ, for three years and coached high school football for five years before moving to Rochester, NY.  Rich, an NYS certified Physical Education teacher,  is currently in his sixth year at Vertus High School and serves as Vertus High School's Director of Facilities, Athletic Director, Physical Education Teacher, and Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach.  Rich is currently a graduate student at West Virginia University studying Sports Management. rmaez@vertusschool.org