Quesnell first came to DSHA on February 25, 2009 (Ash Wednesday Mass), for his interview to become Principal. He was introduced to the student body at an all-school assembly that May and began his service during the 2009–10 school year. 

“I came to DSHA hoping to make a meaningful contribution,” Quesnell shared. “Instead, God blessed me with the opportunity to become part of a community that has shaped me as much as I have had the privilege of helping shape this school.” 

Throughout his tenure, Quesnell has provided steady leadership to DSHA’s academic and student programs while remaining a visible and caring presence in the lives of students. His leadership has included strengthening the school’s academic program, launching the Marian Scholars program, and helping bring the Salvatorian Family House System to life, further advancing DSHA’s mission to form young women in faith, heart, and intellect. 

“Dan has approached his leadership at DSHA as a vocation,” said DSHA President Katie Konieczny ’92. “For nearly eighteen years, he has led with faith, integrity and an unwavering commitment to our students. DSHA is stronger because of his service, and we are deeply grateful for the lasting impact he has made on our school.” 

Quesnell will remain fully engaged as principal through June 2027 and will help support the leadership transition. 

“I make this decision with peace, deep gratitude, and tremendous confidence in the future of DSHA,” Quesnell said. “DSHA’s future is bright because its mission is enduring, its people are exceptional, and God’s grace continues to guide this remarkable community.” 

DSHA has engaged Catholic Recruiter Associates, a firm specializing in leadership searches for Catholic institutions, to conduct a national search for the school’s next Principal. Faculty, staff, students, families, and alumnae will be invited to provide input to help inform the search process. 

DSHA expects to name its next principal by late winter, with the new leader beginning July 1, 2027. 

“Dan has given DSHA the tremendous gift of a long and faithful tenure, as well as the time to conduct a thoughtful search and transition,” Konieczny said. “We approach this next chapter from a position of strength, with gratitude for Dan’s leadership and great confidence in the future of DSHA.”