Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program Welcomes Carmine Catalana IV ’76 P’07

St. Augustine Preparatory School proudly welcomes Mr. Carmine Catalana IV ’76 P’07 as its Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the 2025–26 academic year, continuing the school’s commitment to hands-on learning through the Innovation, Experiential Learning, and Entrepreneurship Program.

Launched to provide students with direct access to visionary leaders, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program connects members of the Hermit Brotherhood with accomplished alumni who embody the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love. The program allows students to explore the world of entrepreneurship through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative projects that bring classroom learning to life.

About the Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program

The EIR program is a cornerstone of St. Augustine Prep’s Innovation, Experiential Learning, and Entrepreneurship Program, which blends academics, creativity, and unique experiences to prepare students for the modern world. Through the program, students gain a first-hand look at how innovative thinking, ethical decision-making, and perseverance come together to create meaningful impact. Past participants have developed problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills while learning from seasoned professionals who generously share their experiences and insight.

A Distinguished Career Rooted in Innovation and Leadership

Mr. Catalana brings more than three decades of executive experience to his role at the Prep. From 1995 to 2024, he served as President of Cumberland Dairy, transforming the family-owned Bridgeton-based business into one of the nation’s most respected Extended Shelf Life (ESL) manufacturing facilities. 

Alongside his brothers Frank ’78 and David ’82, Carmine helped pioneer ESL technology for both dairy and plant-based beverages, serving major clients such as McDonald’s, Wawa, Silk, and Shake Shack. Under his leadership, Cumberland Dairy achieved numerous milestones while expanding the geographic reach throughout most of the eastern United States as well as internationally.

In 2017, the company was acquired by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), where Carmine continued as president and guided the company’s integration into DFA’s national network. 

The family retained ownership of Innovation Foods, a cutting-edge ESL and aseptic beverage manufacturer and strategic partner of Oatly, the Swedish-based leader in oat-based food and beverage products.
 

Today, through his consulting firm, CCCIV Solutions, Mr. Catalana advises food and beverage companies, family businesses, and private equity groups on growth strategy, operations, and executive leadership. His deep expertise in entrepreneurship and business transformation will serve as an invaluable resource to Prep students.

Giving Back to the Brotherhood

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Catalana and his wife, Dana, are proud supporters of Catholic education and community development in South Jersey. Together, they have championed initiatives such as the Women’s Leadership Center at Our Lady of Mercy Academy and the Innovation, Experiential Learning, and Entrepreneurship Program at St. Augustine Prep.

In recognition of their steadfast commitment to faith, leadership, and service, Carmine and Dana Catalana were honored with the school’s most prestigious distinction—the Gregor Mendel Medal Award—in 2022. Their lifelong dedication to mentorship and philanthropy aligns perfectly with the Prep’s mission of forming young men grounded in faith, purpose, and compassion.

“Having Carmine back on campus is a full-circle moment for the Prep,” said Ms. Jeanmarie McGinley, Program Architect: Innovation, Experiential Learning, and Entrepreneurship. “His leadership journey and entrepreneurial insight embody exactly what we want our students to experience—how values, vision, and hard work come together to drive meaningful change.”

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Innovation

As the 2025–26 Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Mr. Catalana will mentor students through interactive sessions, collaborative projects, and one-on-one discussions about leadership, innovation, and the evolving world of business. His presence reinforces St. Augustine Prep’s dedication to fostering real-world learning opportunities that inspire students to lead with integrity and creativity.