About David Holquin

David Holquin serves as the President of De La Salle High School in Concord, California, where he leads with a deep commitment to the Lasallian Catholic mission of faith, service, and community. With more than two decades of experience in education and leadership, David has dedicated his career to ensuring that students grow not only in academic excellence but also in character, compassion, and faith.

David began his career in Catholic education as a teacher and quickly grew into leadership roles that allowed him to blend his passion for education with his calling to serve. Prior to joining De La Salle, he served as Principal at Justin-Siena High School in Napa, where he worked closely with faculty, staff, and families to strengthen the school’s mission and community impact. His experience there prepared him for the unique role of President at De La Salle, where his focus is on advancing the school’s mission while supporting the long-term vision of growth and sustainability.

At De La Salle, David’s leadership is rooted in the Lasallian tradition: educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and fostering an inclusive community where every student feels supported. He firmly believes that education is a transformative gift, one that prepares young people not just for college or careers, but for lives of purpose and service. He often reflects on the words of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the Christian Brothers: “To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest miracle you can perform.”

Under his leadership, De La Salle has strengthened its academic programs, expanded opportunities in faith formation and service, and continued its tradition of excellence in athletics and the arts. David is particularly passionate about ensuring access for all families who seek a Lasallian education, working tirelessly to expand scholarship and tuition assistance opportunities.

David’s educational philosophy centers on collaboration, equity, and faith. He believes that every student has God-given gifts, and it is the role of educators to nurture those gifts so that students can use them to serve the world. He sees De La Salle not just as a school, but as a community of faith where young men are formed into leaders who will make a difference in their families, workplaces, and communities.

Looking toward the future, David’s vision for De La Salle includes strengthening partnerships with families, alumni, and the broader community; ensuring that the school continues to innovate academically while remaining true to its Catholic Lasallian values; and continuing to form “Men of Faith, Integrity, and Scholarship” who live out the school’s mission well beyond graduation.

For David, being President of De La Salle is not just a job, but a vocation—a way of serving God through the mission of education. He often shares that his greatest joy is witnessing students grow during their four years at De La Salle and seeing them graduate ready to lead lives of faith, service, and excellence.

Additional Background Information (i.e., Education, certifications, notable achievements, classroom or leadership experience)

Education

  • B.S.E. Honors Concentration in Finance from St. Mary’s College of California
  • M.N.A. from the University of Notre Dame
  • Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University

Professional Highlights

  • Faculty and Leadership roles in Catholic secondary schools
  • President, Justin-Siena High School (Napa, CA)
  • President, De La Salle High School (current)

Notable Achievements

  • Strengthened scholarship and access programs
  • Led strategic planning initiatives
  • Championed Lasallian formation programs for students and staff.

 

 De La Salle High School’s Mission

De La Salle High School, founded in 1965, is a Catholic college-preparatory school for young men rooted in the Lasallian tradition. Located in Concord, California, the school is committed to forming “Men of Faith, Integrity, and Scholarship” who are prepared to live lives of purpose, leadership, and service.
As a Lasallian school, De La Salle emphasizes the education of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Inspired by the vision of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the school is dedicated to providing a human and Christian education to all students, especially those in need. Faculty and staff accompany students on their educational journey, guiding them to develop their academic talents while deepening their faith and commitment to service.

De La Salle offers a rigorous academic program, complemented by a wide variety of co-curricular activities, athletics, and service opportunities. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and engage with the world around them. The school community is marked by inclusivity, brotherhood, and a shared mission to prepare young men for lives of faith-filled leadership.

For nearly 60 years, De La Salle has inspired generations of graduates who have gone on to serve their communities, pursue excellence in their chosen fields, and live lives rooted in the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community. The school continues to honor this legacy while looking forward with vision and hope for the future.

 De La Salle High School

Grades 9-12

1130 Winton Drive, Concord, CA 94518
(925) 288-8100, https://www.dlshs.org

To learn more about De La Salle High School, please click on this link: https://parentspress.com/schools/california/concord/de-la-salle-high-school/

About Leaders in Education
Leaders in Education is a special profile series from Parents Press, highlighting the vision, values, and leadership of heads of schools and key administrators across the Greater Bay Area. Through these features, we aim to give the community a deeper understanding of the people shaping children’s educational experiences.