Damien Memorial School announced today the appointment of Brother Brian M. Walsh to serve as president, replacing Wes Porter, who was the school’s leader the past 2-1/2 years.

In a news release, the school’s owner, the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America, said Porter’s style of leadership at Damien had grown in conflict with the school’s mission.

“Thus, it was the sole decision of the Members of the Corporation of Damien Memorial, the legal entity that owns the school, to move in a new direction,” the release said.

It was also announced that the chairman of the school’s board of directors was removed and the school’s Sponsor Council was dissolved.

Walsh is a veteran educator who has served Edmund Rice Christian Brothers schools as a principal, president, superintendent of schools, deputy province leader and province leader. He comes to Hawaii from the East Coast.