Mr. Ted Baginski

After 15 years as a restaurant manager, Mr. Ted Baginski began his Marist School career in 1989, dedicating the next 35 years to the grounds crew. His meticulous care for the campus landscapes—especially the athletic fields—helped shape the beauty of Marist’s 78-acre campus. He spent many hours enhancing the appearances and functionality of Stadler Field (soccer), Jerry Queen Field (baseball), Kitchin Field (softball), Hughes Spalding Stadium’s football field, and the many athletic practice fields used by Marist athletes. Marist’s well-kept campus owes much to Mr. Baginski’s tireless efforts to preserve and elevate its appeal.

Throughout his career at Marist, Mr. Baginski took pride in watching athletes compete in Marist events on the fields he maintained. “It was a blessing knowing they were playing on the field I was taking care of,” he says. Some of his favorite memories include experiencing over 125 Marist state titles in his 35-year tenure.

“Ted is always a smiling face on campus and a great presence,” says Marist athletic director Mr. Derek Waugh ’89. “To be in the job for so long shows his love for his work, the Marist community, and the school itself.”

As Mr. Baginski looks forward to traveling and spending time with his family, he reflects fondly on his time at Marist. What he will miss most about Marist is its hospitality and support. He adds, “It was a pleasure to work here.” 

Mr. Jim Byrne ’83

Mr. Jim Byrne began his career at Marist School in 1991 as a math teacher and most recently served as vice president for enrollment and operations. In this role, he provided strategic leadership for admissions and financial aid initiatives while overseeing campus operations, including capital improvements, maintenance projects, campus security, and technology. Before joining Marist, he taught at St. Patrick’s College in New Zealand, a fellow Marist school. As a member of senior leadership team, Mr. Byrne played a pivotal role in guiding Marist School. He experienced Marist in a new way when his children Kevin ’14 and Meg ’15 attended and graduated from the school. Beyond his administrative contributions, he moderated the Emmaus retreat and coached junior varsity and varsity boys soccer.

Mr. Byrne says he will most remember and value the people at Marist who shaped his experience—the students he taught, the players he coached, and the colleagues who inspired him to be the best version of himself. While he is looking forward to “shifting into a bit of a slower lane,” he admits he will greatly miss the positive energy and the excitement of coming to work at Marist every day. “I am Marist to my core and am eager to continue my Marist journey beyond Ashford Dunwoody Road,” he says. Mr. Byrne will carry the lessons of what it means to live the Marist mission for years to come.