The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) is the nation's oldest and largest Catholic educational organization. It began with a vision of Catholic educational unity embodied by Thomas J. Conaty, Rector of the Catholic University of America (1896-1903) and Bishop of Monterrey-Los Angeles (1903-1915). He presided over its formation in 1904 as the Catholic Educational Association (CEA) from the merger of the Educational Conference of Seminary Faculties (founded 1898), the Association of Catholic Colleges (founded 1899), and the Parish School Conference (founded 1902). The term 'National' was added in 1927. It was first based in Columbus, Ohio, until 1929, then at 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC, the home of the National Catholic Welfare Conference (NCWC), from 1928 to 1951. Thereafter, it was in the offices of the American Council of Education (ACE) near the NCWC, 1951 to 1967, then at the new ACE location at 1 Dupont Circle from 1967 to 1983, an finally at the James Place condominium in Georgetown. The chief executive officer was known as the Secretary General from 1904 to 1954, Executive Director from 1954 to 1969, and President since then.
From the description of The records of National Catholic Educational Association. 1899-1989. (Catholic University of America). WorldCat record id: 183195627
