Rev. Robert E. Reiser, S.J., Appointed Provincial of the USA East Province
The Society of Jesus has announced the appointment of Rev. Robert E. Reiser, S.J., as the next provincial of the USA East Province. Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., made the appointment following a thorough process of consultation and discernment. Fr. Reiser will begin his term on July 31, 2026.
Fr. Reiser is a graduate of Canisius High School (1982) and Canisius College, after which he entered the New York Province of the Society of Jesus in 1986. His Jesuit formation included philosophy studies at Fordham University, regency at St. Peter’s Prep, and theology studies in Weston, Massachusetts. He was ordained a priest in 1997.
In addition to earning a master’s degree in theology from Harvard Divinity School, Fr. Reiser has served the Society of Jesus in a variety of leadership roles. His assignments have included director of vocations for both the New York and Maryland Provinces and president of St. Peter’s Prep and McQuaid Jesuit High School. He has also served as a province consultor for the New York Province and the Northeast Province.
Fr. Reiser currently serves as secretary for pre-secondary and secondary education for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, as well as executive director of the Jesuit Schools Network of North America (JSN).
The appointment follows an extensive consultation process involving USA East superiors, consultors, and members of the province, whose prayerful support, dialogue, and recommendations helped identify candidates for consideration. From this process, a slate of candidates was presented to Father General with confidence.
In announcing the appointment, Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., Provincial of the USA East Province, expressed gratitude to Fr. Reiser for accepting this important mission, noting that his extensive experience, deep faith, and generous service will be a significant gift to the province.
Fr. Reiser is asked to be remembered in prayer as he prepares to assume this new leadership role.
