The award recognizes Purcell’s unwavering support of the non-profit and his commitment to educational excellence for the children of Camden, N.J.
Camden, NJ (January 26) — The Michaels Organization is proud to announce that the Catholic Partnership Schools (CPS), a nonprofit organization, will honor our Chief Financial Officer, Joe Purcell, with its 2026 Spotlight Award at its annual awards ceremony in May.
Purcell currently serves on the Board of CPS, a network of five Catholic schools committed to sustaining safe and nurturing Pre-K-8 education for the children of Camden, NJ, and preparing each of its students for rigorous college preparatory or technical high school.
“Joe is a thoughtful and trusted partner who brings both expertise and heart to his service of Catholic Partnership Schools,” said Jameka Walker, CPS’ Executive Director. “He understands the transformative power of education and, through his leadership, has helped our board address affordability so that every student can learn and thrive without financial barriers.”
In addition to serving as Treasurer of CPS, Purcell is on the Board of Directors of Better Tomorrows, a Camden-based nonprofit that provides case management services and impactful community programming to low-income adults, seniors, children, and youth living in affordable housing communities. He also serves on the Board of the Levitt Family Charities, a nonprofit created by Michaels’ chairman and founder Michael J. Levitt and his wife Pat, which supports a variety of charitable causes, including college scholarships and animal welfare.
“We are thrilled for Joe, whom all of us love and respect not only for his many years of financial stewardship of our organization, but for his generosity of spirit and time, which he offers up so willingly despite his demanding role at our organization and his personal family obligations,” said Michaels’ CEO Mark Morgan.
A lifelong devoted Catholic, Purcell is active in his home parish, St Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson, NJ. He has spent almost two decades coaching boys’ and girls’ basketball for the Catholic Youth Organization in South Jersey, and currently serves as the treasurer of The Burlington County Catholic Basketball league.
Since Michaels moved its headquarters to Camden six years ago, Purcell has also been instrumental to Michaels’ support of “Camden Invincible,” an initiative dedicated to changing perceptions and applauding the collective efforts of people who are revitalizing the city.
“I’m very humbled and privileged to be involved with CPS and to be this year’s award recipient,” said Purcell. “I hope all my family, friends, and colleagues will join me in celebrating all the good work CPS is doing for children and education.”
The CPS 2026 Spotlight Awards will be held May 7 at TRIAD 1828 in Camden. The evening will celebrate Purcell’s receipt of the Spotlight Award and also recognize CPS’ Teacher of the Year. More information, sponsorships, and tickets are available on the Catholic Partnership Schools website.
About The Michaels Organization
The Michaels Organization is a national leader in residential real estate, offering full-service capabilities in development, property management, construction and investment across all segments of the rental housing market from deeply affordable to student, military, attainable, and market-rate multifamily housing. Serving 200,000 residents in more than 550 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Michaels is committed to crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity and to creating Communities that Lift Lives.
About Catholic Schools Partnership
Catholic Partnership Schools is a network of five schools serving students, ranging from prekindergarten through 8th grade, in Camden, New Jersey. CPS provides high-quality education grounded in academic excellence, bilingual learning, and whole-child development. Beyond the classroom, CPS supports students and families through extracurricular opportunities, family engagement and support services, and long-term alumni programming that continues well beyond students’ time in CPS schools. Through strong community partnerships, CPS prepares students for success in school and life.
