St. Francis’ New Board of Trustees
Welcomes Visionary Leadership
This year, St. Francis Catholic High School, with Bishop Soto’s approval, adopted
Policy Governance®, an integrated board leadership paradigm created by Dr. John
Carver. In the words of Dr. Carver, “This is a groundbreaking model of governance
designed to empower boards to fulfill their obligation of accountability for the
organizations they govern. The model enables the Board to focus on the larger issues,
to delegate with clarity, to control management’s job without meddling, to rigorously
evaluate the accomplishment of the organization; to truly lead its organization.” We are
pleased that our Board of Trustees has embraced this new model and our members are
looking forward to advancing the mission of St. Francis Catholic High School.
Introducing our Chair
Kathleen Deeringer
Kathleen Deeringer joined the Board in 2013. As a respected former member of the St. Francis faculty,
she brings valuable insight and experience to the Board. Kathleen graduated from Stanford University
with a BA in English and earned an MA in History/Humanities from CSUS. As a member of the faculty
Kathleen taught in the Theology, English and Social Studies Departments. With her breadth of knowledge
and SF community experience, Kathleen became a member of the Finance Committee. She brings her
unique perspective and understanding of what resources are needed to achieve excellence in both educational and spiritual growth.
New Board of Trustees Member
Helen Manfredi Pierson ’74
Helen Manfredi Pierson graduated from St. Francis in 1974 and joined the Board of Trustees in August
2016. As a former member of the St. Francis Board, she brings valuable insight and experience with policy
governance which is the new procedure for the St. Francis High School Board. Helen’s prior involvement as
the Chair of the California Ambulance Association, President of the Vallejo Rotary Club and the Charter
President of the Holy Spirit branch of the Italian Catholic Federation give her a wealth of knowledge and
experience in how to work together with a team to achieve the continued success of St. Francis’ legacy. Helen
resides in Sacramento with her husband, Bill, of nearly 40 years and they have three children, Cynthia ’00,
Sandra ’00, and James (CB ’02). Her family has expanded to include nine grandchildren.
Helen Pierson credits her St. Francis education in preparing her for the challenges she faced in life and being
instrumental in making her the person she is today – a successful business woman, wife, mother and mentor.
Her fondest memories of being a Troubie were the Homecoming rallies and decorating homeroom windows
for Christmas. It was the sense of camaraderie and family that she fondly remembers. Indeed, her vision as a
Trustee is to continue the mission of helping Troubies develop confidence and strength to become well rounded
individuals in all aspects of life and prepare our young women for the journey ahead, whether it be college, job,
relationship, children or other life challenges. She is honored to have this opportunity to serve the St. Francis
community and to help students live a life of faith, excellence, leadership and service.
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