National Leadership Conference for Catholic Schools

Lauren Fredette brings over two decades of leadership experience in Catholic and independent schools and Catholic organizations, with a focus on advancement strategy and execution, enrollment growth, and institutional planning. In addition to working directly with our partner schools and organizations, she helps guide the firm’s work with schools and dioceses across the country, drawing on her background in both frontline fundraising and executive leadership.

An accomplished school and association leader, Kyle Pietrantonio brings a strong, entrepreneurial experience to Partners in Mission as a Senior Partner in the Search Solutions practice. Kyle has worked with Catholic schools around the country and world and brings a depth of experience from his own education, which includes Georgetown University, the University of Notre Dame, and The Catholic University of America. 

Shana Rossi is dedicated to advancing Catholic education through innovative enrollment management, strategic leadership, and faith-driven community engagement. With a passion for guiding schools to thrive, she empowers leaders, enhances branding and marketing efforts, and fosters environments where students, faculty, and families are supported, valued, and inspired. 

Dr. Mary Crowley McDonald has received national acclaim as an innovative educator, published author, and public speaker. She has been a professional educator for 40 years as a teacher, principal, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis. She left this position in June 2012 and has spent the past 12 years in educational consulting, institutional assessments, leadership mentoring, and strategic planning in 34 states. 

Greg Markiton offers his unwavering dedication, proven growth strategies, and 20+ years of experience in advancement, admissions, marketing, and alumni relations to Partners in Mission. He joined Partners in Mission full-time after a successful 19-year career as the Director of Advancement at Benedictine Military School, a Catholic, Benedictine all-boys college preparatory high school. 

Katie Thiemann brings her passion for excellent, accessible Catholic education and her advancement skills to Partners in Mission as a Senior Partner. Katie recently retired from a 20-year career at Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, MO, where she led the Advancement and Leadership team to raise $45 million, and increased their Endowment from $2 million to $12 million.

Chris Hagerty brings his entrepreneurial spirit and development skills to Partners in Mission as a Senior Partner. He has also served as President, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and Director of Advancement at Cathedral Preparatory School, Villa Maria Academy, and Mother Teresa Academy in Erie, PA, where he raised over $100 million during his tenure. Chris specializes in major gifts, feasibility studies, and capital campaigns.

Barry brings a wealth of experience to Catholic education, combining a background in city planning, theology, and over 28 years at Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, CA, where he served as teacher, coach, academic dean, principal, and president. Under his leadership, Serra flourished, successfully completing $30 million in campus projects and a record-breaking $38 million capital campaign that doubled the endowment and transformed the campus.

Andy is the current President of Santa Margarita Catholic High School.  Since 2014, Andy has restructured the administrative team and created several new positions to optimize the community. He also revamped the school's annual fund program and the main fundraisers, which now average a yearly profit exceeding $2 million. He led his team on capital projects and campus improvements totaling over $12 million, including academic enhancements, student life, performing arts, and athletics.

Kathleen Casey brings a unique perspective to Catholic schools due to her multiple leadership positions in corporate and educational environments where she has been instrumental in achieving strategic and operational goals and objectives. Kathleen has an established track record of increasing and achieving enrollment and advancement goals, building influential networks, and enhancing the sustainability of faith communities. 

Mike has served in Catholic education since 1981 as a classroom teacher, coach, administrator, and school president. He is also an adjunct instructor at St. Louis University, where he teaches a graduate course in Catholic school finance and financial accounting. 
Mike has a wide array and depth of experience in school leadership. His greatest strengths are developing a mission-driven culture, fundraising/advancement, enrollment management, strategic planning, and board formation. 

Dr. Adam Ehrmantraut offers a unique blend of experiences as an educational leader and entrepreneur, bringing that perspective to his work with Partners in Mission. Adam brings successful experiences in strategic organizational improvement, enrollment growth, advancement success, and leadership development. He is deeply committed to the vitality of Catholic schools.

As Managing Partner at Partners in Mission, Jim McGibbon oversees strategic growth, business development, and the firm’s operational activities, including sales, marketing, finance, accounting, and general management. With over 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, investment banking, private equity, and business development, Jim has played a pivotal role in scaling growth companies.

Zane Gizzi brings decades of experience in advancement-related positions to his work with Partners in Mission, including leadership roles at both secondary and higher education institutions. He is highly regarded for his 11 years of extraordinary success as Director of Advancement at Lancaster (PA) Catholic High School. Under his leadership, the advancement program more than doubled in size, with a five-fold increase in overall giving, while alumni giving participation rose to 26%.