MERCY HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT SEARCH UPDATE
April 29, 2026
Mercy High School Announces Appointment of New President
Julie Carver
Mercy High School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Carver as its next President, effective July 1, 2026. This transition follows the upcoming retirement of Dr. Cheryl Kreger ‘66, who has served as Mercy High School’s president for the past 16 years, providing dedicated and transformative leadership.
This announcement follows an extensive national search process and thoughtful feedback from many members of the Mercy community, including Mercy Education, board members, faculty, staff, alumnae, students, and parents who participated in the finalist campus visit. The Board of Trustees’ decision was ratified by the Mercy Education Board of Directors, acting in the name of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
Julie brings a distinguished record of leadership in Catholic education and mission-driven organizations, with a proven ability to guide schools through growth, innovation, and sustainability. Most recently, she served as Founding Executive Director, successfully launching a public charter high school from the ground up and providing leadership across operations, fundraising, enrollment, staffing, and long-term planning.
Her career also includes service as President of Ursuline High School, Associate Superintendent for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, and executive roles across nonprofit organizations. Julie has demonstrated exceptional strength in strategic planning, board governance, and advancement, consistently building meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty, donors, and community partners. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she is widely respected for advancing mission-centered schools.
Julie also brings a deep commitment to Catholic education and empowerment of young women. Having previously served within a Mercy school community, she brings a meaningful connection to the charism and values that define Mercy education.
Julie holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School and advanced degrees in Communication from Pepperdine University. She is a practicing Catholic who joined the Church through RCIA, and looks forward to returning to the Midwest.
“Julie’s passion for Catholic education and her dedication to forming young women as leaders deeply resonate with the spirit of Mercy,” said Board Chair Sharon Sanderson. “Her leadership experience, commitment to relationship-building, and vision for the future make her an excellent choice to guide Mercy into our next chapter. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Kreger for her faithful years of service to Mercy High School and for her commitment that has so strongly shaped our community."
Julie shared her enthusiasm about joining the Mercy community, “I am honored to join Mercy High School and its remarkable community. Mercy’s mission of educating young women to lead with courage, compassion, and integrity is both inspiring and essential in today’s world. I look forward to partnering with faculty, students, alumnae, parents, and supporters to continue strengthening Mercy’s tradition of academic excellence, faith formation, and service.”
Mercy High School is grateful to everyone who participated in this important search process and helped ensure the school’s strong future.
DR. CHERYL KREGER '66 RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
We thank President Dr. Cheryl Delaney Kreger '66 for her unwavering commitment and dedication to Mercy High School. Visit links below for her message to the Mercy community regarding her June 2026 retirement.
COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION & SURVEY
Board of Trustees Chair Sharon Sanderson shares information about the President Search, Site visit with recruitment firm Carney, Sandoe & Associates, and invitation to complete important community survey.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UPDATE NOTICE TO OUR COMMUNITY
The Board of Trustees is pleased to share an update on our search for the next President of Mercy High School. In partnership with Carney, Sandoe & Associates, we are conducting a comprehensive and inclusive search guided by feedback from our Mercy family. Through campus visits and a community-wide survey conducted by Carney Sandoe, we gained valuable perspective on what matters most to those who know and love Mercy. We are grateful for the thoughtful engagement that helped shape the Position Description for the next President of Mercy High School. We invite you to learn more, share this opportunity, and encourage qualified, mission-driven leaders to apply as we continue to advance the vision and legacy of Mercy High School.
MERCY PRESIDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE
CARNEY, SANDOE & ASSOCIATES RECRUITMENT FIRM
Barbara Daush
Senior Consultant and Catholic Schools Practice Leader
barbara.daush@carneysandoe.com
Karen Neitzel, Ed.D.
Senior Consultant
karen.neitzel@carneysandoe.com
Mercy High School has retained Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CS&A), an internationally recognized education search and recruitment, consulting, and coaching firm, to partner with us in the search for our next Head of School. CS&A brings deep knowledge of independent schools from over 45 years of experience guiding schools through their searches for exceptional heads of school, senior administrators, and faculty. Carney Sandoe is known for its highly personalized approach to understanding the particular strengths, needs, and cultures of schools and then supporting them through the identification, recruitment, and hiring of excellent leaders, whose skills and experiences align with the school’s needs.