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.
About Julie Carver
Julie Carver brings a rare combination of expertise in school operations and strategic growth. Her extensive background in Catholic education includes serving as President of Ursuline High School and as Associate Superintendent for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, where she supervised 11 principals and mentored leadership teams in academic excellence and parish relations. Notably, she previously served as the Acting President of Mercy High School in Red Bluff, an experience that deeply rooted her in the Mercy tradition and the charism of Catherine McAuley.
Most recently, she served as the Founding Executive Director of Southern Nevada Trades High School, where she directed all aspects of the school’s opening from the ground up, including facilities management, policy creation, and successful multi-million-dollar fundraising initiatives.
Julie holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School and advanced degrees in Communication from Pepperdine University. As a practicing Catholic who joined the Church through RCIA, she views providing students with a foundation of faith as the greatest gift for the next generation.
Returning to the Midwest, Julie is eager to uphold Mercy High School’s 80-year legacy as a "shining lamp" of Catholic education. She looks forward to nurturing the "Mercy Sisterhood" and helping every young woman find her unique voice.
About Mercy High School
Mercy High School is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education. Compelled by the Catholic faith and the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy High School is a premier college preparatory school that educates and nurtures young women of diverse backgrounds to excel academically, serve compassionately, and lead courageously.
For over 80 years, Mercy High School has been empowering young women through academic excellence, spiritual growth, and compassionate leadership. As an innovative learning community, Mercy is driven by a dedicated team of educators and inspired students who embody the Core Values of Compelled by Mercy, Educational Courage, Inspired by Faith, Principled Leadership, and A Voice for Dignity and Respect.
Serving students from more than 60 communities across Metro Detroit, Mercy is proud to have a network of over 17,000 alumnae. Recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, accredited by Cognia, and a Founding Member of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, Mercy continues to set the standard for excellence in all-girls education.
About Mercy Education
Mercy Education System of the Americas unites and supports Catholic schools embracing the charism of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by Catherine McAuley, Mercy Education nurtures educational communities to develop highly competent, deeply compassionate leaders ready to serve a vulnerable world.