Welcome to Kathleen Radecke ’85 as Director of External Relations

Moreau Catholic High School is thrilled to announce that we have hired our first Director of External Relations. We warmly

welcome Kathleen Radecke ’85 to this critical position. Kathleen is a passionate, dedicated, energetic, and successful champion for Catholic education with over 30 years of professional experience in the field, ranging from coaching to teaching to school leadership at the local and Diocesan levels. She has most recently served as Interim Superintendent for the Diocese of Monterey and previously was the Superintendent for the Diocese of Oakland. In every position she has held, Kathleen is known for her competence, strong relational leadership, exceptional communication, and exuberant spirit.

Our Search Committee, composed of a diverse group of 13 faculty, staff, leadership, and Board members of our Mariner family, unanimously recommended Kathleen for this reimagined role, previously known as the Director of Advancement. Elvia Quiroga, a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Advancement Committee, noted, “Kathleen’s love for Moreau Catholic is deep, and her experience is beyond impressive-we have drafted an MVP!”

In her new role, Kathleen will provide leadership for strategic marketing and communications, emphasizing support for admissions and philanthropy at MCHS. She will work to strengthen alumni engagement, volunteer connections, and community outreach. Importantly, her role will emphasize donor relationships, including individuals and families, corporations and foundations, and leadership to strengthen all of our advancement initiatives such as our annual fund, planned giving, parent pledge program, and special projects.

President Liz Guneratne shared, “We are beyond blessed to have Kathleen officially rejoining the Mariner team! Her energy, charisma, and executive leadership experience are exactly what we need to build on Moreau Catholic’s tradition of outstanding achievement while elevating our profile and increasing our community members’ engagement and support.”

Kathleen shared these words about her decision to join the Executive Leadership Team at Moreau Catholic High School:

“I look forward to the opportunity to return to Moreau Catholic High School where I, along with my four older sisters and brothers, attended. This is an exciting time for Moreau Catholic High School, of which I believe my particular set of skills, experience, and education are uniquely and best aligned to be a successful Director of External Relations. The mission of transforming hearts and minds, building respect, bringing hope, and being family requires bold leadership. I believe I possess the necessary energy and drive to elevate institutional advancement for a culture of increased participation and giving as we continue to promulgate the compelling mission and opportunities of Moreau Catholic High School education for generations to come.”

Kathleen will begin her new position at Moreau Catholic High School this June. Please join us in welcoming Kathleen home!

For their diligent efforts in reviewing, interviewing, and connecting to find and welcome the best new Director of External Relations, Dr. Guneratne gives thanks to the members of the Search Committee:

• Rick L’Heureux, Chair of the Board of Trustees

• Barry Slivinsky, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees & Chair of the Finance Committee & Investment Sub-committee 

• Elvia Quiroga, Board Member & Chair of the Advancement Committee

• Colleen Galloway ’77, Principal 

• Peter Francis Smith-Shelley, Director of Holy Cross Mission

• Matt Duke, Director of Finance 

• Toni West, Associate Principal of Climate & Culture 

• Paulina Maravilla, Director of Admissions 

• Elizabeth (Morales) Zepeda ’03, Public Relations & Communication Coordinator 

• Matthew Tominaga, Digital Designer 

• Laura Lopez, Database & Research Analyst

• Diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76, Alumni & Special Events Manager 

• Colleen Kelly, Stewardship Coordinator & Exec. Asst. to Pres. 

• Carla Adcock, Human Resources Manager