Central Washington Catholic Foundation hires Nicole St. Mary-Franson as New Executive Director
Yakima, WA – The Central Washington Catholic Foundation hired Nicole St. Mary-Franson as the Executive Director. St. Mary-Franson will continue to lead the Foundation in Catholic philanthropy and to pass our faith heritage to future generations through scholarships, religious education support, and tuition assistance to the 40 parishes and 7 Catholic schools in the Yakima Diocese.
St. Mary-Franson brings with her more than 15 years of institutional and organizational advancement and fundraising experience. In addition, she has served as a teacher, Principal, and Executive Principal in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle. St. Mary-Franson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University, a Masters in Teaching from Heritage University, and Principal Credentials from Seattle Pacific University. In 2020, she was acknowledged as one of the Yakima Herald-Republic’s “39 Under 39.”
Prior to joining the Central Washington Catholic Foundation, St. Mary Franson served as the Executive Director of the Yakima Schools Foundation. During this time, she worked diligently to bring more diversity to the Board of Directors, increase fundraising revenue, and engage the broader community. St. Mary-Franson is also valued for her innovative thinking, being a servant leader, and passion for education. Board President, Gordon Beecher comments, “The Central Washington Catholic Foundation is delighted to be able to land such a bright, effusive and talented resource such as Nicole! Our future will continue to brighten even further under her leadership.”
The Central Washington Catholic Foundation serves to facilitate Catholic philanthropy and to pass the Catholic faith heritage to future generations. Rooted in Christian stewardship, the Foundation encourages a faith-filled response to God’s generosity. In gratitude, individuals and families give back to formative institutions and ministries that guided their own faith development.