St. Andrew Nativity School Appoints President
St. Andrew Nativity School announces important news regarding its leadership. Lorraine Shepherd has decided to step down from the position of President, Director of Mission of St. Andrew Nativity School, citing personal reasons.
The Board of Trustees of St. Andrew Nativity School is pleased to appoint Brianna Hennessy as the new President, Director of Mission, effective immediately. Bri has served the school faithfully for over twelve years, the last year as Interim Co-President while continuing as Director of Graduate Support.
Brianna Hennessy the new President, Director of Mission at St. Andrew Nativity School
Bri's extensive experience will exceptionally serve Nativity as a longtime member of school leadership, her dedicated work with our students and their families not only during their time at Nativity but beyond, as well as her passion for equity in education and deep understanding of and commitment to our mission.
Bri, a Portland native who grew up in the St. Ignatius Parish, attended La Salle Prep and earned her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University. After graduation, she dedicated a year of volunteerism as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Bri later pursued her passion for social work, obtaining a master's degree from Portland State University. In addition to her longtime service to St. Andrew Nativity, she is an active member of The Madeleine Parish community in NE Portland, where her children attend school.
"We are confident that St. Andrew Nativity School will continue to thrive under Bri's leadership and uphold its commitment to underserved students in the Portland area," states Nativity Board of Trustees Chair, David Blaskowsky. She is eager to continue engagingwith our dedicated faculty, staff, students, families, and greater community to build on Nativity's 23 years of providing a transformative Jesuit education that empowers our students to become people for others.
Bri shared, “Over the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of watching our students grow from curious 6th graders to accomplished adults, taking full advantage of the opportunities at Nativity. This past year, I have engaged more holistically with the entire Nativity community and its supporters, witnessing their remarkable dedication to our mission. I am humbled and look forward to continuing to support our students, families, graduates, and staff as President, Director of Mission at St. Andrew Nativity.”