Nominees for NCNWR Board

Dawn Boyer

Dawn Boyer is director of communications for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois, and a freelance writer. Dawn was employed for 14 years by the University of Illinois at Chicago Division of Specialized Care for Children in human resources and as a publication supervisor. She has been a writer for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to Springfield Scene Magazine. Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in English Communications from the University of Illinois at Springfield and is the recipient of several writing and public speaking awards, including two from Toastmaster’s International. Currently, Dawn is co-vice president of communications for the Association for Women in Communications Springfield chapter. She is also a former piano teacher and wedding coordinator and the mother of two young boys.

Kathryn Caudill

Kathy Caudill is the director of development for the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago, addressing the fund development and communications needs of the community of women religious at St. Scholastica Monastery in Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised in Minnesota, Kathy received her undergraduate degree in government from the College of Saint Benedict, and her juris doctor degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. She has recently attained her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification. She and her husband, Jeff, reside in suburban Chicago, and are the proud parents of two Eagle Scouts. Elected nine years ago to serve on her local library board of trustees, Kathy has served in leadership roles on that local library board, a regional library board and a non-profit board. She has also been an active volunteer in schools, scouting, and her parish.

Sister Beth Kress, PBVM

Sister Beth Kress, PBVM, is communications specialist for her congregation, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Dubuque, Iowa, and the coordinator of public relations and marketing for their sponsored ministry, Presentation Lantern Center.

Beth began a career in communications as a high school teacher of English, journalism, mass media and publications. While earning a master’s degree in journalism education (University of Iowa) and a master of journalism degree in public relations (Louisiana State University) she gained experience in reporting and publicity. For 25 years she has worked with non-profits in Catholic education and for women religious regionally, nationally and internationally, including as a Catholic schools system coordinator of public relations and telecommunications, as the first coordinator for the International Presentation Association (1989–1995) and as the first NCNWR coordinator (1995–1997).

A member of NCNWR since its beginning in 1995, Sister Beth has served as a regional liaison for Region 10 (Iowa) and is presently a member of the organization’s Marketing Committee. Beth is a founding member (1993) of Sisters United News (SUN) – Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.

Russ Mancl

Russ Mancl is director of communications and development for the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross USA Province headquartered in Merrill, Wisconsin. He is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing effective communication and development programs to support the mission, charism and vocation development programs of the congregation. This includes quarterly newsletters, maintaining the website and other social media sites. Prior to 2006 Russ worked as an editor for Assured Publishing in Northern Wisconsin, where he created and implemented publications. He worked in radio in the Midwest for 13 years as a news director/reporter, and station manager. In addition, he created and staffed a sales department for a cable television company in Western Wisconsin for 13 years. Russ is a graduate of Trans American School of Broadcasting.

Russ is an associate of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross and resides in Merrill with his wife of 26 years. He currently serves on the Merrill Rotary Club board of directors.

Stephanie Manseau

Stephanie Manseau is coordinator of communication services for the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Stephanie Manseau was first hired by the Congrégation de Notre-Dame in 2007 to develop the Communications Department: a merger of the existing General Secretariat and other entities, such as graphic design and web services. Stephanie also oversees a team of translators as most of the congregation’s documents are published in French, English, Spanish and Japanese.

After receiving a master’s degree in history from the Université de Montréal in 1996, Stephanie worked eight years in advertising for a magazine editor prior to taking the position with the Congrégation de Notre-Dame. Stephanie is also a wife and mother of three children.

Paula Schultz

Paula Staisiunas Schultz is communications project manager for the Sisters of St. Casimir, Chicago, Illinois. During her grammar school and high school years, she was taught by the Sisters of St. Casimir.

Before joining the sisters in 2005, Paula worked in the market research industry for more than 20 years, gaining experience in project management and client service. Paula’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in sociology and Family Studies, and a graduate certificate in Pastoral Studies (both from St. Xavier University, Chicago). She has also participated in the Together in God’s Service (TIGS) formation program for Pastoral Associates of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

She and her husband have ministered as grief support facilitators and presenters within the Archdiocese. Paula compiled a perpetual calendar of daily quotations specifically selected for those grieving the loss of a loved one, titled “Words for the Journey,” which was published through Ministry of the Arts.