Mary Rausch is National President/CEO of the Society.  She is responsible for managing and supervising the business and affairs of the National Catholic Society of Foresters.  She has a long tradition of service within her Community and the Society.  A member since 1960 who had held multiple court and archdiocesan offices, Mary was elected in 1998 to serve a four year term as National Director.  In 2002, Mary was elected to a four year term as National Treasurer.  This was followed by her election to be National President on July 22, 2006.

Mary brings a wealth of experience and energy to this position.  She and her husband have owned a successful business for over 43 years.  Mary also worked in an advocate program at a community college for 20 years.  Possessing an easy going personality, exceptional leadership skills, business acumen, and a high level of common sense, Mary is ideally suited to lead the National Catholic Society of Foresters.

Mary earned an A.A. from Northeast Iowa Community College, holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Liberty University.  She is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians.

Ruth Knapp was elected National Vice President at the NCSF 2006 National Convention. She has been a long time active of member of St. Ann Court 1056 in Waterloo, Iowa. She was elected a National Delegate to the 1994 National Convention and served on the Finance Committee at the 1998 National Convention. She assisted in hosting the 1997 State Convention in Iowa.

As a court officer, she has held the Treasurer position and now serves as St. Ann Court’s President. On the diocesan association level, Ruth has been the Vice President and Association President. Her years of participation in local groups have given her a wealth of experience in planning events and delegating duties to others as needed.

Her past work experience includes duties as administrative assistant to an insurance adjuster, office manager of a metro system of Catholic education, and 20 years as a parish secretary, music director and liturgist in her parish.

Other leadership involvement includes Meals on Wheels, chairing Helping Hands projects in schools and parishes, Editor for the St. Mary’s Alumni Newsletter, and playing the organ along with directing the chapel and parish choir.

Patricia De Nys was elected National Secretary at the 2006 National Convention. A life long active member of the NCSF and a current member of St. Joseph’s Court 513 in Hammond, Indiana. 

Her employment with the Society covers over 38 years in various areas in the Home Office, Member Service, Underwriting Department working with reinsurance and beneficiary designations, the National President’s Office working under and along with seven National Presidents, In-House Editor of the National Catholic Forester magazine and Fraternal Benefits Administrator.  Served two consecutive four-year terms as a National Director, first elected in 1998 and again in 2002.  Pat proudly holds the title of Society Historian. This superior familiarity and background makes Pat the ideal person to serve as National Secretary.

She is Officer of Compliance,  Anti-Fraud and Anti-Money Laundering and manages the Members Service, Underwriting and Information System/Computer Operation as part of her daily corporate duties now.   And is still happy to administer the Fraternal benefits for members and the scholarship and grant programs.

Carole Witkowski was elected National Treasurer in 2006. She is a life-long member of the Society and has previously served in leadership roles including, National Director (’94-98), State and National Convention Delegate, Archdiocesan Association President and Secretary, Court President, Junior Director, and a variety of other fraternal positions. Carole has been honored by the Society as Fraternalist of the Year and as a scholarship recipient.

A Human Resource professional for more than 18 years, Carole earned her PHR (Professional of Human Resources) designation in 1997. She served on the Board of Directors of the local SHRM chapter (Human Resource Association of Southeast WI ) for six years, and has held several committee chairs for that organization as well. She was the editor of the HRMA newsletter for four years. Prior to HR, Carole worked for as an office manager and in a variety of sales positions in the interior design industry.

She holds a B.A. in Professional Communications from Alverno College, Milwaukee, and an Associate of Arts degree in Interior Design from Stratton College, Milwaukee. She is presently pursuing a Masters in Adult Education with a focus on Organizational Development with an expected graduation of May, 2008.