In its tripartite governance structure, the LCWR president, president-elect, and past president work in collaboration and consultation with one another and with the secretary, treasurer and executive director of the LCWR national office. Below are the officers as well as the regional chairs for 2022-2023, and a list of the past LCWR presidents and executive directors since 1957.
Congregation of St. Joseph
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Dominican Sisters
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sisters of Providence
Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
*Deceased
*Deceased
Several committees exist to carry forth the work of the conference. These include the following.
Contemporary Religious Life Committee
The Contemporary Religious Life Committee assists the conference to actively read the signs of the times from a gospel perspective, assuming an anticipatory role in understanding the implications for religious life, and bringing emerging questions, issues, and trends to the attention of the members. These questions inform the planning of programs, services, and resources offered to LCWR members to assist them in their ministry of leadership.
Executive Committee
This committee gives leadership and direction to the organization between national board meetings. Members are the president, president-elect, immediate past president, secretary, treasurer, executive director and two national board members elected from that body. The committee meets several times per year.
Finance and Audit Committee
Subject to the LCWR national board, this committee has guardianship and responsibility for all monies received. It reviews and recommends action on the annual conference budget, financial statements, and audit. It also recommends rates for membership dues, oversees the investment portfolio, and recommends actions to ensure the financial stability of LCWR. The committee consists of the LCWR treasurer, the associate director for business and finance, and other members appointed by the national board.
Global Concerns Committee
This committee provides direct service to members in fulfillment of the mission of LCWR to work for a just world order by using its corporate influence to effect systemic change. The committee initiates resolutions and actions that forward a social justice and peace agenda, especially on issues that impact women and children. Made up of LCWR members appointed by the executive committee of the board, the committee also includes the LCWR associate director for social mission. Normally the committee meets for extended in-person meetings twice a year in addition to its luncheon meeting held during the annual assembly.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee of the National Board of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious is a standing Committee whose purpose is to provide the Board and Regions with recommendations related to best practices in governing principles, practices and procedures and to assist in the election process of Board members and the President-elect.
Outstanding Leadership Award Committee
The Outstanding Leadership Award Committee of the National Board of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious is a special committee created to oversee the selection of persons to recognize and honor who have contributed significantly to the ministry of leadership and who reflect the LCWR Mission to promote a developing understanding and living of religious life.
