Our Team

President –
Donna M. Carroll

Donna M. Carroll became president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) on July 1, 2024, having served as the Association’s executive director since September 2023.

Prior to joining ACCU, Dr. Carroll served with distinction as president of Dominican University, IL, for 27 years. She then completed a two-year appointment as an Interfaith America Fellow, helping navigate their higher education practice, while simultaneously serving as interim president of North Central College from 2022-2023. She is widely respected as a presidential mentor and advocate for faith-based higher education.

A counselor educator by discipline, Dr. Carroll speaks and writes about leadership, vocation, and resilience. Her contributions to ACCU have been significant over many years, as a board member, speaker and retreat leader. In addition, she has been a facilitator for the Council of Independent College (CIC) Presidential Vocation and Mission Seminar since 2013 and enjoys coaching new and aspiring college presidents.

Dr. Carroll is recognized nationally as an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and the rights of undocumented students. She has received numerous academic, civic, and diocesan awards for her justice-oriented leadership. In 2022, ACCU honored her with the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC Award, for her significant services and contributions to Catholic higher education.​

Vice President –
Rebecca Sawyer

Dr. Rebecca A. Sawyer joined ACCU in September 2016 after spending four years as vice president for student life at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Prior to joining ACCU, she had more than 20 years of experience in higher education, supervising various departments within student affairs at both public and private universities. 

As Vice President at ACCU, she is responsible for the ongoing operations of the Association, including finances and human resources; oversight of programs and services for members; Annual Meeting sponsorships and other advancement efforts; government relations; and association research. 

Rebecca received her doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning from The George Washington University. Her dissertation focused on organizational identity development. 

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Executive Director for External Affairs –
Kathryn Harrington

Kathryn Harrington joined ACCU in summer 2026 as Executive Director for External Affairs. She leads the Association’s external affairs strategy, including communications and marketing, brand stewardship, and efforts to strengthen ACCU’s visibility and advance its role as a voice for Catholic higher education. 

She brings more than 20 years of communications and external affairs experience across nonprofit, faith-based, government, and corporate sectors. Her career includes serving as a White House appointee, advising the US Navy, leading communications for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, and counseling national trade associations, multinational corporations, and senior executives on reputation, public affairs, and strategic communications. 

Kathryn holds a master’s degree in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Geneseo. A lifelong Catholic, she is active in her parish community and has served in parish leadership and faith formation roles. 

Director, Executive Educational Programming –
Lorraine Sloma-Williams

Dr. Lorraine Sloma-Williams has been in her current position since 2017 and spent 7 years prior to that as a consultant with ACCU for mission-related programs. Previously, she worked in Advancement and Alumni Relations at The George Washington University and conducted research for the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program at Drexel University. A certified teacher, she spent six years in the classroom before returning to her studies to pursue her doctorate in higher education administration from The George Washington University. Her dissertation focused on lay presidents in Catholic higher education and their unique contributions to the leadership of Catholic identity and mission. 

At ACCU, Lorraine is responsible for the Trustees in Catholic Higher Education program, Institute for New Presidents, Discerning the Presidency, Aspiring Presidents, and the Annual Meeting Spouse Track. She also serves on the ACCU Charism Cabinet. She is blessed with two children, both attending Catholic school. 

Director, Annual Meeting – ​
Alexandra Flinn-Palcic

Alexandra joined ACCU in May 2022 and oversees all aspects of the ACCU Annual Meeting and Rome Seminar. Previously, she worked at American University’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies, implementing the Center’s grant-based projects, communications efforts, and grant-funded events. 

Alexandra previously worked at ACCU from 2017–2019, where she oversaw membership engagement, ran the 2018 ACCU Annual Meeting, and led the Hispanic Initiative. She is fluent in Spanish, and her interests include performing, teaching music, and traveling. 

Director of Association Research – ​
Raymond Horchos

Raymond Horchos joined ACCU in fall 2024. As Director of Association Research, he conducts and manages research on Catholic higher education, including data analysis, publications, and external research initiatives. He also supports the ACCU Board of Directors through governance and meeting preparation and provides program support for the Annual Meeting, Mission Officers, and other ACCU initiatives. 

A West Chester, Pa., native, Raymond earned a Master of Arts in Political Science with a certificate in International Politics from Villanova University in May 2023 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from DeSales University. As a Fulbright Scholar, he conducted research in Romania on religious pluralism among Turkish and Tatar Muslim communities and previously served as a research assistant for the Religious Freedom Institute. 

In his free time, Raymond enjoys time with his dog, Macie, creative writing, and exploring topics in philosophy, history, religion, and politics.  

Director of Membership and Operations – ​
Allison Mescall

​Allison Mescall joined ACCU in May 2026 as Director of Membership and Operations. In this role, she oversees the implementation of the Association’s membership engagement and recruitment strategies, supports financial operations, and develops operational initiatives to enhance the overall member experience. 

Prior to joining ACCU, Allison worked in operations at a consulting firm. She also served on the student affairs team of the Summer & Special Programs Office at Georgetown University and worked in the hospitality industry. 

Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from George Mason University and has served as a catechist. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, listening to live music, and spending time outdoors. 

Marketing Associate –
William Austin

William Austin joined ACCU in December 2025 as Marketing Associate. He supports the Association’s communications, including email, social media, and event materials, helping share the work and mission of Catholic higher education. 

William holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Outside of work, William enjoys art history, gardening, and reading.  

Administrative Assistant –
Matt Harkness

Matt Harkness joined ACCU in September 2025, bringing two years of nonprofit experience at faith-based organizations. 

At ACCU, Matt facilitates communication between President Donna M. Carroll and member institutions, partner organizations, staff, and other stakeholders. He also assists in the creation of letters, presentations, and updates and provides administrative support to the Association. 

Matt graduated from Gonzaga University in 2023 with a degree in History and Political Science. He spent the following year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, working in homelessness prevention in Austin, Texas. Matt considers his Catholic education a foundation for his career in the nonprofit sector. He is currently studying Nonprofit Management at American University’s School of Public Affairs.