Sister Andree Fries Named Deputy for Child Sexual Abuse Response
WASHINGTON (November 7, 2002) -- Sister Andree Fries, a member of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon, Missouri, has been named deputy to the general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to deal with its response to the sexual abuse crisis.
Msgr. William P. Fay, USCCB General Secretary, named Sister Fries his deputy November 7.
"I am personally grateful to Sister Andree for her willingness to bring her extraordinary administrative skills to this challenge. There is no greater concern to the Bishops" Conference at this time, and I know Sister Andree's wisdom and experience will go far as we work to heal hurts and protect youth and children," he said.
"As deputy, Sister Andree will represent me to all involved in this challenge, including the National Review Board, the Office for Child and Youth Protection, the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse and USCCB staff offices that have been involved in dealing with this issue," he added.
Sister Fries, who is executive director of the National Religious Retirement Office, which is headquartered at the USCCB, will continue in that position. As deputy, she succeeds Father J. Cletus Kiley, who will return to working full-time as executive director of the bishops" Office for Priestly Life and Ministry.
Sister Fries has substantive leadership and management experience as a result of her work for her religious order, an international religious institute; and for regional, national and international organizations.
She holds a master of business administration degree from Southern Illinois University, a bachelor of science degree from Quincy University, and has a strong finance and management background.
Throughout her career she has held several executive leadership and financial management positions. She was superior general of her religious order twice, 1980-1986 and 1992-1998; in the presidency of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, 1993-1996; membership on the executive committee of the boards of the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators, 1985-1998; and the National Association of Treasurers of Religious Institutes.
She also has been active in activities in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, where she was a member of the Archdiocese of St. Louis Finance Council, 1995-1998; the Cemetery Board & Finance Committee and a Trustee, 1993-1998; and the Strategic Pastoral Planning Committee, 1995-1998.
She also was one of three elected U.S. representatives to the International Union of Superiors General, in Rome, 1995-98.