SOAR! Announces New President

The SOAR! Board of Directors announced the appointment of Kristen R. Wise as President. Wise succeeds Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, who served as President of the organization from 2010 to 2026. Under Sister Kathleen’s visionary leadership, SOAR! significantly expanded its impact and reach and advanced its mission of enhancing the quality of life of aging women and men religious.

A dedicated leader with more than a decade of service to SOAR!, Wise has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission. As Director of Grantmaking, she led efforts to modernize grantmaking operations; expand outreach; and cultivate stronger partnerships with religious congregations, Catholic organizations, and philanthropic partners across the country. Her leadership has helped SOAR! effectively respond to the evolving needs of aging religious.

“Kristen’s unwavering commitment to aging religious, combined with her deep understanding of the changing realities of religious life, make her the ideal leader to guide SOAR! into its next chapter,” said Kathleen A. Curran, chair of the SOAR! Board of Directors. “Her vision, experience, and collaborative leadership style will ensure that SOAR! continues to grow in both impact and service.”

Wise stated, “It is an incredible honor to serve as the next President of SOAR! For the past 40 years, SOAR! has built a remarkable legacy of caring for the women and men religious who have devoted their lives to serving others. I am deeply grateful for the foundation established by those who have led this organization before me, and I look forward to building on that legacy while leading SOAR! into its next chapter.”

As President, Wise will focus on expanding strategic partnerships, encouraging innovation, strengthening philanthropy, and bringing people together around a shared commitment to mission-driven service. She will also continue to champion the mission of SOAR! by engaging and stewarding donors whose generosity makes the organization’s work possible.