EAST PROVIDENCE —The Board of Trustees at St. Mary Academy - Bay View has named Amy Gravell — who has long standing experience in nonprofit leadership and development — to be the Academy’s 4th president.
Her appointment follows an eight-month national search, led by an 11-person Presidential Search Committee, with representation from trustees, administrators, teachers, alumnae, parents, students, and community members. The Committee worked in conjunction with Boston-based Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions — a national search and recruiting firm devoted exclusively to developing excellence in Catholic school executive leadership. Gravell was the unanimous selection by the Committee, following her multiple interviews, including engaging finalist discussions with faculty and students. Her appointment was ratified by the Mercy Education System of the Americas’ Mercy Education Board.
"I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to serve St. Mary Academy – Bay View as its next president. A proud alumna, I look forward with great anticipation to connecting with my fellow alumnae in support of Bay View's long and successful history of educational excellence for girls and young women,” said Gravell, a 1993 graduate. “It will be an honor to lead the school toward its 150th anniversary and position the school for its next 150 years of educating compassionate and courageous leaders, grounded in Mercy values."
Bolstered by a career centered on building and stewarding relationships, Gravell will prioritize connection, compassion, and community through her leadership. She plans to expand partnerships and opportunities within the community for students, strengthen connections with alumnae, inspire a culture of philanthropy, and foster a sense of belonging for the Academy’s current and future students.
“We vetted, interviewed, and evaluated an extensive pool of qualified and credible candidates through our rigorous search process, and we’re thrilled to select Amy to lead Bay View into its promising future,” said Alison Croke, chair of the Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Search Committee. “Her experience in development and roots in the non-profit sector will help deepen our community connections and offer new, exciting opportunities for our students in this next chapter.”
A mission-driven leader with 25 years of experience in Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector, Gravell is currently the Managing Director of The Gamm Theatre, and has previously served as Associate Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, Director of Marketing and Development at Tockwotton Home, and Director of Admissions at The Prout School. She is the immediate past president of the board of directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals — RI Chapter, and a CliftonStrengths Coach for Leadership Rhode Island. Formerly a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Professional Association, she was named 2015 Northeast Professional of the Year. Past professional volunteer affiliations include Shri Service Corps and the City of Pawtucket’s Advisory Commission on Arts and Culture. Amy has a B.A. in sociology from Wheaton College, with a concentration in women and family studies. She is a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island ('14) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Advanced Leadership Program.
Gravell, a Providence resident, succeeds Sister Marybeth Beretta who has served as Academy president since 2017 and has made a remarkable, lasting impact. Sister Marybeth will continue her leadership at the Academy through the end of the current school year, with Amy Gravell beginning her new role on July 1, 2023. As a Sister of Mercy, Sister Marybeth will remain in service to their global network.
