Francis Donald will assume the role of Director of Enrollment Management at Ravenscroft effective July 1, 2025. He will report to Ben Rein, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement.

“I am pleased to share with you that, after conducting a national search, we have made a very exciting hire for next school year,” Head of School Derrick Willard said. “As a product of a fine private school, Francis knows and loves the independent school experience. With a decade of admissions work at great schools in Texas and California, Francis brings a wealth of experience serving at ‘the front door’ of a school community. He is excited to become a Raven this fall.”

“Margaret Mills leaves behind a legacy of care for the Ravenscroft community,” Donald said. “It is my privilege to continue that legacy as well as identify new opportunities to continue reaching out to new families within our Raleigh market.”

Donald, who is currently serving as Director of Enrollment Management at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, California, holds a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. He was an accomplished collegiate lacrosse player who developed his talents as a student at St. Mark’s School of Texas, a private boys school for grades 1-12. He was a St. Mark’s “lifer,” attending from first grade through to graduation, and actually played a lacrosse game at Ravenscroft during his high school career! 

“My primary goal is to continue to lead Ravenscroft toward a sustainable future through healthy enrollment,” Donald said. “I look forward to bringing energy, effort and enthusiasm to Ravenscroft and to being part of the fabric of the community, being on campus before, during and after school and supporting various programs and teams. I already have my green Nikes waiting for their debut.”

A statement from one of Donald's references stood out: “Francis connects well with everyone, draws out positive energy from those around him and is a constant positive community presence.”

Outside of work, Donald and his wife, Samantha, love to go to and teach fitness classes. They have a daughter, Rory, who is three and a son, Frankie, who is one. As a family, they are looking forward to exploring the many parks in Raleigh and attending sporting events in the area.

We look forward to welcoming Donald to the school community.