People at Cate Behind the Scenes: Sandi Pierce and Andrew MacDonnell

By: Karina Strofs '27

Cate School has around 150 employees, but only 46 are full-time teachers. Beyond teachers, Cate has a large community of faculty who each contribute to everything that makes Cate special. 

From the admissions office to the health center, the other 104 non-teachers are each remarkable people whose work for this school makes Cate a place where students can learn comfortably and effectively.

Sandi Pierce and Andrew MacDonnell are two people worth highlighting. Ms. Pierce and Mr. MacDonnell have each dedicated years of service to Cate, contributing to various aspects of the school community.

Sandi Pierce:

Ms. Pierce started working at Cate in 1991, 10 years after it became co-ed. It was here she met her husband and raised her three children. Since then, the student population has increased by 41, the employee population has increased by 50, the square footage of facilities has increased by 100,000, and the yearly budget has increased by almost $25 million.  

As Assistant Head for Finance and Operations, she is “responsible for the overall financial management of the school, all new construction and major renovation projects.” Over the years, her role has evolved to meet the school’s changing needs, and she has been a key part of transforming the physical campus and the broader Cate experience. Over the past two decades, the addition of nearly 100,000 square feet – including buildings like CHE, Sprague Gym, Booth, the CoLab, new athletic fields, and faculty housing has been a product of Ms. Pierce’s work. Additionally, Cate’s books, courses, electives, teaching methodologies, and co-curricular support have significantly advanced over the years, reflecting growth and intention: every new project is tied directly to supporting Cate’s mission. 

Even as her work revolves around finance and operations, Ms. Pierce finds deep value in her relationships with students. Whether serving as an advisor, doing dorm duty in 25 House, cheering at games, or attending theater performances, she makes it a point to stay engaged with student life. When she lived on campus for over 30 years, her family motto was, “Make yourself at home." Her house was often open for students to bake, eat, or spend time together. 

As Cate continues to evolve, so does her work. With each new challenge – whether expanding program offerings, integrating new technologies, or increasing community representation – she remains focused on aligning the school’s values with its decisions. Her educated view of Cate’s history and her deep connection to its people allow her to help steward not only what Cate is but what it hopes to become.

Andrew MacDonnell:

Mr. MacDonnell has worked for Cate for 15 years. His role as the Director of Advancement speaks to his broader mission: helping the school, as he says, “move forward in all different ways.” He works with Cate’s alumni, current and former parents, and trustees. Mr. MacDonnell helps strategize to secure the resources needed to enhance the school’s future. Whether raising funds for new buildings, supporting curriculum development, or sustaining financial aid, his work bridges vision with the means to make it real.

Before taking on his current role, Mr. MacDonnell served as Cate’s Alumni Director, connecting graduates worldwide through events and networking opportunities. In doing so, he kept alumni engaged and deepened their sense of connection to each other and the school. This foundation of trust and belonging is part of what allows him to invite alumni and families to support Cate’s mission financially. While tuition covers about 70% of the school’s operating costs, the Advancement Office helps raise the remaining funds – millions of dollars each year – through donations, endowment growth, and auxiliary programs like summer rentals. As he explains, “Running the school actually costs more… than the tuition you and your families pay,” which makes his work strategic and essential.

Despite the outward-facing nature of his role, Mr. MacDonnell maintains a close relationship with current students. He has served as a dorm parent for all 15 years, first in Longhouse, then in CHW and Savage during the pandemic, and now again in Longhouse. He has also coached lacrosse and squash and continues to advise students each year. Through these roles, he remains grounded in the daily rhythm of Cate's life, understanding firsthand the impact of the work he supports.

By fostering a culture of giving, Mr. MacDonnell ensures that the school can continue offering the transformative experience that defines Cate. He helps make possible the “extras” that shape student life – travel, arts, athletics, and service – while securing long-term sustainability through thoughtful fundraising. His work doesn’t just support Cate’s present; it lays the groundwork for future generations to thrive.

Every student at Cate knows the impact of teachers. They help us become better learners and better people. But, behind the scenes, there are so many people that devote their time to improving this place. Ms. Pierce and Mr. MacDonnell are just two examples of these people as there are so many more that heavily contribute to Cate’s well-being and future success.