Rose Pierro ’63 Simmons
Retired:  Operations Officer Health Care Non-profit Organizations; Community Volunteer
ND Board Member Term: 
July 2019 – June 2022
Board Committee:  Chair, Strategic Partnership Development; Chair, Gift Acceptance Committee

Rose recently retired after completing a 40-year career in the development of health care non-profit organizations, primarily the California Division, of the American Cancer Society, and now wishes to commit her time and energy to volunteering and organizing non-profit activities through innovative programs. Rose has served in executive management of corporate and state operations as Chief Operating Officer for the California Division of the American Cancer Society. Her background includes relationship development, professional staff leadership, board relations, leadership vision for major gifts, solicitation, networking, financial stewardship and fundraising. Her knowledge of donor giving programs, volunteer operations and strategic marketing initiatives is exceptional.

On leaving the position in planning and operations she was recognized by the Society for being a widely admired and respected leader of staff and volunteers at local, state and national levels. Many also expressed appreciation for her superior work performance in fundraising, volunteer building and staff training. In addition, she was recognized for her skilled and thoughtful leadership in meeting the serious health needs of cancer patients and their families through personal caring, program planning, capital campaigns and coaching staff/volunteers to attain leadership positions. She was also a key person in the development of diversity work teams and outreach programs. Due to her untiring enthusiasm she remains involved and currently coaches professional staff in career development.

In addition to the American Cancer Society and opening the first Discovery Shop in Pacific Grove, Rose was employed by the Stanford University Medical Center for a Research Disease Prevention position where she designed, implemented and evaluated the first community-based cholesterol screening program. Other positions included Program Director for Wellness Counseling Consultants and as Executive Director for Mariposa Hall, Inc. in Monterey, CA initiating a fundraising capital drive to purchase a building for rental to non-profit agencies. For an indication of the overall effectiveness of her career, at one point Rose was recognized as one of the 20 most influential women in Silicon Valley by San Jose Magazine. At Notre Dame High School’s 2016 Women of Impact luncheon Rose received the Women of Impact Award for her non-profit leadership, innovation and advocacy. 

Rose is a graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Social work. Her professional background also includes nursing and a teaching credential. Since her retirement she has volunteered with the following organizations: Ronald McDonald House as volunteer lead for the House Refresh Project; Rotary/RotaCare, current Chair of RotaCare Committee; Volunteer for  the Victim Services Unit of the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department; Volunteer Coordinator for Cristo Rey High School; current Underwriting Chair of the American Cancer Society’s Design & Discovery event; Past Chair of the Cancer Center South Bay, Patient Family Advisory Council, Stanford Health Center; current Board member of the American Cancer Society, Northern California Coastal Area; current member of the Planning Committee of the American Cancer Society’s Grand View League; currrent Chair of the Strategic Partnership Development Committee, Notre Dame and current member of the Bay Area Survivorship Coalition. Rose also enjoys traveling with her husband, John. Her other interests are gardening and spending time with Godchildren, family and friends.