Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia Launch New Leadership Role
Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia Congregational Minister Sister Theresa Firenze, OSF (left), shares a moment with newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Florence Smith outside of the Congregation’s Motherhouse in Aston, Pennsylvania.
Veteran leader brings 18 years of experience to newly created role supporting mission and administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aston, Pennsylvania — October 15, 2025 — Guided by their Franciscan values and a commitment to the future, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia have taken an important step to strengthen their leadership. On October 1, 2025, Florence Smith began serving as the congregation’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO), a new role designed to ensure operational excellence while allowing the elected leadership team to focus on the spiritual and personal well-being of sisters and the vitality of their ministries.
Florence Smith
The COO oversees key operational and service departments—including archives, communications, environmental services, food services, general services, information services, and plant operations—and works in close collaboration with human resources, wellness services, the congregation’s foundation, and Red Hill Farm, the congregation’s six-acre Community Supported Agriculture farm. By centralizing these responsibilities, the leadership team can focus more fully on advancing the mission and ministries that embody the Franciscan charism.
“Religious life is evolving, and so must our structures,” said Congregational Minister Sister Theresa Firenze, OSF. “This new role helps us respond with foresight and hope, and we are grateful to have Florence as a trusted partner helping us carry our mission forward.”
Florence brings more than 18 years of experience with the congregation, having served as Director of Communications and, most recently, as Executive Director of Services. She holds a BA in Multimedia Design and Communication and an MBA in Marketing from Wilmington University, and is an active member of Communicators for Women Religious (CWR). Smith has also contributed to her community as Committee Chair for BSA Troop 2281 and as a former Den Leader for Cub Pack 601, and has completed many hours of local community service. By placing the congregation’s mission at the center of this new leadership structure, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia ensure that their legacy of joy, charity, and service will continue to thrive well into the future.
Florence Smith receives recognition for 10 years of service in 2017 from then congregational minister, Sr. Mary Kathryn Dougherty, and then Human Resources director, Mary Beth Oberg.
For more than 170 years, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia have embraced the Gospel call to be a healing, compassionate presence in a wounded world. The creation of this new role and Florence’s leadership mark a hopeful next chapter in their ongoing mission.
About The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia:
The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia is a community of more than 260 Catholic women religious committed to living the Gospel in the prophetic spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and their foundress, Mother Francis Bachmann. For more than 170 years, and with a legacy of over 4,000 sisters, the congregation has ministered to those in need across the United States and beyond. Today, the sisters serve in 12 states, Ireland, and Kenya, engaging in a wide range of ministries including healthcare, education, pastoral service, and advocacy for justice. Rooted in a Franciscan way of life, they are committed to contemplation, poverty, and humility. They embrace a deep reverence for creation and strive always to be a healing, compassionate presence in a wounded world—especially among women, children, and those who have no voice.
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