Kate Pletcher was one of nine children in her family and began her academic career in Roseville public schools. However, as the daughter of a Cretin graduate and the granddaughter of a Derham Hall graduate, she was intrigued by the CDH experience. When she toured the school as an 8th grader, she knew it was where she belonged. Her family agreed to save up so she could attend, and she credits that choice with being one of the best decisions of her life. 

Service was a key part of her CDH experience as part of SPECTRUM, volunteer trips such as to the Red Lake Indian Reservation, and volunteering at Dorothy Day. The importance of giving back has continued to stick with her long after her graduation in 1997.

After high school, Kate majored in Public Relations at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and later earned her MBA at UCLA-Anderson. She worked at a business development consultancy and then became the Director of Global Brand Licensing at Skechers before leaving nine years ago to launch a recruiting company. She is proud to help companies find great talent, and connect talented people to new career opportunities.

Kate works alongside her husband, Erik Pletcher, who she has known since middle school. They have two children, 5-year-old Cain and 3-year-old Finn. Erik has great praise for his wife.

“Most people know Kate for her warm and magnetic personality, her generosity, and her sharp wit, but I know her as the spark of energy and endless optimism that make her an incredible mother, a successful entrepreneur, and the greatest wife/best friend in the world. Like no one else, Kate inspires and elevates those around her, making the world a better place,” he said.

In addition to her career as a recruiter, Kate is on the board of UCLA’s Bruin Professionals, serving as moderator for the Century City group. She also created UCLA Anderson’s CEO Forum, a peer-mentoring program for alumni founders and CEOs that now boasts five groups in three cities. She has even served as an adjunct professor at UCLA, in both the undergraduate and business schools.

The Signum Fidei Award is presented annually to one woman and one man whose career and actions are reflective of the ideals of the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Kate exemplifies these ideals through her outstanding career.