The Conference of Presentation Sisters of North America began in August, 1953, under the title of the "North American Conference" when ten original Presentation communities began to collaborate and communicate on issues of ministry, spirituality, and social justice at Mt. Loretto Motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa. All ten North American communities, with foundations dating from 1833 to 1890, claim their origins from Nano Nagle (1718-1784), an 18th century Irish woman who defied the English Penal Laws to provide an education to the poor children in Ireland. Today, the Conference is now concentrated into eight communities since the "New Windsor" community resulted from the merger of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and Newburgh, New York, In 1997. In addition, the Watervliet, New York, community has chosen not to belong to the Conference. In 2003, the Conference changed its present name and re-organized its structure to include an Executive Director, Sister Monica Miller (SF) and an Executive Team, comprised of three members of the Conference. For the year of 2005-2006, Sister Elena Hoye (D) serves as President, Sister Pam Chiesa (SF) as Treasurer, and Sister Kathryn Geisel (NW) as Secretary. Conference leaders meet, at least once a year, to advance the Presentation charism through prayer, discussion, future planning and joint projects. At present, the Conference numbers 815 Sisters and 401 Associates.