(Des Moines, IA) Following an extensive national search, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, has announced that Michael Sheehy will assume the role of Executive Director following the retirement of Barbara Quijano Decker on October 25, 2024.
The Des Moines-based social ministry nonprofit serves greater than 35,000 individuals throughout central and southwest Iowa through five program areas. Sheehy’s extensive experience in a variety of roles with John Deere Financial, coupled with his passion and involvement in community betterment programs, will prove vital as Catholic Charities continues its strategic growth and implements innovative solutions to service delivery.
Bishop William M. Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines and Chairman of the Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors, led the search efforts and commented, “Catholic Charities fills a critical role in our communities—and calls for a versatile, dynamic, and seasoned leader. Mike’s faith-filled dedication to our mission and our ministry will prove valuable as we continue to serve our neighbors in need.”
Sheehy most recently served John Deere Financial as Senior Group Product Manager – a role in which he developed global product vision and strategy and aligned company and customer objectives. Prior roles throughout his 27-year tenure with John Deere Financial have included Director of Global Innovation and Fintech Partnering, Director of John Deere Financial Integration, Director of Global Operating Platforms, and Director of Agribusiness Marketing. Sheehy’s strategic thinking and mission-driven leadership skills will be valuable assets in Catholic Charities’ top role.
“I am humbled and honored to be able to serve the Diocese of Des Moines in this capacity. I look forward to building upon the incredibly strong foundation that Barbara and others have worked hard to form. The excitement I have for this role is accelerated by the fact that Catholic Charities is in a really great place – we have dedicated staff, strong programs, loyal donors and volunteers – and together we can focus on guiding the organization to even greater success and deepening the impact we have for the community,” said Sheehy.
Catholic Charities celebrated its centennial last month and continues to see the need for its services grow. With a mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families, the organization serves those experiencing homelessness, hunger, domestic violence and sexual assault, and welcomes refugees as they start their new lives in Iowa.
“Mike’s core values and beliefs are congruent with Catholic Charities’ mission, which is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. I am eager to collaborate with him as we put our hands and feet to work, following Christ’s example to serve the vulnerable among us,” commented Bishop Joensen.
Sheehy resides in Clive, Iowa, with his wife Debbie. Their two boys attended St. Pius X grade school, Dowling Catholic High School, and the University of Iowa. Mike and Debbie are St. Pius X parishioners and provide a monthly meal for the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter.
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About Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines
Founded in 1924, Catholic Charities, Des Moines Diocese, is dedicated to offering help and hope to those in need throughout central and southwest Iowa. Catholic Charities, a United Way agency, provides individual and family counseling, emergency family shelter, food pantry, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault shelter and services, refugee resettlement services, and more. Facilities include Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter, Catholic Charities Food Pantry and Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program and Shelter in Council Bluffs, IA. For information about Catholic Charities of Des Moines, its programs and services, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdm.org.