Honoring Catholic Charities’ Executive Director

Since 2018, Barbara Q. Decker has led Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, with compassion, dignity and grace. Through her leadership, she has set Catholic Charities up for success to take on the next 100 years of providing care and compassion to the people of central and southwest Iowa.

In February 2024, Catholic Charities announced Barbara’s plans for retirement. After six years of serving as executive director, she will retire at the end of October 2024.

Barbara joined the Catholic Charities’ team in partnership with the Diocese of Des Moines and the Catholic Charities USA network, both with a rich history of faith-based services and advocacy for those in need. Through her guidance and vision, Catholic Charities has reached new heights. Over the last six years, the organization has achieved consistent and quality accreditation outcomes through the Council on Accreditation and the gold seal of transparency through Candid’s nonprofit registry, GuideStar, thanks to her diligent oversight.

“I am so blessed and grateful for the opportunity to lead this great organization,” said Barbara. “I am continuously impressed by the passion and dedication of the many individuals and colleagues who help us sustain this vital ministry.”

During her tenure, she championed program enhancements, including the establishment of post-resettlement refugee services, fostered the creation of a new social justice initiative and created innovative solutions to service delivery during the pandemic.

“We have been blessed by Barbara’s faithful leadership and dedication to the mission and ministry of Catholic Charities. As a woman of great passion and wisdom, Barbara leads with pride for her staff and compassion for those we serve,” said Bishop William M. Joensen.

Catholic Charities recently celebrated their 100-year anniversary. Barbara is excited for the organization as it enters into a new chapter.

“For a century, Catholic Charities has worked diligently to provide life-changing care to all who come to us in need of help,” said Barbara. “I am proud to have led this organization through this momentous milestone.”

“There are many exciting initiatives yet to come for Catholic Charities and I am confident the next executive director will aspire toward greater achievement of our vision,” said Barbara. “Catholic Charities will continue to be a vital connection for tens of thousands who seek a helping hand. I’m proud and honored to have had the opportunity to serve with inspired and dedicated people, and to advocate for such an impactful organization.”

Prior to coming to Catholic Charities, Barbara served as President of Mercy College of Health Sciences for more than 12 years, where she retired in 2018. In her career, Barbara has also held executive human resource roles at MercyOne and Drake University in Des Moines.

Throughout her distinguished career in higher education, health care, and social services, Barbara has been honored with various prestigious professional awards including the Distinguished Drake Master of Public Administration Alumnus Award, the Robert D. Ray Ambassador Award, the Eugene J. Paul Excellence in Human Resources Award and the 2023 Business Record’s Woman of Influence Award. She was recognized as a recipient into the Iowa Women’s Foundation and received a papal recognition, Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice, conferred to lay people for distinguished service to the Catholic Church.

As Barbara prepares for her well-deserved retirement, she hopes to focus more time with her family and to continue to serve those in need through various board and community roles. We celebrate Barbara and the great legacy she is leaving behind.

“I have been blessed to advance the mission of Catholic Charities to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families,” said Barbara. “I will celebrate a milestone of my own later this year as I turn 75 and, my husband and I look forward to spending more time together with our family.”

Barbara’s guidance, leadership and compassion has made a lasting mark on Catholic Charities.