Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, Executive Director, Barbara Quijano Decker, has announced her retirement effective September 27, 2024, after five years leading the social ministry nonprofit.
Decker came to Catholic Charities in 2018 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. Her leadership and vision propelled Catholic Charities to greater heights in service and charity. Now serving more than 25,000 in need within the 23 counties of central and southwest Iowa, 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 Decker’s diligent oversight.
Prior to joining Catholic Charities, Decker held the presidency at 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. Her retirement will allow her to focus more time with her family and to continue to serve those in need through various board and community roles.
Throughout her distinguished career in higher education, health care, and social services, Decker 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.
Bishop William Joensen, chairman of the board, will lead efforts to secure the next executive director. “We have been blessed by Barbara’s faithful leadership and dedication to the mission and ministry of Catholic Charities for the past five years. As a woman of great passion and wisdom, Barbara leads with pride for her staff and compassion for those we serve. We will use the next several months to prayerfully plan for this transition.”
The announcement comes as Catholic Charities – Des Moines continues to celebrate its centennial year in 2024. “One hundred years of providing help and hope to the poor is both a time for reflection and celebration. I have been blessed to advance our mission to empower individuals and strengthen families. 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.”
During her tenure at Catholic Charities, Decker championed program enhancements, including the establishment of the post-resettlement refugee services, fostered the creation of a new social justice initiative, and created innovative solutions to service delivery during the pandemic. “There are many exciting initiatives yet to come for Catholic Charities. I am confident the next executive director will aspire toward greater achievement of our vision. While there are challenges facing our communities from homelessness to hunger, Catholic Charities will continue to be a vital connection for 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.”
“Barbara is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable among us. Her collaborative approach to any challenge has always kept us moving forward,” Joensen adds. “While we will miss her daily presence and leadership, Barbara has positioned us well to respond to the ever-changing needs of the poor in the next 100 years.” A national search will be launched in the coming months.