What’s Barbara Been Up To?

One year after concluding her tenure as Catholic Charities’ Executive Director, Barbara Decker has embraced a season of growth, reflection and new opportunities.

Shortly after her retirement, Barbara faced the profound loss of her husband, Larry Willis, who lived with Lewy body dementia. Throughout Larry’s illness, Barbara formed deep bonds with fellow caregivers and has since become an advocate for the vital role caregivers play. She began her healing journey by joining a 10-week grief book club through a local hospice group and by attending a Eucharistic Adoration on “The Gift of Faith: Finding Hope and Healing in the Midst of Grief” at St. Ambrose Cathedral in downtown Des Moines.

To honor Larry’s legacy, Barbara established the Larry Willis Endowed Memory Care Education Fund with WesleyLife Foundation.

“This fund will help train and educate healthcare professionals at WesleyLife who focus their attention exclusively on the organization’s memory care centers,” said Barbara.

Throughout the past year, Barbara has filled her time with community involvement, personal growth and meaningful time with family and friends, all while keeping her faith at the center of her life. She remains deeply engaged at St. Ambrose, where she serves on the parish council and finance council, and fulfills the role of parish trustee.

“My faith journey has been key for me during my retirement,” said Barbara.

Barbara also continues her broader community involvement through her service on WesleyLife’s Board of Directors and through executive coaching.

“I just started my second term on the WesleyLife Board of Directors and am chairing their culture and well-being committee,” said Barbara. “They keep me very active.”

In addition, Barbara is currently coaching two CEOs and values the flexibility retirement has afforded her.

“It’s all about balance,” she shared.

During Barbara’s impressive professional career, she held leadership roles in education, healthcare and social services. Prior to leading Catholic Charities, she served as President of Mercy College of Health Sciences and Vice Provost, Human Resources at Drake University.

Barbara served as Catholic Charities Executive Director from the summer of 2018 through October 2024. During her tenure, the organization experienced significant growth and expansion. Her leadership helped Catholic Charities navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to provide essential services to those in need.

“We were very blessed to be able to continue offering services during this time,” said Barbara.

Each program area grew in ways that strengthened its ability to serve the community. The Catholic Charities Food Pantry began serving a record number of clients, a number that continues to grow today. The organization expanded refugee support by offering post-resettlement services, now provided through Catholic Charities Community Resource Coordination. The Emergency Family Shelter remained at capacity, providing thousands of nights of shelter each year, and the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program expanded into new areas to better serve clients.

Barbara also saw Catholic Charities through its centennial celebration.

“The centennial was a very special time,” said Barbara. “It provided the opportunity to look at where we, as an organization, have been, and where we wanted to go next.”

While retirement can be daunting, for Barbara, it felt like a natural and peaceful transition.

“I was 75 when I retired and that was a great milestone for me, both personally and professionally,” said Barbara. “I was ready.”

“Yes, you retire, but you never really leave,” Barbara added.

Barbara has great hopes for Catholic Charities as the organization moves forward. She is confident in the current leadership and the work the organization is currently doing.

“Catholic Charities’ programs are very critical for the community,” said Barbara. “I hope Catholic Charities continues to advance these programs as well as take on new initiatives.”

As she reflects on her distinguished career, Barbara hopes to pass along meaningful lessons to her granddaughters as they begin their own professional journeys.

“The main things I want to pass on to my granddaughters are three L’s: leading, listening and learning,” said Barbara, “I hope they lead with wisdom and their heart, I hope they become good, effective listeners and I hope they are always learning.”  

Looking back on the past year, Barbara is grateful for the opportunities she has had to grow both personally and professionally. She looks forward to continuing her involvement in the community and embracing whatever the years ahead may bring.

For more information on how you can get involved and support the mission at Catholic Charities, contact Director of Development and Marketing, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.