The Catholic Community Foundation’s success is directly tied to the faithful commitment, worldly expertise, and compassionate generosity of the volunteers who serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and its many committees. The hours these individuals dedicate to help advance the Foundation’s sacred mission is invaluable as we strive to partner with donors to fulfill the spiritual, educational and social needs of our Catholic community.
“In the midst of such uncertainty in the Archdiocese, our board has remained steadfast in its commitment to our community” said Anne Cullen Miller, President of the Catholic Community Foundation. With his appointment as Archbishop, Most Reverend Bernard Hebda will assume the ex officio seat of board chair for the Foundation. “We are thrilled to welcome his presence on our board,” said Cullen Miller, “and know it will further catalyze our growth and impact in the community.”
And even with the excitement of a new board chair, the time comes for some members to retire and others to join the ranks. It’s a bittersweet moment. “We consider ourselves blessed,” remarked Cullen Miller. “As one group of extraordinary leaders steps down, another is waiting to step up and advance the work of our faith community.”
Our Thanks to Retiring Board Members
We wish to express our gratitude for the leadership of three departing members: Norbert Conzemius, Brian Murray and Roger Vasko. All three are accomplished individuals who have served on the Board of Directors for nine years. During that time, each has worked on multiple committees, in some cases as committee chairs. All have mentored new leaders and alternately served as advocates and ambassadors on behalf of the Foundation.
While all three are relinquishing their role on the Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce that Norbert Conzemius will continue to serve on our Strategic Planning Committee, and Roger Vasko will remain on our Grants Committee.
Welcoming New Board Members
We’d also like to introduce our three new board members: Elizabeth Keyes, Arthur Lewis, Jr., and Greg Melsen. Each brings a distinct set of skills, understanding and life experience to their new leadership role at the Foundation.
Elizabeth Keyes worked for 32 years in positions that combined her background as a lawyer with Probate and Trust Administration. She worked for several financial institutions and in 2013 she retired from US Bank. Keyes now dedicates her time to serving as a board member for a number of Catholic, civic and philanthropic organizations, including Cretin-Derham Hall High School, Joseph’s Coat, East Side Learning Center and InterFaith Action of Greater St. Paul.
Arthur Lewis, Jr. graduated from Carleton College in 2007 with a degree in computer science and has quickly established himself as someone who can apply his IT expertise towards achieving critical objectives. Lewis currently holds a high-level technology position with Ameriprise Financial where he leads a team of over 50 people and works to translate strategy into technological capabilities.
Greg Melsen has 40 years of experience in accounting and finance, including 19 years of public accounting experience with Deloitte, nine of those as a Partner. He has served as Chief Financial Officer at a number of companies, such Techne Corporation, American Medical Systems, AVECOR Cardiovascular, and Pace Analytical. He has also served on the boards of numerous health-tech companies and is a former chair of the Archdiocese’s Finance Committee.
“We are humbled by the many talents of our board members, past and present,” said Miller when reflecting on the change. “The wisdom and experience they share with us not only makes the Foundation’s work possible, it inspires us to greater heights to achieve our mission.”