Catholic Charities of Oregon is pleased to share exciting leadership updates as we continue to strengthen our organization’s foundation and focus on our mission to serve Oregon’s most vulnerable.
Kaleen Deatherage to Continue as CEO at Least Through 2027
After a year of dedicated service as Interim CEO, Kaleen Deatherage has agreed to stay on as chief executive officer through 2027, providing continuity and stability as Catholic Charities advances its strategic priorities.
Kaleen joined Catholic Charities in 2024, bringing decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, communications and organizational strategy. Over the past year, she has led the agency through a critical period of transition, balancing the need for fiscal sustainability and the organization’s unwavering commitment to compassion and service.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Catholic Charities,” Deatherage says. “As I marked my first year as Interim CEO, it became clear that my work here is not done. I’m eager to continue leading this remarkable team as we strengthen our financial footing, renew our focus on those most in need, and build a future rooted in stability, integrity and hope.”
Under Kaleen’s leadership, Catholic Charities has taken bold steps to streamline operations, reinforce financial accountability and reaffirm its mission-driven identity. Her continued tenure ensures consistent guidance and a deep understanding of the organization’s evolving needs as it enters its next phase of growth.
Annual Board Leadership Changes
The Catholic Charities Board of Directors also welcomes Deborah “Debby” Gentzen as its new Board Chair, succeeding Jeff Yandle, who has served in the role since 2023. We thank Jeff for his steady leadership and look forward to benefiting from his wisdom as he offers one more year of service to the board.
After a recent bylaws change, terms for board officers have been extended from one year to two, and every year, two members will roll off, while the others remain, allowing for leadership continuity and preserving institutional expertise.
Gentzen has been a member of the Catholic Charities Board since 2022, contributing her expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership and community engagement. A longtime PNW resident, living in Seattle for 25 years before relocating to Portland full-time in 2022, she brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in healthcare administration and nonprofit service.
“I’m honored to serve in this role, and I look forward to working closely with the leadership team, board and broader community to fulfill our purpose to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice,” Gentzen says.
Joining Gentzen in board leadership is Tim Resch, the newly elected Vice Chair. Tim is an attorney and partner with Samuels Yoelin Kantor, LLP, where he focuses on business and real estate law. A respected community leader, Tim has long supported faith-based and social-service organizations across Oregon and brings both strategic insight and a deep sense of mission to his new role. Connor Dwyer is newly elected as Secretary, and Steve Fein will continue as Treasurer.
A Shared Commitment to the Mission
Together, Kaleen, Debby and the entire Board of Directors are leading CCO into a new era, one grounded in transparency, stewardship and service.
“These leadership transitions reflect our shared commitment to strengthening the foundation of Catholic Charities so we can do what we do best,” Deatherage says. “We are here to accompany those on the margins, providing housing, legal support and pathways to stability and hope.”
As Catholic Charities looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the nonprofit remains steadfast in its mission: to ensure that every person, regardless of faith, race or circumstance can find the compassion, dignity and opportunity they deserve.