Meet Jim Fiedler: Chairman of the Board

In April, Jim Fiedler was elected Chair of the Board of Directors effective May 1, 2024. He joined the Board in 2020.

Inspired by his faith, Jim is committed to seeing Catholic Charities fulfill the promise of its mission and continue its long history of service within the East Bay. As the Board of Directors actively engages in the search for a new CEO, Jim is also providing leadership and guidance to the Catholic Charities team as Interim CEO. 

Jim is an active parishioner of Saint Isidore Catholic Church in Danville, a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 4060 and will soon become a District Deputy providing leadership to five Councils in the Tri-Valley area of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Following 34 years of service, Jim retired as Chief Operating Officer from Santa Clara Valley Water District in 2017. He serves on the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority Citizens Oversight Committee and as Officer Emeritus on the San Francisco Estuary Institute Board. He also served on the Contra Costa County 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury. He annually volunteers with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. 

Jim is married to his wife Roanne, and they recently celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Thank you, Jim, for all you are doing. We’re glad you’re here.

National Awareness Campaign Launched

In June, Catholic Charities USA launched a national awareness campaign "WE ARE THERE." to share the life-giving services that the Catholic Charities network provides to millions of people in need every year.

Guadalupe Rios Learning Center

Lisa Carlisle (below right), Catholic Charities Chief Program Officer, was one of many speakers at the dedication of the Guadalupe Rios Learning Center at St Clement Catholic School, Hayward, on June 27. Guadalupe Rios dedicated her career to Catholic Charities East Bay and was Program Director in the 1970's and 80's, responsible for a variety of programs including employment services for older adults.

Guadalupe immigrated to the United States in 1958 and lived a life devoted to family, faith, education, and service. A single mom, she worked hard to ensure that her nine children received an exceptional education at St. Clement and at Moreau Catholic High School, followed by college. Among the children who spoke was the Honorable Rosa Rios (left), who served as the 43rd Treasurer of the United States.

The Rios family has established an endowment at St. Clement School in their Mother's honor to provide scholarships for students in need, bringing full circle to their Mother's life of service.

Group photo: Catholic Charities team members Mary Kuhn, Lisa Carlisle, Mari Mosca, and Liz Davis. Rosa Rios in center.

Immigration Forums

Join Catholic Charities East Bay, Stand Together Contra Costa, and other agencies for an Immigration Forum at Contra Costa College on Saturday, July 27th from 10 am to 2 pm.