April 23, 2010
Gayle Uebelhor named interim director of Catholic Charities
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Gayle Uebelhor of Evansville has been named as the interim director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Evansville. His selection was announced April 14 by Tim McGuire, chief operating officer of the diocese.
Uebelhor was traveling and unavailable for comment when the announcement was made.
Uebelhor, 70, will step into the position now held by James F. Collins of Evansville, who has announced plans to retire in May.
“For the last 16 years, Jim Collins, under Bishop Gettelfinger’s direction, has capably and faithfully led Catholic Charities,” said McGuire in an announcement to the board of directors of Catholic Charities. “The diocese and the community have benefited tremendously from his leadership. Please join me in wishing Jim well as he moves to a most enjoyable next phase of his life.”
Uebelhor will have “dual responsibilities” according to McGuire — “to manage the day-to-day operations and evaluate the strategic direction of Catholic Charities.”
McGuire said Uebelhor was recommended by a search committee, subsequently approved by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfin-ger, and coming to the position with “a wealth of professional experience.”
Uebelhor is currently president of Organizational Associ-ates, where he coordinates and manages the affiliation of management specialists committed to the development of people and systems.
He also has extensive experience working for various hospitals, including St. Mary’s in Evansville. His roles in the hospitals focused on organizational and management development.
McGuire noted that Uebelhor formerly active as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville ad “has a unique understanding of the Church and the diocese. The combination of his secular and Church experience will serve Catholic Charities and its clients well.” Uebelhor was in active ministry in the mid-1960s and the 1970s.
Catholic Charities has been serving the people of Southern Indiana since 1937, according to the agency’s website. It was organized to serve the Catholic population of Evansville and to coordinate the work of existing Catholic charitable groups.
Catholic Charities offers outreach and counseling services, which include financial assistance to those in need, family casework including all types of family problems and pregnancy and adoption counseling. The agency has been a state licensed child-placement agency since 1937.
Catholic Charities is responsible for Family Life Program-ming in the Diocese of Evansville. This agency also provides pro-life support and social concerns support to parishes within the diocese.
Catholic Charities is a multi-service agency offering services regardless of age, sex, nationality, religion, race or income. These services are provided by a staff of well educated, dedicated professionals.