Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada Names Sara Ramirez President and CEO

Las Vegas, NV (Nov. 15, 2024) – With current Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada’s president and CEO Deacon Thomas Roberts’ retirement approaching at the end of 2024, the organization has named and hired his successor. Sara Ramirez will lead the organization as president and CEO effective December 16, 2024.

Among numerous high-level endeavors, Ms. Ramirez led Catholic Charities of Central Texas for more than 11 years as executive director and previously served as vice president of advancement for Catholic Charities Fort Worth for nine years.

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“Sara brings a wealth of experience and exceptional track record representing the Catholic Charities name nationally,” says Archbishop George Leo Thomas of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Las Vegas and executive chairman of the Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. “We are confident that she will guide us toward even greater success in fulfilling our mission and growing our legacy.”
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During her time at Catholic Charities of Central Texas, Ms. Ramirez spear headed the organization's response to major disasters including the 2013 West Fertilizer plant explosion, the 2015 Memorial Day floods and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. She also successfully developed a continuity of operations plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and distribution of more than $4 million in direct client aid within six months. With the organization, she expanded programs to include seven distinct initiatives focused on eradicating poverty, fostering community empowerment and addressing urgent needs. She also brought several new programs to life, focused on counseling, veteran and refugee services.

Nationally, Ms. Ramirez has served as chair for Catholic Charities USA’s Executive Committee of Diocesans Directors, representing all 165 Catholic Charities in the United States. She has a Master of Science in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Texas Tech University. 

Entering the Southern Nevada market and with a social service mindset, Ms. Ramirez sees similarities between the robust services of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and her Texas endeavors. She says, “I’m ready to dive in and build upon the rock-solid foundation that Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has created these past 83 years.

I see tremendous opportunities for expansion and an opportunity to serve even more Southern Nevadans as we navigate our community’s unique challenges.”

John Hester, chairman of the Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada adds, “Sara is the perfect fit for this leadership role. Her dedication, expertise and passion related to the underserved are like few others. As we enter our next chapter, I have full confidence that under her leadership, the organization will continue to thrive.”

Deacon Roberts will assist Ms. Ramirez with the transition through the end of the year. 

About Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

Since 1941, the mission of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has been to serve those in need — the most vulnerable — regardless of race, religion or creed.  This leading community resource offers help and hope with dignity as it strives to meet the diverse needs of men, women and children in Southern Nevada.  Through the generosity of foundations, grants, organizations and individual donors, Catholic Charities operates 16programs providing support to more than 4,500 people daily and encompassing four core areas: Family Services, Food Services, Immigration and Refugee Services and Homeless and Housing Services. Catholic Charities also operates the largest Meals on Wheels program and Emergency Shelter Services in Southern Nevada.  For additional information, please visit CatholicCharities.com.

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