- Board of Directors
Jerry Catlett
Guided by Faith, Leading with Purpose: Meet New Vice Chairman Jerry Catlett
Our newly elected Vice Chairman of the Board, Jerry Catlett, is guided by his deep faith and commitment to stewardship. With over 40 years of banking experience, his leadership helps make certain our donors’ financial gifts are managed with integrity, honoring their intentions and upholding Catholic values. We chatted with Jerry about how his devotion to faith-driven leadership reflects his calling to serve the Church and help build a lasting legacy for future generations.
Q: What inspired you to join the Catholic Foundation Board, and how has your financial background influenced your contributions?
A: My wife Jill and I attended several presentations by the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska at Sacred Heart Parish in Hebron over the years. We listened to Les Mach and Chris Raun share insights on the vital role the Foundation plays throughout the Diocese of Lincoln. The profound love for our Lord they demonstrated—and their unwavering commitment to the good works of His Catholic Church—inspired us both. That passion, combined with our shared beliefs and prayerful reflection, ultimately guided us to answer the call to serve.
My 40-plus years as a community banker have taught me many things. The most important thing, at least for me, is our fiduciary responsibility. We don’t own any of our possessions; God does. He has entrusted us to be good stewards, meaning we are to make things better than we have found for those that come after us, spiritually and financially.
Q: As a leader within the Foundation, what do you believe are the most critical qualities required to effectively serve as ambassadors in your community?
A: I’ve had the good fortune of knowing individuals who’ve served on the Foundation Board before joining, and there’s no better place to start than emulating the qualities they exhibited. The board members I’ve known–and know now–are authentic leaders, meaning they place the needs of the Church and others above their own interests. They understand the Lord is calling all to serve, a call which also includes the need to give back for those who are able. We also have a duty to keep people’s intentions confidential.
It’s also important to share how our Foundation team works with donor families and local advisors, such as the donor’s attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, and financial advisors. This collaboration means donors aren’t just giving back to the local parish or catholic organization, donors are also able to minimize tax liability.
Q: Can you share some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had while working with the Foundation and connecting with donors?
A: I have so many wonderful experiences to share, which have truly been a gift from God to see and hear.
Many parish priests serve on the board, and when they share the needs of their local parish or relate how others have worked with the Foundation to create planned gifts, it’s amazing how they can assist with our work. As board members, we are committed to filling those gaps.
I’m also so thankful for my fellow board members, many of whom have already set up funds or have a planned gift. Our donors have a calling and mission that they learned and live from our Catholic Church teachings. When they entrust their assets to be directed by the Foundation, what a reward that is.
Q: What are some key challenges you’ve encountered in your role, and how have you and the board worked to overcome them?
A: With any endeavor, we face challenges. We’ve had big ones and little ones! It comes down to communication and honest interactions. I believe that even more powerful than honest and straightforward communication is the absolute power of prayer. Asking Mother Mary to intervene is always a good idea.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the Catholic Foundation, and how do you see the board’s role evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities?
A: Growing the size of the assets entrusted to the Foundation is certainly a priority. However, growing for growth’s sake is not the point. Growth can be measured by the assets under management or the value of the asset at the time of a planned gift. As this often takes place over many years, we must provide Catholic faith-based tools to move assets in the most tax-efficient way possible. We’ll continue to follow a disciplined governance plan and a well-diversified investment plan. We have talented board members to monitor and advise based on their skills and background.
My aspiration for the Foundation is to leave it better than I found it. That is why I begin my every day with Philippians 4:13, “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.”
