- Board of Directors
Ron Sabatka
Meet Ron
At the heart of every great Board of Directors is a leader who not only drives its mission but also embodies its values. Ron Sabatka is exactly that kind of leader. His diverse background, grounded in agriculture and enriched by extensive experience in business, sales, marketing, and finance, makes him a valuable asset as Chairman of our Board of Directors. Here, Ron shares insights into what motivated him to join the board, the values that guide his leadership, and his vision for the Foundation’s future.
Q: What inspired you to join the Catholic Foundation Board, and how has your background influenced your contributions?
A: My background is rooted in agriculture, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of developing a wide range of skills—research, technical service, sales, marketing, coaching, and training, to name a few. My experience as a business unit leader also sharpened my financial skills. I wouldn’t say I’m a master in any one of these areas, but they’ve helped me think more broadly and approach complex situations with a clear game plan.
I believe that solving problems and reaching new heights always starts with people. Trusting in God and inviting Him into the work we do for the Church is central to everything we accomplish. Understanding the unique talents God has given the people we interact with is also key.
Q: As Chairman, what do you believe are the most critical qualities required to effectively serve as an ambassador for the Foundation?
A: To be an ambassador, you have to have a deep passion for what you’re sharing. Passion starts with understanding and belief in the cause. The Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska exists to guide and inspire donors to be charitable to the Church.
I remember when Chris Raun, our executive director, invited me to lunch to discuss the possibility of joining the Board. His message was infectious. He made it clear that the Foundation was doing incredible work to support the diocese, especially our Catholic Schools and Parishes, while also helping donors feel passionate and charitable. We are so blessed to be brothers and sisters of the Catholic Church, and it’s an honor to help lead this mission.
It shouldn’t go unsaid that the Foundation’s team – including Gift Planning Officers Les Mach and Scott Yates, Director of Operations Melanie Kottwitz, and Chris – does a tremendous job with donors. They really take the time to listen and create a plan unique to each donor.
Q: What is the most rewarding experience you’ve had while working with the Foundation?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my involvement with the Foundation has been the people I’ve gotten to know. The talent in the room is absolutely incredible. No two people think alike, and that’s a good thing! We don’t always agree, but those moments help us to step back, process, and listen to each other. I’ve learned so much from my fellow board members.
At times I feel a little bit of ‘Imposter Syndrome’ because there are so many brilliant minds on our team. But that just motivates me to contribute more, to bring my best ideas forward, and to work even harder to support our cause. Ultimately, it’s about creating something lasting and meaningful, and that’s what drives all of us.
Q: What are some key challenges you’ve encountered as Chairman, and how have you and the board worked to overcome it?
A: Communication can be a challenge, as it is in any organization. But we’ve worked hard to create a culture of respect and collaboration. Acknowledging our history, treating everyone we interact with as a child of God, and always keeping our eyes on the mission of the Foundation have helped us navigate those challenges.
One thing I’m proud of is that over the past 10 years, the Foundation has become the number one Catholic Foundation per capita in the country. Despite the challenges, we’ve maintained top-tier financial management, even while adhering to a Catholic screening process that excludes about 30% of the S&P500 stocks. That speaks to the integrity of our team – and the dedication of our donors.
Annual distributions are averaging $5.5 million, which eases the financial burdens on our parishes and schools. The work we’re doing is making a real impact, and that’s something we’re all incredibly grateful for.
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: The future is incredibly bright for the Foundation, and I’m excited to see where we can go from here. Our annual distributions continue to grow, which is a testament to our donors’ generosity and our staff’s strength.
As we look to the future, communication will continue to be a key focus. We want to ensure that our message is clear and that we’re engaging with donors in the most meaningful ways possible. The Foundation’s success has been built on trust, and as we expand, we must continue to cultivate that trust with both current and new supporters.
I also see opportunities to strengthen our financial strategies. While we’ve consistently outperformed the market, we must remain agile. The role of the board will evolve to ensure that we’re meeting the ever-changing needs of our diocese while staying true to our mission. I’m optimistic about what’s ahead, and I’m grateful to be part of such an incredible team.
A Strong Future Ahead
Ron Sabatka’s leadership exemplifies the values of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska. His diverse background, commitment to faith, and dedication to building a stronger community are reflected in every aspect of the Foundation’s work. As Chairman, he’s helped the Foundation to grow, and as we look to the future, we can be confident that Ron has set an example for how to lead with passion, integrity, and a deep sense of the mission.
