Lauren Solidum has been named the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Solidum, who began her new role on August 13, has over 10 years of professional experience serving from the frontlines and leading organizations as a member of the executive team.
Most recently, she served as Vice President of Mission Advancement for Goodw ill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. Other professional experience includes w orking as a Regional Program Director, Alternative Opportunities, Inc.; Vice President of Programs, Enactus United States; and Assistant Vice President, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth.
“Lauren is a life-long learner and a strategic thinker,” says Stephen Penn, Chair, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Board of Directors. “She’s a proven leader w ith skills in organizational operations, program development and project management. She has a keen business vision and the ability to bring people together around purpose.”
Solidum succeeds Ken Williams, w ho took the helm at Catholic Charities five years ago. Williams recently left the organization to join Black & Veatch as Chief Financial Officer. Under his leadership, the organization’s focus advanced from being a “safety net” agency, helping w ith immediate survival needs, to one that stabilizes and strengthens families for the long-term.
The search committee w as committed to finding a qualified candidate that w ould continue the vision set by Williams. “We believe that Lauren brings to the role unique gifts and experiences that w ill allow Catholic Charities to continue its journey of grow th,” adds Penn.
Honored to serve as the CEO, Solidum says it’s a privilege to be part of an organization delivering such meaningful impact. “Catholic Charities is an organization led by a purpose that matters to the communities w ithin Kansas, the country and the w orld,” she says. “I w ill serve faithfully, ensuring our mission remains our first priority.”
Solidum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. She is married w ith tw o children.
