Catholic Community Foundation Bids Farewell

Lichty to run the Catholic Foundation in the Diocese of Crookston

Joe Lichty, Gift Planning Officer for Sioux Falls, has been named the Executive Director of the Diocese of Crookston Catholic Community Foundation. “I am blessed to bring the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota’s aspirational vision to Northwest Minnesota,” said Lichty, who has led the successful Cathedral InSpires and A Grateful Eucharistic Parish campaigns for the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Mary Parish in Sioux Falls.  “Not many people would imagine $9 million in assets 28 years ago could multiply into more than $150 million in assets for the mission of the Church today.  I’ve experienced that reality here in eastern South Dakota.”

Lichty continued, “Mark (Conzemius), Bette (Theobald), the CCFESD team, and especially generous donors, have grown my vision – really God’s vision – that our hearts and the mission of Christ can be expanded through prayer, hard work and inviting prayerful generosity. I am confident in saying that the CCFESD is the strongest Catholic Community Foundation in the country, right here in Sioux Falls, to direct your gifts to the ministries and missions you love.”

“I trust God will build something just as beautiful in Crookston and the CCFESD will continue to lead the way,” concluded Lichty.

“In a very short period of time, Joe, along with his wife, Shelly, have left a significant mark on our Church in eastern South Dakota,” said Mark Conzemius, President of the CCFESD. “We are very grateful for his faith-filled service and pray for his ministry in northwest Minnesota.”

Gullikson to become full-time Gift Planning Officer for Mount Marty University

Ashley Gullikson, Gift Planning Officer for the Yankton Deanery, has been named full-time Gift Planning Officer for Mount Marty University. Gullikson has been working part-time for the CCFESD and Mount Marty University.

“While we hate to see Ashley go, we are also excited for her and Mount Marty University,” said Conzemius. “Ashley has made a significant impact on the lives of many donors and the beneficiaries that they support.”

“The vision when Ashley started was for her to develop enough activity that she could go full time at Mount Marty and the CCFESD could, in turn, hire a full-time Gift Planning Officer for the Yankton deanery,” added Conzemius. “God is good. That day has come when we can collectively expand our services to donors who wish to include charity in their estate plan and experience the joy of giving.”

Gullikson added, “I have learned so much from the partnership between Mount Marty and the CCFESD.  The professionalism and expertise of the Foundation has given me the tools to help journey with donors to fulfill their charitable wishes.”

“I am excited to continue collaborating with the new Gift Planning Officer for the Yankton Deanery.  I am extremely grateful to God for the relationships built during this wonderful partnership,” concluded Gullikson.