Catholic Charities of Denver announced Wednesday that Darren A. Walsh, an experienced executive in diverse industries and a leader in mission-driven Catholic organizations, is its new president and chief executive officer.
Walsh brings 30 years of executive experience in building and managing financial services and technology companies, as well as a deep commitment to his Catholic faith and faith-based apostolates. He will take the helm of Catholic Charities in late August.
“It’s a privilege and honor to step into and lead Catholic Charities of Denver and help build the future of an organization that provides vital charitable work in the community,” Walsh said. “Catholic Charities of Denver has a stellar reputation around the country for being exceptional and innovative in serving the poor and those in need. I look forward to applying my gifts and charisms to lead the organization and reinforce the excellent work that is already occurring.”
Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver expressed his wholehearted support for his appointment.
“I am very happy to welcome Mr. Darren Walsh as the new CEO of Catholic Charities,” Archbishop Aquila said. “He has a deep faith, a love for the poor, and a wealth of experience that will assist the Archdiocese of Denver in this vital ministry.”
Catholic Charities has been led the previous two months by Amparo García, the acting president and CEO. García will assist Walsh through a transition. She will remain on the board of Catholic Charities, where she has served since mid-2017.
“I look forward to working with Darren over the next month and a half as he transitions into his new position,” García said. “I will provide support for him as well as to staff and our contributors. It’s been an honor to serve as the interim CEO during this transition. I’ve been so moved by the goodness and passion of the people at Catholic Charities, and I’m blessed to continue its mission by serving on the board.”
Walsh is the chief operating officer of the Augustine Institute based in Greenwood Village. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Mass. He began his career with Kenan Systems, rising to become Global Vice President of Operations and Services prior to the company’s sale to Lucent Technologies, where he also became a Global Vice President. He later held senior level positions with CSG Systems and Comverse before becoming President of OppenheimerFunds Services from 2007 to 2014. He became chief operating officer of the Augustine Institute in September 2015.
Walsh believes that his new role at Catholic Charities is a complement to his service at the Augustine Institute, whose mission is to help Catholics understand, live, and share their faith.
“It is exciting to have been involved with forming Catholics for the New Evangelization at the Augustine Institute and to now work with so many talented people at Catholic Charities to foster and grow its corporal works of mercy,” he said.
Augustine Institute President Tim Gray said, “I’m thrilled for the Archdiocese of Denver to benefit from Darren’s immense experience and talents, as we have here at the Augustine Institute for the past three years. I’m also very happy for Darren, who has been of tremendous service to me, as I know he has a heart for the poor and will be a terrific leader at Catholic Charities.”
Walsh is also the chairman of the board of Arrupe Jesuit High School, which provides economically disadvantaged students a college preparatory education. He previously served on the Seeds of Hope finance committee. He is a parishioner at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, where he previously served on the parish council.
He and his wife, Julia, live in Greenwood Village with their three sons who attend Regis Jesuit High School. An avid sports enthusiast, Walsh enjoys cycling, traveling and reading.
About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver
Catholic Charities has served the Denver community since 1927 and now serves tens of thousands of people each year throughout northern Colorado in seven ministries: Marisol Services; Early Childhood Education; Shelter Services; Archdiocesan Housing; St. Raphael Counseling; Family, Kinship, and Senior Services; and Parish and Community Relations. Catholic Charities serves those in need with the help of hundreds of volunteers and through collaboration with Catholic parishes, other Christian churches, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, medical facilities and educational institutions. Learn more at ccdenver.org.