Four begin board leadership roles for Catholic Charities

Chris Goebel, CEO of Star Lumber

Chris Goebel, CEO of Star Lumber, recently began a two-year term as chair for the Catholic Charities Board of Directors. He is among four board members taking on leadership roles effective July 1.

Goebel has served on the board since 2015, and most recently served a two-year term as vice-chair. He holds both bachelor and master’s degrees from Friends University. Goebel and his wife, Cozy, are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Andy Buessing, president of Hutton

Andy Buessing, president of Hutton, is now serving as vice-chair of the board. He joined the board in 2021. He is a licensed civil engineer and graduate of Kansas State University. He and his wife, Hope, and their children, are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colwich.

Monte Cook, president and CEO of Commerce Bank

Monte Cook, president and CEO of Commerce Bank is beginning a second, two-year term as treasurer. He has served on the board since 2018. He and his wife, Paula, are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Carol Streckfus, president/owner of Cohlmia Marketing

Carol Streckfus, president/owner of Cohlmia Marketing, is now serving as the board’s secretary. She joined the board in 2019. She and her husband, Chris, are members of Church of the Blessed Sacrament.

Board of Directors

The Catholic Charities Board of Directors represents donors and the community by actively supporting the agency’s mission. Board members also share their areas of expertise with Catholic Charities and take the lead in setting strategic priorities.

Catholic Charities serves more than 18,000 people a year through 13 ministries in southcentral and southeast Kansas. The ministries focus on the priority areas of hunger and homelessness, domestic violence and enrichment services. Among the 13 Catholic Charities ministries are Adult Day Services, Cana Counseling, Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry and St. Anthony Family Shelter.