Barbara Quijano Decker, executive director of Catholic Charities – Diocese of Des Moines, has announced her retirement effective Sept. 27, 2024, after five years leading the social ministry nonprofit. During her tenure, Catholic Charities expanded its reach to more than 25,000 people in need throughout 23 counties in Central and Southwest Iowa. Before joining Catholic Charities, Decker had a career in executive human resources, including 12 years as president of Mercy College of Health Science. The announcement comes as the organization celebrates its centennial year in 2024. “One hundred years of providing help and hope to the poor is both a time for reflection and celebration,” Quijano Decker said in a prepared statement. “I have been blessed to advance our mission to empower individuals and strengthen families. I will celebrate a milestone of my own later this year as I turn 75, and my husband and I look forward to spending more time together with our family.” Bishop William Joensen, chairman of the board, will lead efforts to secure the next executive director, according to a news release. In 2023, Decker was named a Business Record Women of Influence honoree.