Servant Leadership guides Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley

Laura J. Roesch reflects on servant leadership as she prepares to leave Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley after a long career; the article notes the agency's mission rooted in Catholic social teaching and its history of adapting programs since 1921.

Laura J. Roesch is concluding a long career at Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley and will begin a new role at The Glen at St. Joseph in Dayton. The piece presents servant leadership as the guiding principle of her work and ties that approach to Catholic social teaching. It notes the agency has served the community since 1921 and has adapted programs as local needs changed. Roesch highlights volunteerism and staff commitment as central to the agency's mission. Key facts: - The article reports Roesch has worked at CSSMV for 37 years and served as Chief Executive Officer for the last 16 years; she was appointed CEO in 2009. - Her last day at CSSMV is listed as Feb. 27, 2026, and beginning March 1 she is the new Executive Director of The Glen at St. Joseph in Dayton. - CSSMV's mission is described as rooted in Catholic social teaching and focused on serving people who lack food, shelter, comfort, and guidance since 1921. - The article says programming has shifted over the decades to address needs such as services for older adults, mental health, tornado recovery, family violence, infant mortality, food scarcity, affordable housing, and refugee resettlement. - Volunteers and staff are emphasized as a source of kindness, empathy, and practical support in the agency's work. Summary: Roesch frames her leadership as servant leadership and credits volunteers and staff with sustaining CSSMV through changing local needs. She is leaving CSSMV at the end of February 2026 and will begin at The Glen at St. Joseph on March 1. The article presents the agency's mission and ongoing programs as continuing priorities for the community.