CEO LAURA ROESCH TO STEP DOWN AFTER 16 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
Press Release
CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE MIAMI VALLEY ANNOUNCES CEO LAURA ROESCH TO STEP DOWN AFTER 16 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
DAYTON, OH – December 15, 2025 – A well-known community leader is transitioning to a new role. Laura J. Roesch has announced her resignation from her position as Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV). Roesch has served as CEO for the last 16 years.
Roesch began her social work career at CSSMV 37 years ago and was appointed CEO in 2009. Roesch is only the third layperson and second woman to serve as the head of the 104-year-old Catholic non-profit, following Dr. Ronald Eckerle (1978-2006) and Elaine Jelly (2006-2009).
Archbishop Robert Casey, who was appointed Archbishop of Cincinnati in March of this year, shared, “While I am still new to this Archdiocese, I am so deeply grateful for the impactful work of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley to promote the lives and dignity of the poor and vulnerable. Laura has done an excellent job stewarding its mission these many years.”
During Roesch’s tenure, CSSMV became a notable force in the ten-county region it serves as an agency of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Under her leadership, a five-year $10 million Generations Campaign (2021-2025) generated the funds necessary to increase mission-critical services to meet emerging community needs. The Campaign funds also expanded CSSMV’s Choice Food Pantry at 922 West Riverview Avenue by 6,500 square feet, added an accessible Welcome Center, elevator and universal changing table, and renovated the original building. With the increase in space, the CSSMV Pantry made 20,234 food distributions last year.
Other programming that has grown and evolved to meet current community needs under Roesch includes services for older adults, supervised visitation, refugee services, Hispanic outreach, pregnancy and parenting services, behavioral and mental health, and transportation resources. In 2019, after the Memorial Day tornados, CSSMV took the lead role in providing case management for Long Term Recovery operations. In 2020, CSSMV merged with Life Essentials, a small non-profit providing guardianship services in Montgomery and Greene Counties, and those services have now grown to include Miami and Shelby Counties. In 2022, CSSMV launched Next Steps, a partnership with Sinclair Community College, to provide wrap-around support to address non-academic barriers to academic success.
In 2018, Roesch was elected to serve on Catholic Charities USA Board of Directors where she has served as an officer and active member of numerous committees.
“Throughout my time at Catholic Charities USA, I have benefited immensely from Laura Roesch’s wisdom, guidance, and kindness,” said Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. “I am so grateful for her service on our board of directors, where her strategic acumen and social services expertise proved invaluable. Even more, I applaud and admire Laura for her deep reservoir of compassion and her selfless leadership that have touched the lives of countless people in need throughout the Miami Valley Region.”
“Leadership in a Catholic charitable organization is as much about vision as it is about stewardship,” said Amy Riegel, current chair of the CSSMV Board of Directors. “Laura has been an exemplary caretaker of the mission of CSSMV, preparing this organization for the future and ensuring that it will remain strong and relevant in the decades ahead.”
Roesch’s last day at CSSMV will be February 27. On March 1, she will assume the role of Executive Director of The Glen at St. Joseph, a non-profit in Dayton.
“In a way, I am completing a full circle,” said Roesch. “In college I found my calling as a volunteer. I then began my career as a licensed social worker at Catholic Social Services, working with single mothers and their children. The Glen at St. Joseph provides a safe haven for single mothers and their children and a path toward long-term stability and success for families.”
“CSSMV is in a strong position for continued success and positive impact,” Roesch continued. “I have the utmost confidence in the Executive Leadership Team, our Board of Directors, and the Archdiocese to lead CSSMV into the future. It’s been a joy and an honor to be part of this very special organization. I am committed to support the Board and the agency through a smooth transition of leadership.”
A search process for the next CEO will begin soon.
