Board Names New CEO
September 10, 2019
Margaret Peterson Named CEO of Catholic Charities East Bay
Catholic Charities East Bay is pleased to announce the appointment of Margaret Peterson as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Peterson will be based at the agency’s headquarters in Oakland, CA. Ms. Peterson had been interim CEO of the multi-service agency since November 2018, and prior to that was a member of the Board of Directors.
This concludes an extensive search that sought leadership excellence coupled with demonstrated commitment to social justice and active involvement in community service.
Ms. Peterson brings a deep understanding of business and community development to her role at Catholic Charities. She has a proven track record in business leadership, innovation, sustainable growth, and social services. She is the Chief Executive Officer of a global B2B Consulting firm she founded to help businesses navigate equipment and technology leasing, process improvement and cost savings analysis. She has an extensive technology and business background, including experience at Oracle and in projects working across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Locally, Ms. Peterson is active in the Richmond community and at St Columba Catholic Church in Oakland as the former Parish Council President. Her community service in social justice, housing, and economic development aligns with the core values of Catholic Charities East Bay. She is currently the Board President for both St. Columba Senior Housing Facilities – Sister Thea Bowman Senior Housing and Percy Abrams Senior Housing. She is a member of the St. Columba Chapter of St. Vincent de Paul.
“It is clear that Margaret brings solid business leadership with a passion for making a difference, and we are delighted that she has accepted the role,” says John Espinoza, Chair of the Board of Directors.
“Margaret’s qualifications are stellar,” says Jim Jones, who led the Board’s executive search committee. “She is a woman of strength, faith, and determination, who is deeply committed to the mission of Catholic Charities and the people of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.”
“I am honored to take on this role,” says Ms. Peterson, “these past months have taught me so much about the compassionate professionalism of our team members and the resilience of the people we serve. We are known for innovation and taking on some of the toughest challenges our communities face. I see tremendous potential for continued growth and innovation, for the benefit of the diverse communities across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties”
Since 1935, Catholic Charities East Bay has helped people in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, regardless of faith, who struggle with poverty and other complex issues. The multi-service agency has continually evolved to meet the most pressing needs of the community, and its work preventing homelessness, promoting mental health, and reducing violence is expanding. The agency also is well known for immigration legal services.