Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri is led by committed professionals dedicated to serving the vulnerable and adhering to standards of excellence in social services

Ken Palermo was named Executive Director of CCSOMO by Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Edward M. Rice and the Search Committee of the CCSOMO Board of Directors, on December 22, 2022, replacing Maura Taylor who served for more than 11 years in the role. Ken brings more than 27 years of experience working in public health. He assumes his leadership post on January 30, 2023, and will be based in Springfield. PHOTO: Submitted by Ken Palermo/CCSOMO
Board of Directors
Vicki Karlovich, PresidentJoe Blanton
Cynthia Brown
Del Elfrink
Deacon David Farris
Steven Frye
Bill Hennessey
Jodi King
Beth Mitchell-Johnson
Jim Randall
Justin Rone
Gerry Salter
Ken Palermo, Executive Director (ex officio, beginning January 30, 2023)
Leadership Team
Ken Palermo, Executive Director - kpalermo@ccsomo.org
Portland office
417.368.0914
Claudia Baer, Director of Human Resources – cbaer@ccsomo.org
Portland office
417.368.0914
Susan Cox, Director of Grants and Compliance – scox@ccsomo.org
Portland office
417.368.0914
John Farmer de la Torre, Director of Communications and Marketing – jfarmerdelatorre@ccsomo.org
Monastery office
417.720.4213
417.493.8429 (media inquiries)
Mandy Long, Director of Development – mlong@ccsomo.org
Monastery office
417.720.4213
Cindi Kopel, Director of Maternal and Family Programs – ckopel@ccsomo.org
Monastery office
417.720.4213
John Lunardini, Director of Social Enterprise and Facilities – jlunardini@ccsomo.org
Monastery office
417.720.4213
Jeremy Rowland, Regional Director – jrowland@ccsomo.org
Cape Girardeau office
573.335.0905
Cindy VanBuskirk, Director of Housing – cvanbuskirk@ccsomo.org
Portland office
417.268.9998
Jeffrey Wiskur, Director of Finance - jwiskur@ccsomo.org
Portland office
417.368.0914
Cape Girardeau Office
Jeremy Rowland, Regional Director - jrowland@ccsomo.org
Joplin Office
Diana Kilguss, Housing Case Management Coordinator - dkilguss@ccsomo.org
Sikeston Office
Gina Blocker, Director of Developmental Disabilities Program – gblocker@ccsomo.org
Van Buren Office
Angie Webb, Housing Supervisor - awebb@ccsomo.org
Updated 20230114