Transitions in Development

The Congregation of the Mission – Midwest Province is pleased to welcome Kelly Whittemore to the Development Office. Kelly joined us as Development Coordinator in early July, after Yvonne Luedtke left to pursue a career in accounting.

Kelly’s previous positions in the Catholic community provide a good foundation for her new role with the Congregation of the Mission. After staying home when her two children, now teenagers, were young, she joined the staff at Holy Spirit Parish (formerly St. Blaise) in St. Louis. She also worked in Development for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and Duchesne High School.

“This is a new opportunity for me, and I’m excited about working with the priests and brothers, supporting them in their mission,” Kelly said.

The transition has been easy and congenial, since Kelly already knew Teresa Manna, Director of Development, and Yvonne Luedtke, her predecessor, for several years through the local development community.

Yvonne joined the Congregation of the Mission in 2004 and continued to work toward her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, which she earned in May 2005. She will complete her MBA in Accounting in December. She is joining a local accounting firm.

“I am very happy for her,” said Teresa, “but sad for us. Yvonne has been such an asset to our office and we will miss her. At the same time, I’m looking forward to working with Kelly and continuing to grow support for the Vincentian mission.”