Deacon Vernon Dobelmann's Linkedin Analytics

Bringing healing to hurting institutions has been my specialty. A degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice, plus five years of study in pastoral ministry leading to ordination as a Catholic deacon in 1999, has provided the foundation for enhancing the lives of others. I have over 20 years experience in leadership positions. This includes the secular nonprofit industry as well as faith-based institutions. Catholic education has captured my attention for many years. I have been a theology teacher, a principal of a Catholic school in Missouri, served eight years as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Wyoming, and was the Executive Director of St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This campus included a child care center, an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. Pastoral ministry has included being a resource for all the Catholic churches across the state of Wyoming in the areas of marriage and family life, youth & young adult ministry, and religious education for all ages. My experience has also included being a hospital chaplain, a high school campus minister and much more. My specialty has been serving as a change agent. The Diocese of Cheyenne restructured by closing an office and eliminating a dozen jobs. Six of those roles were consolidated into the one job for which I was hired. It took years to mend hearts and minds through a difficult financial struggle, but my eight years and eight months in that position taught me about perseverance and growth in profound ways. St. Albert Catholic Schools hired me as the executive director when a complete removal of all school administrators took place at once. Bringing healing and hope was essential. Addressing the needs of the 149 employees (including a whole new team at the top), the students, their parents, and supporters of the school took time and patience. Building relationships with donors and mending broken relationships were the key to success. It was a difficult transition, but the seeds of renewal were planted despite the pandemic. In my personal journey, I am a two-time survivor of cancer. I also survived open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair after chemotherapy damaged my heart. These life experiences give me a very unique lens with which to compose a message of faith, hope, and healing. Preaching parish missions and leading retreats are where my charisms come alive. If your parish or group needs renewal, I can help. In a volunteer role, I serve as the Chair of the Laramie County Community College Human & Public Services Pathway Advisory Committee.