After more than three decades of service, Catherine “Cathy” Peterson, Executive Director of the Northern Arizona region and Vice President of Northern Arizona Program Operations for Catholic Charities, is preparing to retire—leaving behind not just programs and buildings, but a legacy that will continue through the people she has mentored and the communities she has helped shape.
For Cathy, the milestone is less about recognition and more about gratitude. Reflecting on her time with Catholic Charities, she describes it simply as “an honor to serve.”
From Case Manager to Regional Leader
Cathy’s journey with Catholic Charities began 35 years ago in Flagstaff as a case manager, working in emergency assistance and a food pantry. Over time, her path took her across Northern and Central Arizona—from Flagstaff to Cottonwood, Prescott, and Phoenix—serving in roles that ranged from counselor to regional director to vice president.
Her career reflects more than professional advancement; it reflects a deep commitment to the mission. With over 40 years as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), Cathy has experienced nearly every level of service within the organization. Yet when she looks back, it isn’t the titles that stand out most.
Catholic Charities became, in her words, a “work home”—a place where she was able to build both a career and a family. She raised her children while working at the agency and recalls never missing a baseball game or important milestone, a reflection of both her dedication and the culture she helped foster.
Leading with Faith and Purpose
At the heart of Cathy’s work is a strong sense of calling. The daughter of a United Methodist Church pastor, her decision to stay with Catholic Charities was shaped by her faith and a belief that the work is more than just a job.
“I like the idea that we’re here to serve,” she said. “We don’t just get up and say, ‘I’m going to go do a job.’ We’re here to serve each other and others.”
That perspective has defined her leadership and left a lasting impression on those around her. Catholic Charities President and CEO Paul Mulligan describes her as someone who embodies both professional excellence and deep compassion, noting that she represents the ideal of a servant leader—someone who not only fulfills the responsibilities of the role but goes beyond them to bring heart and purpose into the work.
Her ability to integrate faith and service has shaped not only her own career, but the culture of the organization itself.
Building Programs—and Trust
During Cathy’s tenure, Catholic Charities expanded significantly across Northern Arizona, growing in both scope and impact. New housing initiatives, re-entry programs, and the continued growth of programs like North Star Youth Partnership all took shape under her leadership.
But Cathy’s approach to growth was never about expansion for its own sake. Instead, she focused on understanding each community and responding to its unique needs. She recognized early on that what works in one place may not work in another, and she encouraged teams to listen closely and adapt accordingly.
This mindset is perhaps best illustrated by the development of The Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope, also known as the Bullhead City shelter, one of the most visible and impactful projects in the region. What began as a day drop-in center in a strip mall evolved into a much larger vision after listening to community partners and recognizing the urgent need for shelter services.
Cathy played a central role in bringing that vision to life. She spent years building relationships with local leaders, community members, and partners, understanding that trust would be essential to making the project successful. “I knew we weren’t going to get it done unless I could win people’s trust,” she said.
Her commitment went well beyond strategy—she relocated to the area to fully invest in the work and the community. Through those efforts, a vision that once existed only as an idea became a fully operational overnight and day drop-in shelter serving dozens of individuals each night and providing hundreds of meals daily.
Today, the administrative office is called The Catherine Brummet Peterson Administrative Center, a reflection of the extraordinary role she played in bringing the project to life.
A Leader Who Develops Leaders
While projects like the Bullhead City shelter are significant, those who know Cathy best say her greatest impact cannot be measured in buildings or programs.
For Sandi Flores, who will step into Cathy’s role, that impact is deeply personal. Having worked with Cathy for 20 years, Sandi describes her as a mentor who has consistently invested in others, sharing knowledge openly and preparing the next generation of leaders.
“She has mentored me for this position… she didn't hesitate to share all of her knowledge with me over the years,” Sandi said.
Cathy’s approach to leadership has always been rooted in generosity. She never held back information or positioned herself as the sole expert. Instead, she created an environment where growth was encouraged, feedback was welcomed, and people felt supported in developing their own strengths.
This commitment extended beyond individual mentorship into broader leadership development efforts, including succession planning and participation in programs designed to cultivate future leaders within the organization.
As Paul noted, Cathy’s legacy will continue through the people she has developed—leaders who carry forward her values, approach, and commitment to service.
A Culture of Calm, Courage, and Compassion
Those who have worked alongside Cathy consistently describe her presence as steady and calming. In high-pressure situations, she has a unique ability to bring clarity and perspective, helping others step back and refocus.
Her advice is simple but enduring: slow down, take a breath, listen, and maintain a sense of humor. These principles have shaped not only how she leads, but how others lead as well.
At the same time, her calm demeanor has never meant avoiding difficult conversations or engaging in healthy conflict. Cathy is known for addressing challenges directly, creating space for honest dialogue while maintaining respect and empathy. As Paul described, she is often the one willing to name the “elephant in the room,” helping teams work through complex issues with clarity and purpose.
This balance—between compassion and courage—has been central to her effectiveness as a leader and has helped establish a culture where people feel both supported and accountable.
Always Centered on the Mission
Throughout her career, Cathy has remained focused on what matters most: the people served by Catholic Charities.
“I think a measure of society is how we treat the most vulnerable,” she said.
That belief has guided her decisions, shaped her leadership, and anchored her work through both challenges and successes. Whether navigating growth, addressing community needs, or mentoring staff, her focus has consistently returned to the mission.
For those who have worked with her, that clarity of purpose is what sets her apart. As Sandi reflected, everything Cathy does is grounded in a commitment to the people served—an unwavering focus that has defined her entire career.
Looking Ahead
As Cathy prepares for retirement in July, she is looking forward to a season of rejuvenation. She plans to spend time with family, including her grandson, and explore opportunities to volunteer in ways that bring her joy.
Even in retirement, her connection to Catholic Charities will continue. She plans to remain involved in a limited capacity, supporting leadership development and helping ensure a strong transition for the future.
A Lasting Legacy
Cathy Peterson’s 35-year career is not defined by a single accomplishment, but by a lifetime of service.
Her impact can be seen in the programs that continue to serve individuals and families across Northern Arizona. It is reflected in the partnerships she built, the communities she strengthened, and the systems she helped grow. But perhaps most importantly, it lives on in the people she mentored—leaders who will carry forward her example for years to come.
As Sandi said, “Her legacy is in all of us.”
That sentiment is echoed across the organization. As Board Chair Olivia Brusso McCormick shared:
“Cathy is a blessing for all of us here at Catholic Charities and a true role model. She is my mentor and the reason I am a part of this amazing organization.”
Through the lives she has touched, the leaders she has developed, and the mission she has advanced, Cathy’s legacy will continue well beyond her years of service.
