Catholic Charities USA Director bestowed ‘Spirit’ Award by National VOAD

Disaster Relief

May 19, 2015

Alexandria, Va. (May 19, 2015) – Catholic Charities USA’s (CCUSA) Disaster Response Operations Director Katie Oldaker received the Spirit Award from the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) during their annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Awarded annually, the Spirit Award recognizes the outstanding service, professionalism and passion of an individual who is involved with the VOAD movement. In her role as Director of Disaster Response Operations at CCUSA, Katie manages numerous events each year, and has traveled to communities nationwide struck by disaster to provide relief and recovery. Additionally, Katie serves as a National VOAD representative for CCUSA, holding leadership positions on both the Disaster Health and Disaster Case Management Committees.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Katie coordinated relief efforts in Mississippi,” her nomination read. “No matter how far Katie has gone, or how much she has on her plate, her endless commitment and support of National VOAD and the VOAD movement shines through.”

Katie also represents CCUSA on the Homeland Security Advisory Council Faith Based Advisory Committee group.

“We’re incredibly proud of Katie’s accomplishments and ongoing work in the world of disaster relief and recovery,” said Senior Vice President of Disaster Operations Maria Vorel. “Her passion, dedication and enthusiasm consistently demonstrate Catholic Charities USA’s compassionate hand lifting the most vulnerable out of devastation.”

In communities before, during and after disasters, the Catholic Charities network is known for rolling up its sleeves and buckling down for the hard work of helping rebuild their lives after an adverse event strikes. Since 2005, CCUSA’s Disaster Operations has assisted with the delivery of compassionate care and support to more than 3 million individuals affected by a disasters, responded to nearly 500 disaster events comprised of 25 different types of disasters, and trained more than 500 Catholic Charities staff in Disaster Operations.