Southern Nebraska Register
The Diocese of Lincoln welcomed a new director of development, Jeremy Beck of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln.
Beck was previously the executive director of Opportunity Scholarships Nebraska, and has more than 25 years of leadership experience in Catholic education, nonprofit administration, strategic planning and corporate partnerships. Before his work with Opportunity Scholarships Nebraska, he spent eight years with FACTS Education / Nelnet as senior regional vice president and federal programs manager, developing strategic partnerships with Catholic schools, dioceses and educational organizations across the country.
Earlier, during 17 years with Missoula Catholic Schools in Montana, Jeremy served as president, principal and athletic director. He led multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns that supported the construction and renovation of campus facilities, while advancing the mission of Catholic education. Jeremy also served with the U.S. Forest Service as a smokejumper, hotshot crew sawyer and engine boss, leading teams in high-risk wildfire response and helping protect lives and property across the United States.
Beck said after 20 years in Catholic school leadership and another eight years serving private schools in the corporate world, he felt drawn to bring his experience back into a more direct ministry of the Church.
“My family and I have been blessed by relationships with wonderful priests, religious, and laypeople here in Lincoln,” he said, “and those relationships helped me recognize this opportunity as a meaningful way to serve. Becoming grandparents for the first time also gave us a new appreciation for being close to home. With less time on the road and more time rooted in this community, this position felt like a natural next chapter, one that brings together faith, family, and service.”
Bishop James Conley said Beck will support the diocesan mission by working to grow and expand the base of stewardship and financial support for important educational and vocational ministries within the diocese.
“He’ll be the primary advocate for development and fundraising, fostering positive working relationships with pastors, school administrators and diocesan leadership,” he said. “Jeremy will manage annual campaigns including the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund, the Bishop’s Appeal for Vocations and other fundraising efforts.”
Beck’s first weeks have been spent listening and getting to know the people and ministries of the diocese. He’s traveled across southern Nebraska to meet with leaders in parishes and schools, at Camp Kateri Tekakwitha, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House, and other diocesan ministries.
“My hope is to understand what is going well, where there are challenges, and how our development office can be a helpful partner in supporting their work,” he said. “Those conversations have already been fruitful, and I am filling in gaps of knowledge and information that are vital to our future. The welcome and generosity of our pastors, priests, sisters, and lay leaders have been inspiring. Each community has its own story, and I want to take the time to understand those stories so that our work grows out of the needs and hopes of the people we serve.”
Beck said he is looking forward to many more conversations and to building lasting relationships across the diocese.
“Listening is something I hope will remain at the heart of this ministry,” he said. “Across such a large geographic area, being present, staying connected, and learning from one another matter a great deal. I hope people will feel comfortable inviting me to visit, sharing their ideas, or simply reaching out to build new relationships.”
