Karmen Lemke, the Secretary of St. John’s Ministries Board of Directors, also serves as the Executive Director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay. In her role at Catholic Charities, she provides leadership to the implementation of its strategic direction for the areas of social ministry and community outreach, financial and mental health, adoption and pregnancy support, immigration and refugees services, and human dignity and life advocacy, as supported by the Bishop and the Executive Mission Team. She serves as a missionary disciple bringing to life the concept of a “missionary church” by building, strengthening, and maintaining community and parish relationships with Catholic Charities throughout the diocese.
Her work experience includes serving as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes where she led programs of girl and adult leadership in Northeast Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan. In addition, she has over 30 years working in community relations for Wisconsin Public Service where she directed charitable foundation and corporate social responsibility programs.
Lemke holds an Associate degree in Marketing from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lakeland College, and certificates in Nonprofit Leadership from UW-Green Bay and University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences. She is also a Leadership Green Bay graduate.
Her other involvement in the community includes serving on the St. Paul Elder Services Board of Directors and is a member of the emeritus boards for CP, Women’s Fund, Catholic Foundation, Volunteer Center, Envision Greater Green Bay, Einstein Project, Downtown Green Bay Inc., and Green Bay Chamber’s Partners in Education board. She also served for six years on the Wrightstown School Board.
She and her husband Randy have three adult daughters and are life-long members of St. Clare’s Parish in Wrightstown. She is passionate about helping others through giving back in the community and through her church.
Karmen’s favorite quote is by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
