NEW ALBANY, IN — October 2026 — St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities (SECC) announces a new chapter in its longstanding commitment to serving vulnerable individuals and families throughout Southern Indiana. Following the retirement of Agency Director Mark Casper on October 2, after more than 18 years of dedicated service, the organization welcomes Chris Haulter as its new Agency Director.

Casper’s retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary period of leadership, growth, and compassionate service. Since assuming the role in 2008, Casper has been instrumental in expanding the agency’s reach, strengthening its programs, and ensuring that individuals and families facing difficult circumstances have access to the resources and support they need to build brighter futures.

Under Casper’s leadership, St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities expanded its residential and supportive housing services, strengthened programs for women and children experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, and continued providing vital assistance to individuals with disabilities, birth parents, adoptive families, students, and families in crisis.

His commitment to the agency’s mission has also helped transform its New Albany campus, including the development of Holy Trinity Heritage Park, a welcoming green space that serves both the agency and the surrounding community. Throughout his tenure, Casper prioritized responsible stewardship, strong community partnerships, and the belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

“Mark has led St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people we serve,” said David J. Bethuram, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.” His leadership has helped guide the agency through growth, change, and continued service to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and the lasting impact he has made.”

As the agency celebrates Casper’s remarkable legacy, it looks toward the future under the leadership of Chris Haulter, who officially assumed the role of Agency Director on August

19, 2026. Casper and Haulter worked together during the transition to ensure continuity of leadership and uninterrupted services.

Haulter brings more than 20 years of corporate and executive-level experience in organizational leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and team development. His extensive background in managing people, budgets, and complex operations positions him to build upon the strong foundation established by Casper.

A Southern Indiana native, Haulter grew up in New Albany and has a personal appreciation for the challenges faced by many of the individuals and families served by St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities. Raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to support her family, he understands the importance of having access to compassion, encouragement, and assistance during difficult times.

That personal connection, combined with his Catholic faith, played a significant role in his decision to transition from the corporate world to nonprofit leadership.

“Being a child of a single mom who was working two, three jobs at a time to put food on the table and keep the lights on in the house, I certainly understand the struggle faced by some of our young women and children,” Haulter shared. “That’s why the agency’s mission was a big draw for me.”

For Haulter, leading St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities represents an opportunity to unite his professional experience with his faith and desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

His leadership philosophy centers on building relationships, supporting staff, and ensuring that the agency remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community. He recognizes that the strength of St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities lies not only in its programs and services but also in the dedicated employees, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make its mission possible.

Dr. Melissa Fry, President of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities Advisory Council and a member of the hiring committee, emphasized that Haulter’s combination of professional qualifications and personal commitment made him an excellent choice to guide the organization forward.

“We needed someone who could manage the facilities, finances, fundraising and diverse programs that allow the staff to do their work,” Fry explained. Equally important was finding a leader with a “genuine heart for the people” the organization serves.

Looking ahead, Haulter is committed to honoring the agency’s legacy while identifying opportunities to strengthen services, build community relationships, and respond to

emerging needs. His focus on strategic leadership, responsible stewardship, and human dignity aligns closely with the mission and values that have guided St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities for decades.

The agency’s mission remains unchanged: to affirm the dignity of and respect for all human life by assisting vulnerable individuals and families in need to achieve empowerment and self-sufficiency.

As St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities celebrates the contributions of one exceptional leader and welcomes another, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality services to those who need them most.

Together, Casper’s enduring legacy and Haulter’s vision for the future reflect the agency’s continuing promise to the community: Providing Help. Creating Hope. Serving All.