PHOENIX, ARIZ. – After more than three decades of service, Catherine “Cathy” Peterson is preparing to retire from Catholic Charities Community Services of Arizona, concluding a monumental career marked by compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving Arizona’s most vulnerable communities.
As executive director of the Northern Arizona region and vice president of Northern Arizona program operations, Peterson’s impact reaches far beyond the programs she was instrumental in building. Her legacy lives on through the communities she strengthened, the relationships she cultivated, and the leaders she mentored.
Peterson’s work with Catholic Charities began over three decades 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, serving in roles that ranged from counselor to regional director to vice president. Her career reflects more than professional advancement, but rather a deep commitment to the mission. While Peterson has experienced nearly every level of service within the organization, when she looks back, it is not the titles that stand out most.
At the heart of her work is a strong sense of calling. Her time with Catholic Charities was shaped by her faith and a belief that the work is more than just a job. According to Peterson, “I like the idea that we’re here to serve. 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. During Peterson’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. During her tenure, the 57-bed Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper “Center for Help & Hope,” also known as the Bullhead City shelter, became a reality. It now serves as one of the most visible and impactful projects in the region.
Those who know Peterson best say her greatest contribution cannot be measured in buildings or programs. For Sandi Flores, who will step into Peterson’s role, that impact is deeply personal. Having worked with Peterson for 20 years, Flores 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,” said Flores.
Throughout her career, Peterson 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.
As Peterson 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.
Peterson’s 35-year career is not defined by a single accomplishment, but by a lifetime of service. As Flores said, “Her legacy is in all of us.”
