John Huynh
Urbandale,IA
Summary
Accomplished and dedicated leader with over 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit management, focused on education, social justice, and community service within the Catholic Church. Currently serving as the Director of Social Justice for Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Des Moines, with a strong background in strategic leadership, program development, and public advocacy. Holds a Doctor of Ministry from Barry University and a Master's in Theology from Loras College. Known for effectively driving initiatives that align with Catholic Social Teachings, fostering significant community engagement, and advancing organizational goals. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage large-scale projects, and develop strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery and mission fulfillment. Committed to promoting dignity, compassion, justice, and the common good through collaborative leadership and innovative community outreach.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Social Justice
Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
06.2023 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership to advance the social justice mission and vision of the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities.
- Collaborated with Catholic organizations at both the local and national level, focusing on social justice initiatives.
- Provided oversight for respect life and social justice initiatives
- Established effective communication channels with diocesan parishes and social justice groups to ensure seamless cooperation.
- Coordinated disaster relief actions to address targeted response and delivery needs.
- Provided formation opportunities that focused on Catholic Social Teaching and advocacy skills.
- Managed resources for digital communication pertaining to social justice issues.
- Engaged in respect life and related social justice activities with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)
- Assisted Bishop and Executive Director by advising on social justice matters aligned with Catholic Social Teaching
- Engaged with local Catholic Relief Services and Bread for World group, successfully gathered a grants committee for CRS Rice bowl grant and awarded 5 grants to date.
- Collated relevant content to create comprehensive resource materials for the Diocesan website, emphasizing social justice.
- Served as a public speaker for various audiences such as Catholic schools, Catholic adults group, Theology of Tap group, and conducted radio interviews on social justice issues.
- Planned and coordinated a three-day multi-parish National Eucharistic procession during its passage through the diocese.
- Offered expertise in combating pregnancy homelessness within the scope of Catholic Charities' housing endeavors.
Director of Faith Journey
Diocese of Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
06.2016 - 05.2023
- Lead the development and implementation of the Faith Journey program to enhance faith formation for all catholic schools faculty and staff.
- Led curriculum development and made necessary adjustments for the permanent diaconate.
- Oversaw permanent diaconate audit and contributed to hiring decisions for Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate and the Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the diocese.
- Directed and taught at Catechetical Institute, overseeing graduation of 75+ students in three institute cycles (each lasting two years).
- Assisted Bishop and diocesan staff in evaluating theological content of various documents.
- Spoke and led retreats for various age groups in the diocese.
- Assisted parishes with theological inquiries as required.
- Delivered presentations at diverse small group gatherings covering subjects such as the basics of faith, sacramental theology, and living as a Christian in today's secular society.
- Contributed to hiring decisions by serving on committees for roles including directors of the diaconate, CYC, and youth and young adults ministry.
Theology Teacher
Dowling Catholic High School
West Des Moines, IA
09.2009 - 06.2016
- Assisted in the acquisition of theological knowledge for students
- Assisted students in cultivating a Christ-centered educational journey.
- Developed lesson plans for teaching the fundamentals of Theology to high school students.
- Collaborated with faculty members to create a comprehensive curriculum covering all areas of Theology.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills in order to explore complex theological concepts.
- Advised students on how best to apply their knowledge of Theology in everyday life situations.
- Evaluated textbooks and other materials used in the classroom setting for accuracy and relevancy.
- Served as an advisor for extracurricular clubs and activities.
- Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
Education
Doctor of Ministry - Practical Theology
Barry University
Miami, FL05-2024
Master of Arts - Theology
Loras College
Dubuque, IA05-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Loras College
Dubuque, IA05-2007
Skills
- Staff Development
- Innovation management
- Information Technology Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Creativity and Innovation
- Content Development
- Program Management
- Charismatic Leader
- Strategic Planning
- Logistics Management
- Budget Control
- Project Coordination
- Project Management
Affiliations
Professional and Community Involvement
- Volunteer Catechist, St. Peter’s Vietnamese Catholic Church: Educate and guide middle school students in learning and living their Catholic faith.
- Volunteer Translator, St. Peter’s Vietnamese Catholic Church: Provide Vietnamese translation services to facilitate communication within the church community and the diocesan offices.
- Soccer Coach, Dowling Catholic High School: Coach and mentor, fostering faith, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among student-athletes.
- Board Member and Recreational Director, Dowling Catholic Soccer Club: Oversee club operations and recreational programs.
Personal Interests
- Passionate about soccer, both as a participant and a spectator.
- Avid reader with a keen interest in philosophy and hagiography.
- Enthusiast of action cinema.
Languages
Vietnamese
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Social Justice
Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Des Moines
06.2023 - Current
Director of Faith Journey
Diocese of Des Moines
06.2016 - 05.2023
Theology Teacher
Dowling Catholic High School
09.2009 - 06.2016
Doctor of Ministry - Practical Theology
Barry University
Master of Arts - Theology
Loras College
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Loras College
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