Barbara Haacke has been the Executive Assistant to Bishop Michael Warfel since May 2020. Barbara was born and raised in Fargo, ND, attending Nativity Catholic School for grades 1 through 8. In 1981, she graduated from NDSU with a BS degree in Education, and a BS degree in Fashion Merchandising. After six years of teaching vocational Home Economics, she changed career paths and became the Executive Assistant to the Director of the Center for Photonics Research at Boston University. She was also responsible for managing the efficient operation of this newly formed research center and it’s incubator spin-off companies. After 10 years at BU, “home” was calling and she moved to Montana where she owned and managed the Party America store in Great Falls with her husband, Lee.
The Haacke’s are currently active members of St Ann’s Parish in Great Falls. They are both involved in the Knights of Columbus Lodge 1493 and were named the “Family of the Year” in 2016 and 2019, being recognized for their volunteer work and involvement in this organization. In addition, they are both involved in many community organizations and their fund raising efforts.
Barbara’s job duties at the Chancery include being the Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator and the contact for Parish Soft. “I especially look forward to working with the Safe and Sacred Program, and I share the Bishop’s belief that a Catholic School should be the safest place for a child receive an education. For two years, I taught at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, MN, which strengthened my belief in quality Catholic education – to spread the word of Jesus Christ and to encourage the development of moral values.”
“I feel both thrilled and honored to be working for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. My Catholic Faith has always been very important to me and I am grateful to be given the chance to further my career as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Warfel”.
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