John Stevens heeds call to serve as Catholic Foundation Interim Director

John Stevens wanted to share his time and talents during his retirement, and thought he had found the perfect opportunity.

In late 2019, the 69-year-old started volunteering as a patient advocate in the emergency room of a local hospital. He loved the work and was finding a happy rhythm in the role. But when the coronavirus pandemic hit early last year, his volunteer role was eliminated for the safety of patients and Stevens alike.

Still, it seems God had a plan for him.

“I have time and felt like I should be doing more,” Stevens said. “So, when Bishop Kulick asked if I would be interested in serving as Interim Director of the Catholic Foundation, you certainly don’t say no. You are being asked for a reason.”

At the start of this calendar year, Stevens assumed his interim role as Director of The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Greensburg. He brings valuable experience, after retiring from SunTrust Robinson Humphrey as a director in the fields of sales, trading and investment banking. 

Stevens is a member of the Diocese of Greensburg Finance Council and the board of directors of Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, and is a trustee for both the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and the Benedictine Archabbey at Saint Vincent. He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Saint Vincent College.

Stevens is a parishioner of St. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Export, where he serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and volunteers in homebound ministry.

“I feel comfortable in the role of talking with people about how they can support the future of the Diocese and their own church,” Stevens said.

With his specialized background, devoted faith and life experience, Stevens can relate to those who have questions about planned giving and how they can help the diocese in years to come.

“So many people wonder what becomes of their estate after they have passed away. When I went through this process with my wife, we thought about those entities that impacted us or our children’s lives,” Stevens said.

Leslie, his wife of 37 years, passed away in 2017. He has two children, Mike and Kim, and five grandchildren.

“If you can make those entities a part of your estate plan, organize that thought, then put it on paper in the form of a will, it really is a load off your mind,” he said.

As faithful benefactors consider what organizations to consider in their estate plans, Stevens also urges heartfelt consideration of where the funds will go.

“When people give to large national organizations, they often wonder how exactly their money is being used. How much, for example, might ultimately be going to medical research?” Stevens said. “But whether they give to their own church or the diocese itself, they can see or imagine their money at work. It’s going to benefit people right in their community and will not be burdened by heavy administrative costs. That’s always important to me — knowing the organization and seeing the results.”

As Stevens steps into his new role, it will allow current Director Joe DiMario to transition into retirement. DiMario, 89, has served the Diocese the last three years as director of the Foundation and spent a decade prior as Director of Planned Giving. He will remain on board in a consultative manner.

Bishop Larry J. Kulick said Stevens is an ideal fit as the Foundation transitions, and his personal and professional expertise will be vital in continuing the foundation’s important work.

“John has modeled a life rooted in stewardship in giving of his time and talent,” Bishop Kulick said. “In his retirement, we are grateful that he wishes to continue sharing the gifts he has, and that he is willing to assist the Diocese at this time.”