Joe Bestgen to lead Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri

Bestgen, a parishioner of St. Alban Roe Parish in Wildwood, most recently served as CEO of Marygrove, a Catholic Charities agency that provides a safe home and quality care to children who have experienced trauma.

“My time leading Marygrove has given me direct exposure to the needs that exist in our community. I know firsthand how critical the work of the Roman Catholic Foundation is throughout the St. Louis area as it grows the financial resources needed to be the hands of Christ to those in need for future generations,” Bestgen said in a news release. “I am eager to move into this leadership role and work with the foundation staff to continue to build upon such an important mission.”

Bestgen succeeds founding president and CEO Mark Guyol, who will remain with the foundation as a senior adviser.

The Roman Catholic Foundation was established with the mission of sustaining parishes, schools and Catholic ministries in the St. Louis region for future generations. The Foundation led the Beyond Sunday campaign, raising $110 million for Catholic parishes and schools. A total of $66 million has been granted out into the Catholic community during the foundation’s first eight years.

Michael Meehan named new CEO of Marygrove

Meehan is a Missouri state licensed psychologist, most recently serving as chief clinical officer of Great Circle after eight years as executive director of Good Shepherd Children & Family Services, another Catholic Charities agency.

Meehan succeeds outgoing CEO Joe Bestgen.

“Michael brings over 25 years of clinical, strategic and operational experience to the Marygrove CEO role, as well as a unique level of familiarity and trust in the regulatory and legislative arena, which make him an important voice on behalf of children,” Marygrove board president Bob Porter said in a news release. “We are excited to welcome him, while also tremendously grateful to Joe Bestgen for his significant contributions as CEO these past three years.”