Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) President Joan Rosenhauer will transition out of her role at the organization and will retire in early 2024. Joan’s leadership and compassion have been an integral part of JRS/USA while she has been at the helm for nearly six years. During this time, the organization grew by nearly four times, greatly increasing its ability to serve forcibly displaced people globally. A search is underway to find her successor. 

“We cannot thank Joan enough for her service and dedication to the organization,” said Robert Niehaus, JRS/USA Board Chair. “Joan’s leadership and passion for our mission have helped make JRS/USA the success story that it is today.” 

Joan’s career has been largely spent serving those in need and encouraging the US Catholic community to get involved. Before coming to JRS/USA in 2018, Joan spent nine years as the Executive Vice President of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Prior to her time at CRS, Joan worked at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for 16 years most recently in the Department for Justice, Peace, and Human Development.      

“There are so many exciting things on the horizon for JRS/USA that I have mixed feelings about stepping down and not seeing them all through,” said Rosenhauer. “However, I know that no matter when I retired that would be the case. JRS/USA will always have a special place in my heart, and I will continue to accompany, serve, and advocate for those who are displaced.” 

Among the accomplishments during Joan’s time at JRS/USA is the establishment of the bi-national border program, Caminar Contigo, which provides mental health and psychosocial support, legal advice, and a volunteer accompaniment network for newcomers to the U.S.  

 “On behalf of the Jesuits, I want to express our deep gratitude to Joan for her six years of outstanding service to JRS/USA,” said Fr. Brian Paulson, S.J., the president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the U.S. “Not only has Joan been an inspiring leader, always upholding Jesuit values, she has also been a great colleague for JRS staff around the world.”  

JRS/USA has hired the search firm Heidrick and Struggles to help find the organization’s next President. To apply or submit nominations for this role, please visit this page or email JRSUSASearch@heidrick.com.