Madison, Wisconsin – Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison, a non-profit organization which provides social services on behalf of the Catholic Church in southern Wisconsin, announces the appointment of Mike “Jocko” Jacques and Vicky Thelen to its board of directors.
In addition, Megan McDermott has been named chair of the board.
Jacques is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated journalist with more than 20 years of experience, currently serving as the sports director at WMTV in Madison.
Thelen is a registered nurse and licensed nursing home administrator with 17 years of healthcare experience, currently serving as the director of nursing at Ingleside Communities in Mount Horeb.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike and Vicky to our board of directors,” said Shawn Carney, executive director of Catholic Charities. “Their extensive experience and dedication to serving the community aligns perfectly with our mission. We look forward to the valuable insights and contributions they will bring to our organization.”
The Catholic Charities Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting the organization. Members are responsible for attending board and committee meetings, aiding in the implementation of committee duties, and ensuring the agency’s mission is carried out effectively. Board members are expected to be knowledgeable about Catholic Social Teaching and use their expertise and community contacts to help achieve the agency’s goals and policy formation.
Directors are elected for an initial term of three years and may serve up to two terms.
About the New Board Members
As the sports director at WMTV, Mike Jacques has covered numerous high-profile events, including National Championship games, Bowl Games, the Super Bowl, and many high school state championships. Jacques holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
In addition to his professional achievements, Jacques is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He has been a life-saving donor through “Be The Match” and enjoys spending his free time coaching his children and engaging in family activities. Jacques is a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church in Madison, part of the Queen of Apostles Pastorate.
Vicky Thelen began her career as a certified nurse assistant at UW Hospital, eventually becoming a registered nurse working in neurosciences, intensive care, and emergency care. Her passion for helping the underserved led her to a role as a RN care manager with Care Wisconsin, where she discovered her love for working with frail elders and individuals with disabilities.
In addition to her nursing career, Vicky has held several leadership positions, including director of Stoughton Health’s Home Health program, RN administrator of two assisted living communities, director of clinical operations at New Glarus Home, and executive director of St. Elizabeth Home in Janesville. She is currently director of nursing at Ingleside Communities in Mount Horeb.
Thelen’s educational background includes a degree in early childhood education, an associate’s degree in nursing from Madison Area Technical College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in healthcare management. She is a member of Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon, part of the St. Cletus Pastorate.
Megan McDermott takes over the role of board chair from Patrick Flesch, who is now immediate past president. McDermott, an associate teaching professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, has been on the Catholic Charities Board of Directors since 2021, most recently serving as vice chair. Flesch, president of the Gordon Flesch Company, has served on the board since 2019.
McDermott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College and a law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. McDermott’s legal experience includes private practice at Covington & Burling, service as an assistant U.S. attorney, and administrative practice with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. She has also served as a law clerk to former Wisconsin Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, and as a staff attorney for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. McDermott is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish in Madison, where she also volunteers as a teacher for the parish’s English as a second language program.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliated with Catholic Charities USA. Since 1946, Catholic Charities has supported individuals and families in need, regardless of their faith or beliefs, and empowers them to live a fulfilling and dignified life. The organization serves as the charitable arm of the Catholic Church in southern Wisconsin, providing a broad array of social services. Catholic Charities’ mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love and justice by caring in faith for the human family. For more information, visit ccmadison.org.
