PHOENIX, AZ (April 11, 2024) – Catholic Education Arizona (CEA), Arizona’s largest Catholic School Tuition Organization, welcomes Derek Deegan as Director of Development. Derek is the newest addition to Changing Lives with Legacy, the non-tax credit division accepting donations and planned gifts. His position will be focused on strengthening donor relationships and expanding fundraising initiatives.

Nancy Padberg, President and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona expressed her excitement of welcoming Derek to the team. “Derek is a terrific addition to our team. He has fundraising expertise, deep Arizona relationships, and breadth of knowledge to help grow our new division,” she said.

Derek has worked in development roles in the Valley for sixteen years. Before joining Catholic Education Arizona to help fund scholarships for underserved children, worked as the Donor Relations Director for the Salvation Army Southwest Division since 2016.

Derek also shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying “I am excited to help promote the mission of Catholic Education Arizona. As Director of Development, I am committed to growing our Changing Lives with Legacy Division to ensure each student has an opportunity to receive a scholarship and attend Catholic schools.”

Individuals and corporations choose to support Catholic Education Arizona and the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools because of their impressive results:

  • 99.8% graduation rate
  • 96% of graduates matriculate to higher education, trade school, or enter military service.
  • 1000s of hours of service provided annually to the community

Catholic Education Arizona is the largest provider of scholarships to families attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 1998, $338 million has been raised and 153,000 scholarships have been awarded. Catholic Education Arizona has been ranked #2 Best Places to Work and is changing lives one scholarship at a time through tax credits, donations, and planned gifts. Visit ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542 to learn more.

Contact: Debra Preach, Chief Operating Officer
Catholic Education Arizona
dpreach@ceaz.org
(602)-218-6542