Our Team

Executive Director - Charlie Thompson

Charlie became the Executive Director after more than a year of service to the Society as the Director of Conference Services and Development Director. He is relatively new to the South Bend Community, coming from Portland, Oregon where he worked for Inside Track, an organization that motivates college students. He holds a bachelor's degree in theater from College of the Ozarks, Mo. and a master's degree, also in theater, from Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo.

Store Operations Director - Alicia McMurtie

Alicia has been with the society for 32 years, and thrift store manager for 25.  She loves the diversity of her job: “I get to work with customers, with donors, with employees, and also do some in-store displays and organize the 50 percent off sales.”   She is a native of South Bend.

Development Director - Anne Hosinski Watson

Anne came to the Society from Marian High School in Mishawaka, where she was the Assistant Campaign Director for the u.Knight Capital Campaign.  Previously, Anne has worked at Network Solutions, Inc. in Granger, IN and Sprint in Reston, Virginia as a Product Manager.  She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Notre Dame and was born and raised in Mishawaka.  Anne is an active board member of the Christ Child Society of South Bend and is a Cantor at St. Pius X Church.  Anne is married to Jonathan Watson and is the mother of two daughters.

Programs Director - Dale Seely

Dale Seely has been with the Society for two years. He is a graduate of Bethel College with a degree in Biblical Literature. Prior to coming to the Society, Dale spent twenty five years in the Recreational Vehicle Industry working as a sales representative. After his conversion to Catholicism in 2009 he joined the local Saint Vincent conference at his parish, Queen of Peace. Eventually this led to his becoming a part of the Council Team in July of 2009.

The thing Dale finds most rewarding in his work is being able be helpful to people whatever their situation or their challenges. While it is God’s work to change the world, Dale believes it is our privilege at Saint Vincent to be a hand he can use to change one life at a time. Whether that life belongs to a donor, a volunteer or a client, the Society has as its mission the responsibility of being the hand that lifts others toward the One who is reaching out to all.

Volunteer Recruiter - Darlene Sweeney

Darlene moved to Mishawaka in July 2011 from Reno where she owned and operated a hospitality company covering Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada for nine years. Previous to that she owned and operated a management company in Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Darlene has three children and two grandchildren. She started volunteering for Saint Vincent de Paul during the Christmas Program and was co-chair of the 2012 SVdP Legacy Dinner. Darlene is a member of the Christ Child Society, and a Lector, Vincentian and member of the Handbell at St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Volunteer Coordinator - Mary Eme

Mary came to the Society after over 14 years as a member of the Junior League of South Bend, where she served in a variety of leadership capacities including two terms on the Board.  Previously, Mary worked as a legal assistant in Los Angeles and Cincinnati. She holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Arizona and was born and raised in Upland, California.  Mary is married to Ken Eme and is the mother of a son, and two daughters.

Assistant Programs Director - Christy Rowing

Christy moved to South Bend in December 2010 from Pittsburgh, PA where she worked for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a Special Events and Development Manager. Prior to staying home with her children, she worked for Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh , United Way of Portage County, and the West Virginia Coalition on Food and Nutrition. She holds a BA in Communication from West Virginia University and a Master's of Public Administration from the University of New Haven. She is married to Allen Rowing and the mother of Lucy, Jack and Grace Rowing . She is a member of Christ the King Church and is active with Girls on The Run.