Catholic Social Services of the U.P. has new Executive Director

Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Rambo has been selected to be the new executive director of Catholic Social Services of the Upper Peninsula (CSSUP) by Father Francis Dobrzenski, administrator of the Diocese of Marquette.

Rambo, along with his wife, Kay, and sons, Lance and Luke, are active members of St. Michael Parish in Marquette.  Kay is a secretary at Father Marquette Middle School.

A native of Essexville, Mich., Rambo earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee and has a master’s of public administration from Ball State University of Muncie, Ind.  He joins CSSUP with 23 years of military service, including four combat assignments.  Rambo is currently a professor of military science at Northern Michigan University in Marquette and has done the same work at Michigan Technological University in Houghton.  He will retire from military service in August.

In a press release from the Diocese of Marquette, Fr. Dobrzenski said, “We look forward to working with Colonel Rambo as he takes over the leadership of Catholic Social Services.  His background has given him a strong foundation for teamwork, and he is eager to serve the communities of the Diocese of Marquette as director of CSS.”

Rambo will begin his assignment on Aug. 19, 2013.  “I am extremely excited about being selected.  It’s both an honor and a privilege,” he said.  “I look forward to bringing my talents and skills from nearly 24 years of service as a leader in the Army to another great team.  I also look forward to helping families of the U.P.”

Rambo succeeds Deacon Dan Powers, who left the Upper Peninsula to serve as the chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri.