Dostal Named New Executive Director for the XCS Foundation

We are excited to share that Katie Dostal has been named as the Executive Director of the Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation, beginning her role on April 14, 2025! Katie brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, marketing and community engagement.

Prior to joining Xavier, Katie served as the Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement at Coe College, where Katie played a key role in advancing the institution’s philanthropic initiatives. Her expertise in event management, donor relations and strategic communications will be instrumental in furthering the mission of the Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation and supporting its many initiatives throughout the year.

"We are thrilled to welcome Katie as the new Executive Director of the Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation,” states Xavier Catholic Schools president, Chris McCarville. “Katie brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to our mission and an unwavering passion for supporting the growth and success of our students and community. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our foundation continues to strengthen its efforts in providing transformative, faith-centered educational opportunities for generations to come."

An active member of the All Saints community, Katie has served as Chair of the Walk-a-Thon and is a member of the MOMs group. Beyond Xavier, she is dedicated to supporting the broader community as a board member for the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation and an alumni of the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance Leadership for Five Seasons.  

Katie earned her undergraduate degree from Coe College and her Masters of Organizational Leadership from St. Ambrose University. Katie and her husband, Brette, have two children: A daughter who will be attending Creighton University in the fall and a son currently enrolled in Xavier Catholic Schools.

“I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of Executive Director with the Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation,” states Dostal. “The opportunity to advance the Foundation’s mission by building strong relationships with donors and securing vital resources for our students is incredibly inspiring. What excites me most is the chance to make a lasting impact—helping to shape the future of Catholic education and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. I look forward to working with our dedicated community to strengthen and grow our foundation’s impact for generations to come."

Katie will be taking over for current XCS Foundation executive director, Mary Harken, who will be transitioning into a part-time role focused on increasing family participation within our partnering parishes.

The Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation’s purpose is to raise and accept financial contributions to support all schools and early learning centers in the recently-established Xavier Catholic School system in the Cedar Rapids/Marion metro area. The Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation is responsible for acquisition, investment, maintenance and disbursal of assets to provide a critical source of income to strengthen and advance Catholic education in our community. 

The Foundation oversees the advancement efforts to support families, teachers, and programming at all Xavier Catholic Schools. These include the planning and implementation of fundraising for the Xavier Catholic Schools Impact Fund (which consists of outreach to parishioners, school families, area businesses, and alumni). Additionally, the Foundation manages donations for endowed scholarships, memorials, honorariums, planned giving, and matching gifts.