News

New Finance and Accounting director named

By Renae Bauer
Communications Department

Jason Haen has been appointed as the new director of Finance and Accounting for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay.

The appointment, which becomes effective on July 1, was announced June 13 by Green Bay Bp. David Zubik. Haen will succeed Thomas Kurkowski who has resigned and will begin working for a local investment firm in August.

"I am delighted that Jason Haen has accepted the appointment as our new Director of Finance and Accounting," Bp. Zubik said. "He brings many skills and talents to the position. I have been impressed with his work in our Finance and Accounting Department ever since I came here almost four years ago. At the same time, I want to thank Tom Kurkowski for his many years of dedicated service to the church. We are in a stronger financial position because of his work."

For the past six years, Haen has worked as a financial consultant and an accounting manager in the diocesan Finance and Accounting Department. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from St. Norbert College, De Pere; a master's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; and is a licensed certified public accountant. Haen is the parish council chairperson at St. Joseph Parish, Champion, and was a finance committee member for the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife Joan have two children.

"I want to thank Bp. Zubik for placing his trust and confidence in me," Haen said. "I will work diligently to ensure that the Finance and Accounting staff continues to excel in our responsibilities and services. I look forward to working with our parish and diocesan leaders. Lastly, I want to thank Tom Kurkowski for the leadership and guidance he has provided me these past six years."

Kurkowski started with the diocese in 1981 when Bp. Aloysius Wycislo appointed him its first finance officer. During the past 25 years, he has been responsible for developing the diocesan accounting staff, implementing a standardized chart of accounts for the diocese and its parishes, and preparing the annual diocesan budget.

"I've enjoyed creating the financial systems at the diocese and working to help parishes improve their financial stewardship," Kurkowski said. "The people are wonderful - at the parishes as well as on the diocesan campus. I'll especially miss the daily contact with our financial staff. They are well prepared to take on the challenges of the next 25 years."