We're delighted to welcome Emelie "Em" Konopka as the new Director of Development for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach!
With more than 30 years of leadership experience and a heart for servant leadership, Em is passionate about building relationships that inspire generosity and transform lives. Guided by her Catholic faith and commitment to serving others, she will help strengthen the partnerships that make our mission possible.
Please join us in welcoming Em to the Catholic Charities family! Together, we look forward to creating hope and serving our neighbors in need.
Read her bio below:
Emelie Konopka – Director of Development | Servant Leader | Community Advocate
Emelie "Em" Konopka is an accomplished business and non-profit leader with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in operations, business development, strategic planning, and relationship building. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a passion for connecting people with purpose, strengthening organizations, and creating meaningful impact within the communities she serves.
Born in New Jersey, raised in Louisiana, and proud to call Florida home since 2007, Em has built a career centered on leadership, collaboration, and service. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Speech Communications from Louisiana State University, where she developed the communication and strategic thinking skills that have become hallmarks of her leadership style.
Prior to joining Catholic Charities, Em spent more than three decades as a retail executive leading multi-unit territories, developing high-performing teams, managing complex business initiatives, and fostering exceptional client and community relationships. Her experience spans operations, organizational development, financial stewardship, and coaching, equipping her with the ability to inspire others while delivering measurable results. She later expanded her leadership into the real estate industry, where she served as Director of Operations, further strengthening her expertise in organizational growth, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
Today, as Director of Development for Catholic Charities, Em is dedicated to advancing the organization's mission by cultivating meaningful partnerships, inspiring philanthropy, and connecting donors, volunteers, and community leaders to opportunities that transform lives. She believes that generosity is about more than financial support—it's about building relationships rooted in compassion, trust, and shared purpose.
Service has always been at the heart of Em's life. A lifelong volunteer and active leader within numerous nonprofit organizations, she has served on boards of directors, chaired committees, led fundraising initiatives, and devoted countless hours to organizations supporting faith, families, healthcare, education, and the arts. Her commitment to servant leadership reflects her belief that lasting change happens when communities come together in service to one another.
Outside of her professional role, Em enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, reading, traveling with her husband, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering in her parish and community. Guided by her Catholic faith and a genuine love for helping others, she strives to lead with integrity, compassion, and gratitude in every aspect of her life.
