ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) will award the 2025 Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award to Bill Hager, director of child development services at Catholic Charities Maine. This honor is presented annually to a Catholic Charities staff member who distinguishes himself or herself through a commitment to serve youth and families in need.
For the past five years, Hager has led St. Elizabeth’s and St. Louis, the two 5-star-rated child development centers run by Catholic Charities Maine. Earlier in his career, he served as the site manager at St. Louis for a decade. Under Hager’s leadership, both centers accept a high proportion of children from low-income families, as well as children with behavioral and developmental challenges. A servant leader, Hager is involved in every aspect of the work of the centers, from balancing the budget and onboarding new families to packing snack bags and leading instructional dances for toddlers.
“Thanks to Bill’s dedication, passion and leadership, countless children have experienced stability, healthy development and joy in the care of Catholic Charities Maine,” CCUSA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson said. “Bill has devoted his career to bettering the lives of children in need and, in so doing, profoundly lived out the Gospel call that animates our work.”
In addition to championing the developmental progress of children under his care, Hager has led many local, regional and national coalitions for policy change in support of children, families and childcare workers. Industry leaders in Maine have pointed to him as perhaps having done more than any other person in the state to raise awareness of childcare and children’s issues.
“I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition,” Hager said. “If anything, it’s an acknowledgement of the amazing work being done by the thousands of dedicated people working in service to their communities, in Maine and throughout the country.”
CCUSA will present Hager with the Bishop Sullivan award this fall at its Annual Gathering.
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