Alexandria, Va. – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) has named Aden Batar, Director of Migration and Refugee Services at Catholic Community Services of Utah (CCS), the recipient of the 2026 Management Excellence Award.
Each year, the CCUSA Management and Administration Community of Practice confers this honor on an exceptional manager or supervisor in the Catholic Charities network who leads his or her team in inspiring and engaging ways. The winner of the Management Excellence Award consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication in five categories: leadership, innovation, engagement, commitment and being data-driven.
Batar has been a distinguished leader in migration and refugee services for more than 30 years. At CCS, he leads vital programs that have helped thousands of refugees and immigrants rebuild their lives, achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency, and become integral members of their communities.
Resettled as a refugee through CCS in 1994, he became the first former refugee to serve in this role, a remarkable journey. Batar has devoted his career to advancing human dignity, opportunity, and belonging. He exemplifies the transformative power of service and leadership and the profound contributions refugees and immigrants make to the American story.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award from Catholic Charities USA. I am especially grateful to Catholic Community Services of Utah for giving me the opportunity to serve refugees, immigrants, and our community for so many years,” said Batar. “This recognition is a meaningful reminder of the mission that has guided my work, and I share this honor with the dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and the resilient individuals and families we are privileged to serve.”
“Aden Batar’s remarkable life story is a testament to what is possible when we respond to our migrant brothers and sisters with generosity and care,” said CCUSA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson. “The leadership Aden has demonstrated at Catholic Community Services of Utah has set a powerful example for his colleagues, one from which we can all benefit in our own lives and work.”
About Catholic Charities USA
Founded in 1910, CCUSA is a national membership organization that supports and represents 169 Catholic Charities agencies across the United States and in five territories. Collectively, the Catholic Charities network each year serves more than 16 million vulnerable people, regardless of their faith or background, through food and nutrition programs, affordable housing, disaster relief and a variety of other humanitarian services.
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