Br. David Darst Center board members at A Night At The Races 2020.
Our Team
The Darst Center provides unique learning and immersion opportunities that explore issues of social justice through the lens of Christian teachings of peace, justice and respect for human dignity as well as the environment. We seek to inspire a responsive, active faith, a commitment to serve and a passion for social change.
This mission has been guided and supported by many. We continue to be grateful for Br. Denis, our founder, those in leadership of the De LaSalle Christian Brothers, the many individuals who have so generously served on our Board of Directors, the Lasallian Volunteers, and the passionate people who come here to work every day. The way has been set...those listed below strive to maintain its course.
Keith Donovan
Executive Director
Keith joined the Darst Center staff in 2014 and has over two decades in Lasallian ministry. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Keith earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and has worked with both high school and college students on issues related to faith, community, justice, leadership, diversity, and inclusion. Please contact Keith at director@darstcenter.org for general Darst Center related business.
Laurie Stanton
IVC Volunteer
Laurie joined the Darst Center in August 2025 through the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. She is a Chicago native having received her degrees from Loyola University and CTU. She is a retired high school Theology teacher. She is now dedicating her time to supporting the Darst Center. Her energy and spirit to serve are major assets to the Darst team.
Kathryn Kennedy
Operations Director
Kathryn Kennedy brings over 20 years of experience in event management and operations and organizational leadership. Currently serving as Guest Services Director at the Brother David Darst Center in Chicago, Kathryn ensures that every guest experiences the highest standard of hospitality while supporting the Center’s social justice education mission. She manages relationships with self-directed groups, works closely with the Program Director on retreat programs, and coordinates all aspects of operations, from scheduling and data management to facility oversight. Kathryn is passionate about fostering social consciousness and creating meaningful educational experiences for all participants.
Maggie Koch
Program Director
The Darst Center welcomes Maggie Koch in October 2025 as our new Program Director. She received her Bachelor's in Leadership, Ethics, and Organizational Sustainability and her Master's in Organizational Development and Leadership , both from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. She has years of experience with immersion and service through participation throughout college and three years of service post grad. Maggie is passionate about justice issues fueled by her dedication to her Catholic faith. For more information on Darst Center's immersion retreat programs, please contact Maggie at programs@darstcenter.org.
Board of Directors
John Ceisel, retired, Chicago, Illinois
Krista Chinchilla-Patzke, Chicago, Illinois
Keith Donovan, Executive Director, Br. David Darst Center, Chicago, IL
Br. Michael Kadow, FSC, Staff Member, DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Julia Mach, Senior Advisor & IMPACT Coordinator, Pathways High, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Abby Michels, Director of Mission and Ministry, St. John's College High School, Washington, DC
Kevin Mitrick, Attorney, Howard and Howard, Chicago, Illinois
Colleen Newell, Staff Communications Specialist, Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc., Portland, Oregon
Br. Michael Phipps, FSC, Counselor, Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul, Minnesota
Maura Rocks, Chicago, Illinois
John Tubbs, Program Evaluator, Methodist Le Bonheur Community Outreach, Germantown, Tennessee
Andrew Weingarten, Director of Residence Life, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon
Liz Young, Founder & Principal, Common Good Grant Consulting, Chicago, Illinois