Leadership Changes at St. Thomas More Center
by Diocese of Des Moines | September 4, 2026
Bishop William Joensen has named Tiffany Manning as the interim executive director of the St. Thomas More Center in Panora effective Sept. 4 to bridge a change in leadership.
Jason Anderson, who served as executive director for the past four years, is stepping down to take a similar role in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. His last day is Sept. 4. Also leaving is Carson Gregory, the center’s director of Catholic Youth Camp (CYC). He has served the center in various capacities for the past six years.
The center’s Board of Directors and the Diocese of Des Moines will convene a Search Committee to identify the center’s next executive director.
The St. Thomas More Center offers retreats to youth and young adults year-round and, in the summer, offers a week of faith and fun for more than 1,600 youth from third grade through high school at CYC. The Diocese of Des Moines sincerely thanks Anderson for his leadership and Gregory for his years of service as camp director. Both have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless campers, families, volunteers, and staff. Through their teamwork and service, they have shown our young people how to cultivate connections with Christ and one another.
Manning will provide executive leadership and oversee operations until a new executive director is named. A parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines, Manning serves on the St. Thomas More Center’s Board of Directors, Advisory Committee and chairs its Finance Committee. She has experience in accounting, human resources, leadership, event planning, strategic planning, and small business ownership.
The following are farewell statements from Gregory and Anderson.
Carson Gregory:
Catholic Youth Camp has brought, and continues to bring, so much good into my life. It has been one of my greatest blessings and honors to have served at CYC these past six years in different capacities. I am beyond grateful for the people I have met, the relationships I have
formed, and the campers and families I have been fortunate enough to serve. While I am sad to close this chapter, I am also excited for the opportunity to begin a new one. I leave with tremendous hope for what God will continue to do through CYC.
Thank you for the trust, support, and opportunities you have given me throughout my time at CYC. I will always be grateful that I had the chance to be part of this ministry and to contribute to the incredible work that happens here. I am excited to see where CYC goes from here, and I will continue to pray for its ministry, staff and volunteers, and all of the young people who come to experience it.
From Jason Anderson:
Dear St. Thomas More Center Family,
With deep gratitude for our time together, I am leaving my role as executive director to return home to Wisconsin. I will be taking on a new role as executive director of Camp Gray in the Diocese of Madison, continuing this sacred work of walking with people toward Christ. I'm excited for what's ahead, and I am profoundly thankful for the formation I received at the St. Thomas More Center as I begin this next adventure in discipleship.
As I conclude my time in this role, my heart is overflowing for the incredible community that makes St. Thomas More Center a sanctuary of faith and encounter. To our dedicated staff and volunteers, thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ, pouring your energy into creating holy ground for every soul we served. My sincere appreciation to our parents for trusting us with your most precious treasures, and to our generous donors, board members, and diocesan staff whose providential support sustained our mission through every season. Finally, to our parish leaders, thank you for your vital partnership in bridging our camp and retreat experiences back to local ministry. Together, we have built a legacy of youth and young adult discipleship, and I depart with absolute confidence that the Holy Spirit will continue to bless and multiply the fruits of your ministry here.
Working together to unite our Catholic faith and fun for the young Church in the Diocese of Des Moines has been a true blessing. Thank you for welcoming me into this community. I am incredibly grateful for your kindness, faith, and friendship. The St. Thomas More Center, its staff, volunteers, and families will always be in my prayers. May God bless this ministry always.