Father Steven Boes retires from post leading Boys Town

Father Steven Boes will retire as national executive director and president of Boys Town after 18 years leading the mission Father Edward Flanagan founded.

In a news release Thursday, Boys Town praised Boes for his unwavering service, the critical role he played in being an advocate for systemic change, providing solutions to the broken child-welfare system, increasing access to quality health care and advocating for youth everywhere.

Boys Town expanded implementation of its integrated continuum of care model across the country, increased its role advocating change to the child care system and grew the number of children and families served in youth care and health care services by more than 60% under Boes’ leadership, the release said.

“Together, we honor Father Boes’ legacy and contributions to Boys Town and know his next chapter will undoubtedly create a positive impact for those he will be serving in the future,” Boys Town’s National Board of Trustee Chair Kathleen Driscoll said in a statement.

Boes said his announced retirement coincides with the opening of the new Boys Town Education Center.

“I really wanted to see our Boys Town kids walk around in their new school before I retired,” he said.

Father Boes is a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha and will be available to continue his work at a parish after leaving his ministry of pastor of Immaculate Conception Church at Boys Town.

“We are thankful for the service Father has given Boys Town both as Executive Director and as pastor of Dowd Chapel,” said Archbishop George Lucas.

Under the leadership of Rod Kempkes, Boys Town’s CEO, a national search will begin immediately to find the new spiritual leader of Boys Town as directed by Boys Town’s National Board of Trustees and in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Omaha.