Legatus welcomes Stephen Henley

Retiring regional director Brian Von Gruben to assist with developing forums . . . .

Stephen Henley

Legatus welcomed Stephen Henley on Aug. 1 as the new director of its Central Region. A graduate of Ave Maria University, Henley succeeds the retiring Brian Von Gruben.

The father of three, Henley served six years as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corp with a full year of deployment in Iraq. Following his military service, he returned to AMU as director of Security and Life Safety.

“I am honored to join the Legatus family where I can not only live my faith in my own life but also in my new position as regional director,” Henley said. “My wife Krista and my three children — Ava, Seamus and Ainsley — are all excited to take this next leap of faith yet again with Tom Monaghan to see what the Lord has in store for us.”

Monaghan, Legatus’ founder and chairman, provided a positive reference on Henley’s qualifications to fill the role, according to executive director John Hunt.

Henley and his family recently moved to Dallas where he will continue being trained and mentored by Von Gruben, who will continue working with Legatus on a part-time basis establishing forums.

Brian Von Gruben

Von Gruben, who completes 12 years of service to Legatus, expressed his gratitude to the organization and its founder for the opportunity to serve the Church.

“I have been privileged to oversee Legatus chapters from Naples and Orlando in Florida, to Seattle, Wash.,” he said. “I have come to know many bishops and many great priests. I have become friends with great Catholic speakers I never dreamed I would even meet. And I have seen that Legatus has indeed made a difference in countless lives.”

The Baton Rouge native also said he was honored to serve in a unique role for a one-of-a-kind apostolate.

“Before Legatus, I worked 30 years in the business world, but my time at Legatus has been unlike anything I have experienced,” Von Gruben explained. “My Legatus ‘work day’ began with Confession, rosary and the holy sacrifice of the Mass — followed by a wonderful reception with great Catholic business leaders and their spouses, a first-class dinner, and a fabulous speaker who inspires me to study, live, and spread my Catholic faith. Then I get off work! Surely that is the best job in America!”

Von Gruben also expressed his gratitude to the members he served.

“I am humbled time and again by the generosity of so many who voluntarily serve their local chapters in leadership roles,” he said. “You have forced me to think twice before I ever say, I’m too busy to do something. All of you inspire me and, thanks to you, I am assured that we’re not alone: There are many quiet heroes, pockets of serious, holy Catholics throughout our land!”

Several chapters honored Von Gruben and his wife Marsha in the last few months of his tenure. Hunt also expressed his thanks.

“While we welcome a new member to the Legatus family, we are grateful to Brian for his 12 years of service to this organization. Brian’s example is a model of what we envision in a regional director. He is worthy of our deep appreciation.”

PATRICK NOVECOSKY is the editor-in-chief of Legatus magazine.