DOUG ADEL
2017 Bishop's Awards Honoree

“I count my blessings every day that the headhunter called as I constantly am amazed by the good and generous people in the Diocese of Stockton.”

Doug Adel is the Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Stockton. He came to his position in 2002, not by reading the want ads but because someone recognized a good match: a headhunter. Doug was a bit concerned about accepting the job as he didn’t know if it would be challenging enough, but Bishop Blaire and Msgr. Ryan made sure that would not be the case from day one!

Doug grew up on a family farm in rural South Dakota. He earned his Business Management and Accounting degree from Black Hills State University and moved to San Diego for his first job after college. He passed the CPA exam and moved to Sacramento four years later. His work in Sacramento provided him with an array of experiences, from telecommunications to retail. He also attended graduate school at Sacramento State University during this time, earning his MBA degree. Although he acknowledges his wonderful accomplishments in business, his greatest one is his loving family.

His father, the late Calvin, and his mom, Jean, raised five children on the farm. He saw the commitment and belief his mother and grandparents had toward the faith which provided a strong base that has been invaluable in his own faith, marriage, family, and work. “I have been blessed with great role models throughout my life including my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all my siblings.” Doug shares the first letter “D” with his four siblings, Darla, Duane (deceased), Denice, and Deb.

Doug has been married to Jessica for 24 years. They have four children, Jake (deceased), Alexandra (San Diego State), Haley (UC Davis) and Luke (John F. Kennedy High School). He and his wife feel blessed that their children have been involved in the church as acolytes, lecturers and cantors and have helped volunteer at many events. “I cannot express enough how fortunate I am to have such a loving and caring wife and such wonderful children that we are so proud of.” In fact, Doug’s favorite volunteer position has been coaching his children in softball, soccer and church basketball (including three different teams in one season). “Without a doubt, I gained more from these teams than they ever gained from my skills as a coach. I learned a lot about myself and my children during these memorable times.”

His advice to young adults is to have faith, be committed to going to church, value the power of prayer, and get involved.