Thomas R. Kopfensteiner, STD

Tom Kopfensteiner joined CHI in 2004. In his role with the Mission Group, he is responsible for integrating CHI’s community mission, vision and core values into the service, culture and leadership of the organization. He is charged with permeating CHI care delivery and business dealings with the ideals of the Catholic healing ministry.

Tom was previously an associate professor of moral theology and chair of the Department of Theology at Fordham University, Bronx, NY. He has been involved in the governance of several health care organizations, including Cabrini Medical Center, New York, NY; CHRISTUS Health Care System, Houston, TX; and Sisters of Mercy Health Care System, St. Louis, MO. He also served on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph Health Orange and Providence St. Joseph Health.

Tom started his career as a parish priest in the archdiocese of St. Louis. After receiving his doctorate in sacred theology form Gregorian University in Rome, he returned to St. Louis to teach moral theology at the Paul VI Catechetical Institute for Teachers and as an Assistant Professor at Kenrick School of Theology. From 1988 to 1994, he worked with the National Catholic Conference of Bishops on the current edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services.

Tom has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Cardinal Glennon College of St. Louis, and a baccalaureate degree in sacred theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome.