Administrative Assistant
The Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse
La Crosse, WI, USA
Industry: Nonprofit
Field: Administration and Library Management

Always interested in seeking new information, Therese A. Boisvert found her niche in the field of computers. After working in a medical library, she was able to hone her skills in computer systems and apply them to her position as an administrative assistant for the moderator of the curia/vicar general for The Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse. Utilizing her extensive organizational skills, Ms. Boisvert is charged with assisting the vicar general and bishop with their daily communications, and aiding the vicar of clergy with priests who face immigration issues.

In 1982, Ms. Boisvert earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law Studies and Political Science, with a minor in sociology, from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Three years later she earned a Master of Science in Education and Library Sciences from the same institution. Prior to her position with The Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, Ms. Boisvert worked at Gundersen Lutheran, where she scheduled appointments, entered data into the medical software system, and worked closely with companies throughout the U.S. regarding physical examinations. With 26 years of experience, the highlight of her career was starting her new position with The Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, and being able to utilize all of her skills. In her current position, she also oversees two libraries; plans to set up a third library are underway. Ms. Boisvert intends to establish consistency in the church’s library system.

Ms. Boisvert is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, Stanford Who’s Who and Presidential Who’s Who. She also serves as a chairperson of the Aquinas Education Commission, and is a member of The Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman’s Education Committee. Looking toward the future, she aspires to continue to work with the Diocese and make a difference.

Conversation with Therese A. Boisvert

Worldwide Publishing: On what topic(s) do you consider yourself to be an expert?

Therese A. Boisvert: Computers, library management, and time management.

What characteristics help to separate you from your competitors?

I am very dedicated and put my all into everything that I do. I am very organized and am not afraid of change.

What motivates you?

My upbringing, what I learned from my parents, and my work ethic.

What lessons have you learned as a professional in your field for the past 26 years?

Because of all the changes, I have learned that you need to keep up with them, regarding the medical field and computers. I always ask questions if I don’t know something. I think some people are afraid to ask questions.

What is the most difficult obstacle or challenge you have faced in pursuit of your goals?

My mother did not approve of the field I was pursuing; she wanted me to be a nurse.

Did you ever consider pursuing a different career path or another profession?

Yes, I wanted to be a social worker. When I went to college, I didn’t have my mind set on anything. My father did not want me to go into social work at that time because at that time, I would be working in the jails and he didn’t like that.

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your profession?

Getting the job done.

What is your favorite or least favorite work-related task to do and why?

My favorite part is working with the people.

What changes have you observed in your industry/field since you started?

When I first started, there was no technology. Regarding the church, there are priests who belong to more than one parish, whereas when I was growing up, a priest belonged to only one parish instead of maybe three.

How do you see these changes affecting the future of your industry?

I think it will affect the parishes themselves. There are not as many priests and sisters in the schools teaching as there were years ago.

What short-term and long-term career goals are you currently pursuing?

I would like to see everything come together with the staff and the offices working together. We are also building a new library — it’s a slow process.