Cande de Leon, author of Heart of the Mission: Simple Ways to Bring People to Jesus, is the Chief Mission Engagement Officer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting Volunteer Operations, Community Engagement, and 80 Vincentian Conferences.

Prior to this role, Cande served as the Chief Advancement Officer for the National Eucharistic Congress and the Executive Director of the Office of Mission Advancement for the Diocese of Phoenix. 

Cande has a unique blend of business acumen and ministry experience with proven strategies in teaching mission advancement through capital campaigns, annual appeals, and parish stewardship.  Cande has received international recognition with several awards from the International Catholic Stewardship Council and is often requested to give missions and workshops throughout the U.S. Catholic Church.

Cande served four years in the United States Marine Corps, graduated from Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a BBA, and earned a Master of Arts Degree from Holy Apostles Seminary and College in Theology, Sacred Scripture, and an MBA from Grantham University, Arkansas.  Cande has been married to his wife Rosemary for 26 years and they have four daughters.