CEO of Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center Named

We are delighted to share the news that Sister Judy O’Brien, IHM has been appointed chief executive officer of Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center. In announcing her appointment, the organizations’ board of directors wrote:

The Board undertook this search with great care and with a strong commitment to finding a leader who understands the importance of our mission, values the people who carry out that mission each day, and has the experience to lead our organizations into the future. We believe we have found that leader in Sister Judy.

Sister Judy brings extensive leadership experience in nonprofit, social service, educational, diocesan, and community-based organizations. Throughout her career, she has held positions that have required her to lead people, manage complex operations and budgets, develop staff, strengthen organizations, build community partnerships, and work collaboratively through times of growth and change.

Her experience also reflects a deep commitment to serving people and communities. She previously served as Director of Housing for Persons Living with AIDS at The INN of Long Island, where she managed supportive housing services for a vulnerable population and worked closely with nonprofit and government partners. Here in our own community, Sister Judy served as Assistant to the President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph Center in Scranton, where she was involved in strategic planning, organizational operations, communications, and collaboration across the organization.

Sister Judy has also held significant leadership roles in education and with the Diocese of Rockville Centre, including serving as Director of Human Relationships. Across these positions, a consistent part of her work has been bringing people together, developing and supporting employees, resolving challenges, and helping organizations remain focused on their mission.

Just as important to the Board was getting to know Sister Judy during the interview process. We were impressed by her warmth, her thoughtful approach to leadership, and her genuine interest in the employees and the people served by Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center.

Sister Judy will officially begin as CEO on Monday, September 21. Her first days will be focused on listening, learning, meeting employees, and becoming familiar with the programs and day-to-day work of our organizations. She will also have an opportunity to work with Meghan during her first week so that the knowledge and experience Meghan has gained through her many years with the organizations can be shared as part of the transition.

We are excited about the experience, energy, and commitment Sister Judy will bring to this role, and we look forward to this next chapter for Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center.

We are grateful to Judy for her willingness to bring her gifts and experience to this important ministry and to continue the IHM commitment to serving those who experience poverty and vulnerability. Let us hold Judy in our prayers as she begins this new role, and pray also for the employees, volunteers, and all those served by Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center.