As director of the diocesan Office of Development, Katie Comerford-Rivera is looking forward to continuing to foster the relationships she has built over the years with the Church of South Jersey.
When Comerford-Rivera, who served as associate director of the department since March 2019, learned that she would be taking on a new role, she said she “couldn’t wait to jump in and get started.”
“I’m very grateful that Bishop Dennis Sullivan and Father Robert Hughes have confidence in my abilities,” she said, adding that “to have the opportunity to grow in this department is exciting.”
As associate director, she was instrumental in helping to lead the House of Charity-Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Today, she now oversees the Diocese of Camden’s fundraising arm for its various ministries and programs, which in addition to the House of Charity includes Planned Giving; the Stewardship Office; the Catholic Strong Capital Campaign; and the South Jersey Scholarship Fund.
Prior to joining the Diocese of Camden, she was influential in the development of its Catholic Strong campaign, as an employee of Changing Our World, Inc.
In a statement announcing her appointment, Father Robert J. Hughes, diocesan Vicar General, praised Comerford-Rivera’s “commitment to the successful oversight of the annual House of Charity Campaign,” which “has allowed her to develop strong relationships with our pastors, donors and volunteers. With her deep knowledge of the diocese, we are confident that there will be a smooth transition in assuming her new role. We look forward to Katie’s continued success.”
Comerford-Rivera, a resident of Sayreville, is taking on the position formerly held by Mariann Gilbride, who retired after serving under three bishops in the Diocese of Camden. From 2000 to 2013, she served as executive director to the secretary of development, director of the Annual Appeal and associate director of development. After leaving to serve in other areas, she returned in 2019 as director of development.
Commenting on her time in diocesan offices, Gilbride said she was “grateful and blessed for the opportunity to come here and help build the Church of South Jersey, and to work with pastors, parishioners and donors,” noting her extreme pride in the Office of Development staff who she sees as having a real love of the Church. “I admire their sacrifices for the Church; it’s a great team.”
She called her successor a “great fit” for the Diocese. “Katie is hardworking and resourceful,” Gilbride said, praising her “work ethic, positivity and ability to help parishes be successful.”
A Cherry Hill resident, Gilbride is now looking forward to more time with her family, including her husband, children and grandchildren.
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