“Many thanks to Kiki for leading our Catholic Charities organization over the past year while searching for a new Executive Director,” said Bishop David P. Talley, Sixth Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Memphis. “We are blessed to have Kiki in her role as a proven and caring community leader. Her commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities has been extremely valuable.”

George comes to West Tennessee from Providence, Rhode Island. After earning a master’s degree in business administration, he was Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Smart Green Solar, focusing on leadership development and marketing for more than two years. Prior to working in the private sector, George spent more than five years working for Community Systems, Inc., a non-profit organization. He was the Assistant Executive Director, serving people with disabilities and primarily supporting individuals to live full and dignified lives in their homes.

“Our Diocese and parish communities will benefit greatly from George’s deep faith and vast experience in working with neighbors in need,” said Bishop Talley. “Through God’s work and their hands, George and the wonderful sisters and brothers at Catholic Charities will further advance the spiritual works of mercy–feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the less fortunate. Our Catholic Charities Board of Directors and supporters join me in prayer for George in this important role for the people of West Tennessee.”

In this new position, George sees the opportunity to combine his experience in leadership, non-profit management, and faith for “building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). With this opportunity, he said, “I am overjoyed. The prayer of St. Francis has taken on special meaning to me as of late: Lord, make me a channel of your peace…where there is despair, may I bring hope.” George, along with his wife, Renee, and their two young children, looks forward to serving the community through Catholic Charities.

“George’s faith experience and professional skills will be an asset to Catholic Charities and our community’s most vulnerable neighbors across the many counties we service,” said Jonathan Lyons, Chairman of the Board, Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. “With the support of his leaders, he will develop strong relationships with our Board, staff, and community. We are excited to have George lead Catholic Charities.”