Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc. has announced that Mr. Lawrence F. Assell, the Executive Director of Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc., will retire effective June 30, 2013, completing a remarkable tenure of five years of leadership for the diocesan charitable organization.
“Mr. Assell has been one of our strongest leaders in the 84 year history of Vermont Catholic Charities effectively managing the charitable agency through a challenging time and improving the care we provide to our brothers and sisters in need” said Bishop Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Burlington. “I join the Board of Incorporators for Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc., and the Executive Committee for Vermont Catholic Charities, in expressing my gratitude for his innumerable contributions to the agency and his distinguished five years as Executive Director,” the Bishop continued.
“I’ve been privileged to lead one of the finest nonprofits in the State of Vermont,” said Mr. Assell. “After five years with the agency, it’s time to move on and transfer VCCI’s helm to new leadership. I look forward to working with the person who is chosen to lead the organization, as well as the Executive Committee and the management team during this four-month transition period, and to being available as an advisor to the management team after retiring as Executive Director.”
An Executive Search is now underway under the direction of Ms. Eileen O’Rourke, Diocesan Director of Human Resources.
Mr. Assell’s 30 years of senior management experience at Whirlpool Cooperation and Bombardier Inc., was a very positive quality in providing the managerial and operational improvements for Vermont Catholic Charities. In addition to improving the financial stability of Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc., Mr. Assell’s leadership achieved notable successes in areas of strategic importance which will help ensure the future of Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc., including:
Transforming operations and the cost structure which has created the opportunity for long-term growth and financial stability;
Upgrading and renovating the four Assisted Living Homes to ensure each Home can provide its residents with a vibrant home like family atmosphere;
Greatly expanding business partnerships and making strategic organizational changes that expanded VCCI’s outreach to those in need;
Creating new support systems to assist those Vermonters in need due to crisis; (e.g. Hurricane Irene Fund);
Instituting at Bishop Matano’s request the distinguished Bishop de Goesbriand Appeal for Human Advancement to provide grants to various nonprofit agencies throughout the state of Vermont;
Ensuring families that have experienced hardship during the school year can continue the education for their children within the Catholic schools of Chittenden County due to the generosity of the Flynn Grant Program;
Expanding the agency’s counseling programs to include a greater representation in locations throughout Vermont. Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc. counselors are recognized for their professional guidance and Catholic counseling offered to clients.
Refocusing the Marriage, Family, Respect Life mission to more clearly reflect the teaching of the Catholic Church.
