September 20, 2010 - Gerald D. D'Avolio Appointed Interim Exe. Director for MA Catholic Conference

Massachusetts Catholic Conference, West End Place
150 Staniford Street, Boston, MA  02114-2511
Phone (617) 367-6060
FAX (617) 367-2767

INFORMATION AND NEWS RELEASE

September 20, 2010

Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Catholic Conference (MCC) Board of Governors has announced the appointment of Gerald D. D’Avolio, Esq. as Executive Director of MCC on an interim basis.  He will fill the seat held since 2005 by the late Edward F. Saunders, Esq., who passed away on August 28, 2010.  Mr. D’Avolio previously served as Executive Director of MCC from 1976 until his retirement in 2004.  He will serve until a successor to Mr. Saunders is appointed.

The MCC Board of Governors includes Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley (Archbishop of Boston), Bishop George W. Coleman (Bishop of Fall River), Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell (Bishop of Springfield), and Bishop Robert J. McManus (Bishop of Worcester).  Since 1969, the MCC has served as the public policy arm of the four Catholic dioceses in the Commonwealth.  The MCC speaks not only to specific legislative proposals and administrative procedures, but reflects also on the major human and social moral issues of the day. 

The Bishops said, “We are pleased that Gerry D’Avolio has again accepted the call to serve the Church.  He is an experienced, knowledgeable and respected Catholic who knows well the legislative process from his many years as Executive Director.  Gerry brings a steady and reassuring presence to the position and we look forward to his leadership at this time.”

“I am honored to assist the Bishops,” said Mr. D’Avolio.  “Due to the most unfortunate and sudden death of attorney Ed Saunders, the former Executive Director of the Catholic Conference, this appointment as Executive Director on an interim basis is necessary to carry on the day-to-day function, policies and programs of the office.  I will seek to serve the Cardinal and the Bishops to the best of my ability as the search for a permanent successor moves forward.  I am blessed to be able to once again work with a well qualified and dedicated staff, and I welcome their assistance as we carry on the mission of the Church throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

A graduate of Boston English High School and the University of Connecticut, Mr. D’Avolio earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School.  He was an officer in the United States Marines and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, attaining the rank of captain, and entered the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring in 1995 with the rank of Colonel.

From 1969-1974 he served as Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in both the Criminal and Industrial Accidents Divisions.

Gerry and his wife Donna live in Salisbury.  He has two children and they have five grandchildren.

The MCC Board of Governors has authorized the creation of a search committee to recommend a permanent appointment for the Executive Director’s position.  The search committee will be chaired by Bishop George Coleman of the Diocese of Fall River.

It is anticipated that final selections of search committee members will be made in the coming week and that the committee will then commence its work.  As of this time no date has been established for the appointment of a new Executive Director.

CONTACT: 

Gerry D’Avolio, Interim
Executive Director (617) 367-6060 - Statewide, Mass. Catholic Conf. 
John Kearns, Director (508) 675-0211 - Fall River, Communications Office
Mark Dupont, Director (413) 452-0648; Cell (413) 478-8516 - Springfield, Communications Office
Raymond Delisle, Director (508) 791-5357 - Worcester, Communications Office
Terrence Donilon, Director  (617) 443-9933 X 318 - Boston, Communications Office