Mrs. Huot will succeed Mr. James Amato, MSW, who is retiring after four decades of service to those in need in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D., Archbishop of Philadelphia, has appointed Mrs. Heather Huot, MSW, LSW, as the next Secretary for Catholic Human Services (CHS) in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her appointment is effective January 1, 2024 and she will be the first woman to hold this post in the history of the Archdiocese. She will succeed Mr. James Amato, MSW. Mr. Amato has served as Secretary for Catholic Human Services since 2016 and is retiring on December 31st following a career of more than four decades in service to those in need throughout the Philadelphia region. During that time, he served in a variety of frontline and administrative capacities within CHS.
In making this appointment, Archbishop Pérez said, “The Secretariat for Catholic Human Services and its agencies form the heart of our local Church’s works of mercy and charity. They serve hundreds of thousands of our brothers and sisters who are the most vulnerable and at risk among us. The work of those leading these initiatives is vital to ensuring that we create life changing hope for as many people as possible.
On behalf of our bishops, priest, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful I extend prayerful congratulations to Mrs. Huot as she prepares to assume this new role. She brings rich experience with our charitable ministries, strong relationships with our partners, and the zealous heart of a Missionary Disciple who will lead through service. I know that our good works will flourish and grow to reach even more people under her stewardship.
At the same time, I express deep gratitude to Mr. James Amato for serving our local Church and those in need for more than four decades with passion and selfless dedication. Innumerable lives have been deeply and positively impacted thanks to his work and his leadership. I pray that his retirement will be filled with peace, joy, and well-deserved rest.”
In reaction to this appointment, Mrs. Huot said, “I am humbled and honored to step into this role, carrying forward the tremendous legacy of Catholic Human Services in the greater Philadelphia region. I am inspired by the thousands of compassionate and committed people who do the extraordinary work of this organization each day. It is my hope, that working together, the light of Catholic Human Services, which is a reflection of the love of Christ, will grow brighter and reach even more of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.”
Background Regarding Mrs. Heather Huot, MSW, LSW
Mrs. Heather Huot, MSW, LSW, began her career in social services after completing a year of service living and working alongside the Franciscans at Saint Francis Inn, located in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. She has dedicated more than 18 years of service to CHS. She previously served in several posts with Catholic Social Services including Case Manager for Women of Hope-Vine (2002-2005); Systems Administrator for Housing and Homeless Services (2005-2011); and Social Work Intern for the Northeast Family Service (2011-2012).
Following a three year stint at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center as a Social Work Intern and Patient Navigator, Mrs. Huot returned to CHS as the Assistant Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS) in 2015 and was named Director of CHCS in 2020.
Over the past eight years, she has played an instrumental role in the expansion of the Archdiocesan portfolio of affordable housing for seniors seeking to age in place within their communities and a continuum of senior care services in senior centers and parishes located throughout the five-county metropolitan region.
Mrs. Huot, an active State Licensed Professional Social Worker, is also a member of the Housing Community of Practice Steering Committee for Catholic Charities, USA. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Boston College with concentrations in with Intensive Special Needs and Theology.
Background Regarding the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services
The Secretariat for Catholic Human Services is the largest faith-based human services provider in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It provides critical support and vital assistance to more than half a million individuals annually through its three agencies: Catholic Social Services (CSS), Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS), and Nutritional Development Services (NDS).
These agencies administer a broad range of programs and services that strengthen communities and improve the lives of those in need. Each day, services touch the lives of refugees and immigrants, those experiencing poverty and homelessness, new and expecting mothers, women in recovery, those facing hunger and food insecurity, dependent or delinquent youth, senior citizens, the intellectually disabled and others who are vulnerable, marginalized, and at-risk.
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Editor’s Note:
A photograph of Mrs. Huot is attached for broadcast, print, and digital publication with credit to Katie Rogers/Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
For more information on Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.
For more information on Catholic Housing and Community services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://chcsphiladelphia.org/.
For more information on Nutritional Development Services, an agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/.
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