Mrs. O’Grady Laurito will succeed Mrs. Heather Huot, MSW, LSW, in this role following Mrs. Huot’s recent appointment as Secretary for Catholic Human Services.
Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced the appointment of Mrs. Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, MSS, as the next Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Her appointment became effective February 26, 2024 and she succeeds Mrs. Heather Huot, MSW, LSW. Mrs. Huot had served as Director of CHCS since 2020 until her appointment as Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez in December 2023.
CHCS is recognized as a leading provider of senior living services throughout the Philadelphia region. Dedicated staff are committed to providing the best quality support for seniors and their loved ones through senior programs. Programs include senior housing, senior centers, parish-based eldercare programs, elder care helpline, and senior clubs.
Mrs. Huot said, “Catholic Housing and Community Services empowers and supports older adults across the Archdiocese, serving thousands of our sisters and brothers as they age with dignity. Mrs. Laurito brings the steadfast leadership and creative vision to further this vital mission of Catholic Human Services.
I extend prayerful congratulations to Mrs. Laurito as she prepares to assume this new role. I am confident that this important work will grow to meet the changing needs of our elders under her leadership.”
In reaction to this appointment, Mrs. O’Grady Laurito said, “The charitable works of mercy undertaken by our Church resonate deeply with me. I have been fortunate to serve women and children contending with homeless and families involved in the child welfare system. I am grateful for this opportunity to lead the dedicated and skilled staff of Catholic Housing and Community Services, as we support older adults aging with dignity and grace.”
Background Regarding Mrs. Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, MSS
Mrs. Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, MSS, has dedicated more than 25 years of service to works of charity and mercy undertaken by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She previously served in posts with Catholic Social Services including Program Director for Mercy Hospice and McAuley House (1997-2000) and Administrator for foster care and child welfare cases (2000-2003). She also held several positions of increasing responsibility within Catholic Housing and Community Services including Senior Project Manager for the Office for Community Development (2004-2014) and Assistant Director for CHCS (2014-2017, 2020-2024).
She also managed the Archdiocesan Catholic Campaign for Human Development, an initiative through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and served as the Grants and Events Manager for Face to Face (2018-2020).
For more than two decades, Mrs. O’Grady Laurito 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. She has also been critical to efforts to provide a continuum of senior care services in senior centers and parishes located throughout the five-county metropolitan region.
Mrs. O’Grady Laurito holds a Master of Social Services Degree in Advocacy, Planning, and Program Development from Bryn Mawr College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Speech Communications from Boston College.
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Editor’s Note:
A photograph of Mrs. O’Grady Laurito is attached for broadcast, print, and digital publication with credit to Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
For more information on Catholic Housing and Community services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://chcsphiladelphia.org/.
Contact:
Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)