Ms. Bevenour and Mr. Kerrigan will succeed Ms. Amy Stoner, who is retiring from her position of Director of Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Division for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia following nearly four decades of service to those in need in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Today, Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP) announced the appointment of Ms. Kathleen Bevenour as the Director of Family and Community Services and Mr. James Kerrigan as the Director of Homeless Services.
They will succeed Ms. Amy Stoner. Ms. Stoner has served as Director of Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Division for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia since 2013 and is retiring on December 31st following a career of nearly four decades in service to those in need throughout the Philadelphia region. During that time, she served in a variety of capacities within CCoP. Ms. Bevenour’s appointment formally took effect on November 6th and Mr. Kerrigan’s on September 29th. They have been working with Ms. Stoner to ensure for a smooth transition.
The Director of Family and Community Services and Director of Homeless Services positions represent newly defined roles that originate from the former Director of Community‑Based and Housing and Homeless Services Division position. The creation of the new positions will align closer with CCoP’s pillars of mercy to enable more effective management and oversight while increasing the ability to strategically grow division programs.
In making these appointments, Secretary and Executive Vice President for CCoP Mrs. Heather Huot said, “Amy Stoner’s leadership and commitment to those in need has made a profound impact on Catholic Charities of Philadelphia. Her legacy of compassion will continue to inspire us. As we welcome Kathy and Jim into these new roles, I am confident that their experience, visions, and dedication will strengthen our ability to serve our sisters and brothers with dignity and hope. These appointments mark an important step in advancing and growing our mission.”
In reaction to this appointment, Ms. Bevenour said, “I am excited to be transitioning into the role of Director of Family and Community Services. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated and talented staff, whose unwavering commitment to those in need exemplifies the very heart of our ministry at Catholic Charities. It is a profound blessing to serve the Church and advance its mission of compassion and justice. I look forward to working together to expand programming, deepening community partnerships, and ensuring that every person we encounter experiences dignity, hope, and love.”
Mr. Kerrigan said, “It truly is a full circle moment for me to return to Catholic Charities of Philadelphia to serve the most vulnerable among us. I am excited to put my experience and more importantly my faith directly into action through this role. Promoting and preserving the dignity of every person is deeply important work, and I’m honored to be part of it with Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.”
Background Regarding Ms. Kathleen Bevenour
Ms. Kathleen Bevenour remains a key member of CCoP in her new role as Director of Family and Community Services, with more than 20 years of leadership and management experience within the organization where she has worked to support families and communities, ensuring they have access to essential resources and care.
Most recently, she has served as Assistant Director of the Community Based Service Division of CCoP. In this role, Ms. Bevenour provided comprehensive leadership in program and fiscal oversight, strategic planning, staff development, government and community partnerships, grant collaboration, organizational training, and committee governance across multiple divisions and service locations.
Ms. Bevenour previously served in several posts with CCoP including Administrator for the Bucks County Family Service Center (2012-2016) and Social Work Supervisor for the Community Based Service Division (2010-2012). She began her career as a Social Worker for DaVita Dialysis.
Ms. Bevenour holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mental Health Technology from Allegheny University (formerly Hahnemann University) and a Master of Social Work degree from Widener University.
Ms. Bevenour is a graduate of Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls in Northeast Philadelphia and is an active parishioner of Saint Matthew Church in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia.
Background Regarding Mr. James Kerrigan
Mr. James Kerrigan is rejoining CCoP with more than 20 years of experience in housing, community development, youth services, and leadership.
Most recently, he has served as the Community Planning and Development Representative for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. There, Mr. Kerrigan oversaw a large portfolio of federal community development and homelessness‑prevention programs, providing comprehensive grant management, policy analysis, technical assistance, compliance monitoring, interagency collaboration, and training to ensure effective program performance and strong community partnerships.
Prior to his time at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Kerrigan served as Program Officer of the Pennsylvania State Office (2015-2020) and Disaster Cadre Member of the Disaster Services Unit (2017-2020) for the Corporation for National and Community Service.
In addition, he previously served in several posts with CCoP including Program Administrator (2008-2015), Program Director for Saint Veronica Out-of-School Time Program (2007-2008), and served in Youth Development at the Community Center at Visitation (formerly the Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center) (2004-2007).
Mr. Kerrigan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and is certified in Public Management by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Mr. Kerrigan, along with his wife and four children, reside in Springfield (Delaware County) and are members of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish.
About Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP) is guided by the Catholic faith to empower and uplift Philadelphia area neighbors with compassionate care and essential services. CCoP nourishes the hungry and provides shelter for those experiencing homelessness; strengthens and supports at-risk children, youth, and families; stabilizes and enriches the lives of seniors; and empowers Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
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Editor’s Note: Photographs of Ms. Bevenour and Mr. Kerrigan are attached for broadcast, print, and digital publication with credit to Archdiocese of Philadelphia.