A Champion for a Stronger Church 

For nearly two decades, Kerry has played a leading role in strengthening the Catholic Church in the U.S. In 2005, Leadership Roundtable was formed in the wake of the abuse crisis, with a mission to help the church heal and move forward by promoting and implementing best management practices to build a leadership culture that is co-responsible, transparent and accountable. Already a prominent voice in the Catholic world, Kerry was tapped to spearhead that important work as the organization’s founding executive director and, later, its global ambassador and executive partner. In the years since, Leadership Roundtable has touched more than 75 percent of dioceses across the United States and has influenced actions at the Holy See, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other bishops’ conferences abroad.  

Over the course of this work, Kerry has helped the church to more effectively avail itself of the expertise and leadership potential of the laity. At the invitation of the Vatican, she also has advised the church on how to empower and engage women leaders. As CCUSA president and CEO, Kerry now holds one of the most impactful and visible roles in the church in the United States.  

A Spirit of Generosity 

Kerry is a recognized authority in the world of Catholic fundraising. Her prize-winning 2014 book, “Imagining Abundance: Fundraising, Philanthropy, and a Spiritual Call to Service,” has served as an inspirational, practical guide to effective fundraising for leaders of nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The book draws from her own experiences at Leadership Roundtable and Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University, where she served as director of development and led a $75 million fundraising campaign to expand and endow the chapel’s intellectual and spiritual ministry and construct a Catholic student center.  

Kerry has been deeply involved in Catholic philanthropy since she was a teenager. A member of the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities and FADICA (Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities), she has been an advisor to and trustee of more than 25 grantmaking foundations, charitable nonprofits and family philanthropies.  

Kerry champions a joyful view of faith-based fundraising, seeing potential donors as mission-aligned partners rather than tools to achieve an end – subjects instead of objects. To Kerry, development work on behalf of a worthy cause is a sacred ministry and a blessing to both the organization and its supporters.   

A Powerful Voice of Compassion and Love 

Throughout her career, Kerry has served as a sought-after speaker and writer. Her work has appeared in America magazine, Chicago Catholic and other leading Catholic publications, and she is frequently invited to appear on panels and deliver addresses at Catholic schools and institutions around the country.  
 
Kerry articulates a deep love for the church and an abiding faith in the power and impact of its ministries. In particular, she consistently highlights the pressing need for Catholics and all people of faith to come to the aid of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. This enduring motivation led Kerry to join CCUSA and commit to advancing its holy mission.      

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