Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
After a comprehensive search and careful consideration, the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, Inc. (CCNWFL) is proud to announce the hiring of our new President/CEO, Mr. Christopher Root. He has a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, both from Michigan State University. Christopher has a deep-seated Catholic faith, wide breadth of social programming knowledge and a strong managerial track record that makes him the right choice for Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida.
He currently serves as the Department Head of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Lansing; a position he has held for the last 11 years. The services he oversee are numerous and include such programs as: adoption, foster care, behavioral health counseling, substance abuse, adult day care, soup kitchens, food pantries, a warming shelter, clothing and personal needs programs, an immigration law clinic, refugee resettlement, housing for disabled adults, transitional housing, and assistance with rent and utilities. He also established a medical and educational mission in Guatemala.
He is highly regarded for his ability to develop positive working relationships with priests, parishioners, donors, external funding sources, board members, agency staff, diocesan staff, elected officials and the general public. His strengths are what we need and his experience goes hand-in-glove with our programs and mission.
“I am filled with deep gratitude to be selected as the President/CEO of Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida,” said Chris Root. He continued, “I am eagerly looking forward to meeting the wonderful people that make up the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Catholic Charities, will do all we can to share the love of God with each person we encounter.”
Christopher and his wife will be relocating here in the next few months and Christopher will join CCNWFL in January 2015. Until that time, the current leadership team headed by interim CEO Robby Youd, will remain in place.
“Nothing has been more important to the board or directors and Bishop Parkes, than finding the right leader to represent our remarkable mission and the incredibly gifted staff,” said Patrick Schlenker, Board Chairman CCNWFL.
