PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
January 3, 2007
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DIOCESE NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Michael O’Hurley-Pitts has been named the new Director of Stewardship &
Development for the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
Dr. O~RHurley is an experienced fund raising professional who has worked with
various religious organizations, colleges and universities as well as health
care systems. He is a published author who frequently lectures and speaks
on issues of stewardship and philanthropy. He will report directly to
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, implementing and overseeing
comprehensive and coordinated communications, Stewardship & Development
programs for the Diocese.
"I am pleased to welcome Dr. Michael O’Hurley to our Diocesan family. He
has unique knowledge and a strong passion that will help us strengthen our
organization, enabling us to better propel our faith and culture into the
next generation," said the Primate. "I know he is eager to meet with our
parishes, talk to the local leadership, and help at all levels of our
organization."
At the Diocesan Center in New York City, he will assist the Primate and
Diocesan Council in developing and implementing coordinated fund raising
initiatives including annual appeals, donor relations, special events, major
gifts, and planned giving endowment programs.
Additionally, he will assist parishes in developing annual stewardship
programs that encourage good stewardship through the gifts of time, talent,
and treasure as well as collaborate with the leaders of the Armenian Church
Endowment Fund (ACEF) to build our endowment funds.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to learn more about the Armenian
people, and am already enrolled in my first Armenian language classes,"
O’Hurley said. "I~Rve been made to feel at home already. We Irish and the
Armenians have so much in common — a history of sorrow but one not lacking
in hope and joy from derived from our faith in our Church and Jesus Christ."
EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL
A native of Ireland, O’Hurley holds a doctorate in theology from St. John’s
University and a law degree from Alexandria College of Law.
Previously, O’Hurley was a consultant for many charities, universities, and
hospitals, with a special focus on faith-based organizations and churches.
He has also served as a Legislative Assistant and later Counsel in the
United States Congress. He is the author of several books and journal
articles.
O’Hurley has been presented with the Congressional Achievement Award and the
Bronze Star Medal with Valor. He is an Honor Graduate of the United States
Noncommissioned Officers Academy.
He is married to Helen Creedon-O’Hurley, a scientist who teaches at the
Hunter College Campus Schools in New York City. They have an eight-year-old
daughter, Roisín (Rosie), and are expecting another daughter, Aibhlín, in
March.
"I believe Michael’s experience and leadership skills and commitment to
servant leadership will be an asset to the Diocese as we plan for the
future," the Primate said.
— 1/3/07
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