Harris named director of stewardship
By Fabvienen Taylor
JACKSON — Rebecca Harris, former director of development for Catholic Charities, is the new director of the Catholic Foundation and the Office of Stewardship for the Diocese of Jackson.
Harris started July 1, replacing George Roman, who recently retired after nearly 18 years.
“I wanted to further my development skills and at the same time I wanted to make a difference within the Catholic church, and I thought this was the perfect place for me to accomplish that,” she said. Harris, her husband Rusty, and sons Ryan, 10, and Tanner, 9, are members of Brandon St. Paul Parish.
She received a bachelor’s in marketing from Mississippi State University (MSU).
Bishop Joseph Latino said Harris will “hit the ground running” in her new position.
“We surely appreciate the experience in development Rebecca has having worked six years at Catholic Charities. She is aware of the needs of the diocese and the work of the diocese.
“In replacing George she has some big shoes to fill but with her enthusiam and experience we feel Rebecca will fit right into the job,” he said.
Roman said Harris was perfect for the job.
“Rebecca is a consummate professional and has the training and a background in marketing as well as experience in fund-raising.
“She has youth, energy and most importantly she knows the people, the priests, the parishes, the culture of the diocese. And she has the spirituality needed for stewardship in that she understands it is more than just raising money,” Roman said.
Elizabeth Barber, a member of Catholic Charities Governance Council, worked closely with Harris for six years.
“Rebecca was our first director of development and essentially built our development program from the ground up,” said Barber, who has known Harris since both attended St. Joseph High School.
“I think she has done an unbelieveable job and has done it with a very open heart, and a very open mind. We are very sad to lose her of course, but I think she will be able to help Catholic Charities even more in her new position. I can’t say enough great things about Rebecca,” said Barber.
A “win-win situation for the diocese” is how another governance council member described Harris’ in her new position.
“I hate to see her go from Catholic Charities but if she is going to move on to something that helps her to further her career, I am glad it is in continuing in a position with the diocese,” said Thomas Harris (not related).
“Rebecca did a great job at Catholic Charities,” he said. “There were two things we could easily count on with Rebecca, enthusiasm and thoroughness.
“Anytime we had a program or a fund-raiser Rebecca put 100 percent of her effort into it, covered all of the bases and made sure it was a great success.”
In her new position, Harris oversees the Catholic Foundation, the annual Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), parish and school stewardship, planned giving and grant resources.
“My goal for this office is to help further the many ministries offered by the Catholic diocese and the Catholic Foundation in helping all of the parishes and parishioners find ways to give their time, talent and treasures to the church.
“So hopefully people will call our office to see the ways we can help them further the things near and dear to their hearts,” Harris said.
Harris, her husband Rusty, and sons Ryan, 10, and Tanner, 9, are members of Brandon St. Paul Parish.