BRIDGEPORT—Joseph Gallagher of Armonk, New York, has been named chief development officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The appointment was made by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, effective June 8, 2020.
Gallagher will be responsible for major gifts and planned giving programs and coordinating development and advancement efforts in the Diocese of Bridgeport including the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) and the completion of the We Stand With Christ capital campaign.
“Joseph Gallagher brings extensive experience in development and marketing in both the corporate and non-profit sectors along with an understanding of the role of faith in our society, especially when it is put into action to serve others,” said Bishop Caggiano. “We welcome his seasoned leadership as the diocese moves forward in its work of renewal and evangelization.”
The diocese is currently in the redemption phase of its successful $75 million capital campaign, which has funded the development of major Foundations in Faith, Education and Charity to address long-term needs. It also manages the Annual Catholic Appeal, which funds the major programs and ministries provided by the diocese each year.
“The faithful of the diocese have shown extraordinary generosity and a willingness to invest in the mission of the Church and in the future of our young people,” said Bishop Caggiano. “The stewardship of our resources requires the ability to develop an overall development plan and communications strategy that will advance all giving opportunities, and we believe Joseph Gallagher will provide direction and innovation as we go forward.”
Joseph Gallagher comes to the diocese from Manhattan College, where he has served as major gifts officer/advancement and as member of the capital campaign team since 2017.
Prior to joining the development field, Gallagher worked in the media business for thirty years in sales and marketing positions. Among his previous positions, he served as senior vice president of sales strategy & planning for Disney’s ABC Family Cable Network.
In the past he served as vice president, national sales for NBC Sports Regional Networks for NBC UNIVERSAL, where he managed national sales for eight sports networks. He also worked as General Manager of Ad Sales REELZCHANNEL, New York.
Gallagher made the transition from marketing to development in the not for profit sector in 2015, when he was named director of philanthropy for Carver Foundation. The Norwalk-based foundation raises revenue to operate after-school programs for more than a thousand students in unique partnership with the Norwalk Public Schools.
A native of Crestwood, N.Y., where he and his family were members of Annunciation Parish, he attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Annenberg School of Communications and is completing work on a master’s of science, Manhattan College, School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Among his volunteer commitments he has been elected to Board of Fire Commissioners, North Castle Fire District Number 2, a post he has held since 2017. He has served on the board of the Easter Soccer Foundation in Greenwich and as a member of the development committee of Archbishop Stepinac High School. He also coaches youth sports, soccer and basketball and has run the New York Marathon twice.
Joseph Gallagher and his wife Julie have been married for thirty-three years and have four adult children. They are active members of St. Patrick’s Parish in Armonk, where he has been involved in development efforts for the parish and helped run the Teen Life group for ten years.
The Diocese of Bridgeport is comprised of 78 parishes located in cities and towns throughout Fairfield County. It includes 410,000 Catholics and serves people of all faiths through its schools, charities, and pastoral care programs.
(For information on its development programs and giving opportunities, visit www.bridgeportdiocese.org/support.)
