Diocese of Bridgeport advancement leader to head philanthropic arm supporting Catholic education (31 schools in the diocese, transforming the lives of thousands of families and students) across Fairfield County.
BRIDGEPORT, CT, May 18, 2026 – Foundations in Education, the philanthropic arm supporting Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport, today announced the appointment of Steven Velardo as its inaugural President, effective June 1, 2026. Foundations in Education is Connecticut’s largest scholarship-granting organization supporting Catholic education across the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Since its founding in 2015, Foundations in Education has awarded more than 14,500 student tuition assistance awards totaling over $29 million, helping students across the Diocese of Bridgeport receive a Catholic education.
“Catholic education in our Diocese is one of the most powerful expressions of the One renewal underway,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. “Foundations in Education has been at the heart of making that education accessible, and Steven Velardo is the right leader to carry that mission into its next chapter. He knows our donors, he knows our schools, and he knows that what we are doing here matters and is transforming the lives of thousands of students across Fairfield County.”
In January 2026, FIE Board Chairman Joe Purcell, explained to the Foundation’s friends and donors that a new leadership model, i.e., a President supported by additional positions, would be in place no later than July. The new model is designed to fuel FIE’s next phase of growth, with the goal of at least doubling the scholarship impact achieved over its first ten years.
“In January, I told our friends and donors that we would have new leadership in place no later than July,” said Joe Purcell, Chairman of the Board. “I’m delighted to share that we have found that leader sooner, and that he comes to us with deep relationships across our donor community and a clear vision for growth. Steven understands the trust that has built this Foundation, and he is ready to take it forward.”
Mr. Velardo joined the Diocese of Bridgeport in March 2022 as a Major Gifts Officer and was promoted to Senior Director of Development, Leadership Gifts in October 2024. In those roles, he has worked alongside the philanthropic partners supporting Catholic schools, charitable outreach, and pastoral ministries throughout Fairfield County.
“I have spent the last four years getting to know the families, donors, and educators who make Catholic education in Fairfield County such an extraordinary gift,” said Mr. Velardo. “To be asked to lead Foundations in Education at this moment is both a humbling responsibility and the privilege of a lifetime.”
Before joining the Diocese, Mr. Velardo held business management roles in real estate, overseeing teams and operations across portfolios in the greater New York City region. He earned his MBA, with honors, from Sacred Heart University, where he was awarded the Gold Medal of Excellence in Business Administration. He lives in Shelton, Connecticut.
Joe Gallagher, Chief Development Officer for the Diocese of Bridgeport, has served as Interim Executive Director of Foundations in Education since February 2026 and will continue in that role through the leadership transition.
About Foundations in Education
Founded in 2015, Foundations in Education is the philanthropic arm supporting Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Through scholarships, leadership initiatives, and innovation grants, the Foundation has awarded more than 14,500 tuition assistance awards totaling over $29 million in its first decade. For more information, visit foundationsineducation.org.
