Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland named Kelly Davis as the new director of the Diocesan Social Action Office. She replaces Diane Zbasnik, who retired in August after serving as DSAO director since 2018.
Since joining Catholic Charities in 2012, Davis has served as both director of social action for the Catholic Commission of Lake & Geauga counties and the diocesan director of Catholic Relief Services.
“During her time there, Kelly has demonstrated leadership working with legislators, parishes, CRS, the community and her colleagues,” said Terence Flanagan, executive director of mission and specialized ministries for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. “I have great confidence that Kelly will continue to provide that same leadership at the diocesan level.”
Formed in 1989, the Diocesan Social Action Office seeks to carry out the social mission of the Catholic Church through formation, advocacy, community development and organizing. This ministry is based on the call of the Gospel to work for the respect and dignity of all human life, the elimination of poverty, an end to injustice, and to promote the common good.
“I feel that we have the unique opportunity in our department to create real systemic change in our communities through the advocacy work that we do,” Davis said. “We have a really great team. I want to build on their strengths to serve the people of our diocese. I believe building and strengthening relationships with our parishes and community will make us even more successful.”
In 2018, Davis received CRS’ national excellence award for diocesan directors for her work within the Diocese of Cleveland. From 2012 to 2018, CRS Rice Bowl collections increased by 80%. The Cleveland Diocese also was one of only three U.S. dioceses selected by CRS in 2015 to pilot its Parish Ambassador Program.
As part of the Diocese of Cleveland’s Welcoming the Stranger Committee, Davis organized the first immigration walk in 2013. That event took place in Painesville and attracted more than 350 participants.
Most recently, Davis helped develop suicide prevention resources for older adults in partnership with the Lake County ADAMHS Board and the 2020 class of Leadership Lake County Community Builders. More than 2,000 informational materials were distributed so far to local seniors.
Davis earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in psychology and history from Heidelberg University, where she also spent a semester studying at New College, Oxford University. She also has a master’s degree with honors in community and social psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland is one of the largest comprehensive health and human services organizations in the region. It delivers more than 150 services at 60 locations to more than 400,000 individuals each year, regardless of race or religion
For more information, visit ccdocle.org.