Catholic Social Services announces new executive director

DAYTON — Miami Valley Catholic Social Services announced Laura Roesch as its new executive director on Monday, June 29. She is taking over for retiring Executive Director Elaine Jelly and the move will be official Aug. 1.

Roesch was chosen by the Board of Trustees and administrators after a three-month national search. She has been with Miami Valley Catholic Social Services for 20 years and is the current manager of special projects, adoption, foster care and pregnancy counseling. She attended Bowling Green University and is a licensed social worker and licensed professional counselor.

“It’s (Catholic Social Services) a wonderful organization and it’s a real privilege to have the chance to provide leadership,” Roesch said. “She (Jelly) has been a tremendous leader in our community and with the support of our board and excellent staff we feel confident we’ll move forward with hope and purpose.”

In the past year, Jelly received an award from the National Association of Social Workers and was on the list of Miami Valley’s Ten Top Women as the first female executive director at Catholic Social Services.

Catholic Social Services serves about 22,000 people per year in eight counties in southwest central Ohio. Services include adoption, day care, a food pantry and counseling.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2282 or jszink@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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