CCS makes administrative changes

Intermountain Catholic

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Kathryn Brussard

SALT LAKE CITY — Catholic Community Services of Utah (CCS) has made some administrative changes from within the organization.

Kathryn Brussard, CCS director of development and marketing for the past eight years, has accepted a position at the University of Utah Red Butte Gardens. Her last day was July 15.

Jose Lazaro replaced Brussard. He has worked for CCS since 2002, most recently as the director of Basic Needs Services. Dennis Kelsch, CCS program manager of Emergency Services, took Lazaro’s former position. Kelsch has worked for CCS since 2001.

Brussard said Executive Director Brad Drake has done a great job building morale, and "to promote from within the way he did shows his faith in the structure of the organization and the strength of the staff who believe in the mission of CCS."

"Leaving was emotionally wrenching," said Brussard. "I love CCS and it will always be a part of me. It’s bittersweet, but I know I can still be involved with the agency as a volunteer."

During Brussard’s years at CCS, she was able to build corporate support from $30,000 to almost $400,000 a year and quintupled foundation support, she said. "Working with former executive director Maggie St. Clair on the capital campaign to move into our current facility and building up a strong development department are my biggest accomplishments."

She added that she is proud to have carried on the tradition of the Humanitarian Awards Dinner, increasing attendance at the event and raising the visibility of the dinner and CCS in general.

"We worked hard on public relations so CCS could be recognized in the community," she said. "We have such a good strong mission and a wonderful staff."

Drake said Brussard was dedicated to CCS and it was a pleasure to work with her. "She taught me a lot and she was an exemplary employee. She raised a phenomenal amount of money and helped strengthen my position when I came in without a lot of knowledge of fundraising and development. She created a real void by leaving, but I feel very confident that Jose can pick up exactly where she has left off."

Lazaro is well-respected in the community and knowledgeable of government funding, Drake said. "What he is lacking as far as knowledge of private funding, he will glean quickly because he is very bright and willing to take on a challenge," he said. "I feel comfortable with him replacing Kathryn, and that’s not an easy thing to say because she is difficult to replace, but he is the person who can do that."

Brussard agreed with Drake that Lazaro learns quickly and added he has intangible qualities that cannot be taught. "He is devoted to CCS and is eager to step into the role and bring his own ideas to the job," she said.

Lazaro said he would like to build on the foundation that Brussard set in place, and continue to reach out to the community.

"I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful team in place," he said. "We have a great executive director and administrative staff."

Lazaro was born and raised in West Valley City. He began working at CCS as the receptionist in the St. Vincent de Paul Center.

"I truly fell in love with the organization, Catholic social teaching and I believe in what we do," Lazaro said. "Life is precious and I remember that every day when I come to work. We are truly here to serve the needs of the community."

As director of Basic Needs Services, Lazaro oversaw the Weigand’s Homeless Day Center, St. Vincent de Paul Center Dining Hall and the Emergency Assistance Program, which Kelsch headed.

"I have worked side by side with Dennis," Lazaro said. "He has been a true asset and the people we serve are his first priority."

Drake agreed that Kelsch is well qualified for his new position. "He is excellent in dealing with his employees, has a staff that will be completely supportive of him, and he is always working hard on behalf of the clients of CCS," Drake said.

Kelsch has been running the St. Vincent’s dining hall food pantry, the utility and rental assistance programs, the Christmas Gift of the Drummer program and the back-to-school Backpack Bonanza.

Kelsch grew up in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and received an undergraduate degree in English and education from Niagara University in New York and a Master of Theology from St. Michael College in Toronto, Canada. He was a priest for 27 years and a member of the Oblates of St. Francis for 37 years. He came to Utah as a priest to teach theology and was a guidance counselor from 1981 to 1990. He served at St. Pius X Parish in Moab and Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish in Price before leaving the priesthood in 1998.

"I’m committed to helping the poor and homeless and looking forward to this position, although there will be challenges and big shoes to fill," he said.