Catholic nonprofit appoints Jim Cavnar to serve as CEO, among other leadership changes

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Jan. 31, 2023 – Cross Catholic Outreach, an official Catholic ministry that partners with bishops, priests, and religious and lay workers to aid impoverished children and families in developing countries, announced today that it has named Michele Sagarino as its new president.

In her role as president of Cross Catholic Outreach, Sagarino will direct strategic planning and daily operations as well as oversee the nonprofit’s efforts to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ.

“It’s an honor and a blessing to serve as president of Cross Catholic Outreach,” Sagarino said. “I look forward to continuing to guide Cross Catholic Outreach’s efforts to bless as many people as possible with food, water, education, housing and other life-transforming blessings in Christ’s name.”

Sagarino has nearly three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Sagarino answered the call of her life to begin service for various charitable organizations, including Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Gateway Community Outreach and Food For The Poor. She joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2004 and has served as vice president for development for 15 years. Through the years, Sagarino has been an important leader in the organization. Her expertise and heart for service will continue to lead Cross Catholic Outreach with wisdom and integrity.

Cross Catholic Outreach also announced that Jim Cavnar, who has served as the organization’s president since co-founding it in 2001, will now serve as Cross Catholic Outreach’s CEO, primarily overseeing the nonprofit’s cultural and spiritual leadership.

“Michele’s expertise and heart for service will continue to lead us forward with wisdom and integrity, allowing us and our donors to impact even more lives,” Cavnar said, referring to Sagarino’s new role. “I look forward to continuing my work with Michele and Cross Catholic Outreach to provide material and spiritual blessings to those in need around the world.”

Moreover, Cross Catholic Outreach announced that Mike Veitenhans has been promoted to vice president of international programs. Veitenhans assumes the position from David Adams, who served faithfully in the role for 16 years. Adams will continue to provide support and guidance as vice president of missions emeritus for Cross Catholic Outreach.

In other Cross Catholic Outreach leadership changes, Shana McCracken will now serve as vice president for development and Rev. David G. Caron, OP, D. Min., was named vice president for spiritual, cultural and staff development.

Based in Florida, Cross Catholic Outreach is an official Catholic nonprofit 501(c)(3) relief and development organization that, since its founding in 2001, has given $3.8 billion in aid to help “the poorest of the poor” in more than three dozen developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Michele Sagarino, please contact Kevin Wandra of Carmel Communications at KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com or 404-788-1276.