CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted February 28, 2024

Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, MSS, has been named as the next Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, according to a Feb. 28 announcement from the archdiocese. Her appointment became effective Feb. 26.

She succeeds Heather Huot, MSW, LSW, who had served as Director of CHCS since 2020 until her appointment as Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez in Dec. 2023.

“Catholic Housing and Community Services empowers and supports older adults across the Archdiocese, serving thousands of our sisters and brothers as they age with dignity,” Huot said. “Mrs. Laurito brings the steadfast leadership and creative vision to further this vital mission of Catholic Human Services.

CHCS is recognized as a leading provider of senior living services throughout the Philadelphia region. Programs include senior housing, senior centers, parish-based eldercare programs, elder care helpline, and senior clubs.

“The charitable works of mercy undertaken by our Church resonate deeply with me. I have been fortunate to serve women and children contending with homeless and families involved in the child welfare system,” said O’Grady Laurito.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to lead the dedicated and skilled staff of Catholic Housing and Community Services, as we support older adults aging with dignity and grace,” she added.

O’Grady Laurito has dedicated more than 25 years of service to works of charity and mercy undertaken by the Archdiocese. She previously served in posts with Catholic Social Services including Program Director for Mercy Hospice and McAuley House (1997-2000) and Administrator for foster care and child welfare cases (2000-2003). She also held several positions of increasing responsibility within Catholic Housing and Community Services including Senior Project Manager for the Office for Community Development (2004-2014) and Assistant Director for CHCS (2014-2017, 2020-2024).

She also managed the archdiocesan Catholic Campaign for Human Development, an initiative through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and served as the Grants and Events Manager for Face to Face (2018-2020).

For more than two decades, O’Grady Laurito has played an instrumental role in the expansion of the archdiocesan portfolio of affordable housing for seniors seeking to age in place within their communities. She has also been critical to efforts to provide a continuum of senior care services in senior centers and parishes located throughout the five-county metropolitan region.

O’Grady Laurito holds a Master of Social Services Degree in Advocacy, Planning, and Program Development from Bryn Mawr College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Speech Communications from Boston College.