Archdiocese creates new Secretariat for Development to increase philanthropic and fundraising efforts
April 08, 2013
Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, has named John T. Butler as Secretary for Development for the Archdiocese of Washington, effective April 15, 2013.
Mr. Butler will head the archdiocese’s newly created Secretariat for Development, which leads the philanthropic and fundraising efforts of the archdiocese through the annual Cardinal’s Appeal, a parish offertory program, a tuition assistance fund and planned giving.
The Secretariat for Development was recently created to further advance the archdiocese’s successful development efforts to support the evangelization, pastoral and charitable works of the archdiocese.
Mr. Butler brings more than 20 years of experience in senior positions in academic institutions, religious organizations, and the private sector. Most recently, Mr. Butler served as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement for the University of the District of Columbia, where he oversaw all university fundraising and campaigns, the development efforts for each college and school of the university, external outreach and alumni relations. Prior to that, Mr. Butler served as the Vice President for University Advancement at Mount Saint Mary’s University where he directed the development efforts of the university, the seminary and the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes.
The appointment is a coming home for Mr. Butler, who served as President of Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, DC for ten years until 2006. Earlier in his career Mr. Butler also served the archdiocese helping parishes form lay leaders and as a counselor for Anchor Mental Health – part of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.
“I am very excited to have this opportunity to return to the archdiocese to serve the expanding philanthropic and fundraising efforts that support so many important ministries and programs in the Church,” Mr. Butler said. “This is such a wonderful time for the Catholic Church given the recent election of Pope Francis and the overwhelming impact that his selection has had on so many people around the globe.”
Mr. Butler holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and a Master of Education in guidance and counseling from Howard University, and has completed all coursework towards a Master’s degree in theology.
He is a native of Washington, DC, where he attended Catholic elementary and high schools. He is a member of St. Augustine Parish in Washington, DC, where he has served as RCIA director, marriage counselor, retreat director, and musician and cantor.
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