Seaside, California— July 1st 2021 Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey announces that after eight years on the Catholic Charities Board and three years as the Executive
Director, Ana Ventura Phares is retiring at the end of August. Board President Paul Gutierrez said, “Ms. Ventura Phares lead the agency during a difficult time, collaborating with foundations and new partners to keep families and seniors stable as they struggled with loss of work, illnesses, and fire related losses. We are thankful for her outstanding service.” Ana shared, “I am thankful to staff, donors, Bishop Daniel and the Board- they all ensure that we carry on the good work of Christ. For me personally, meeting parents and seniors who shared their hardships taught me much about humility and resiliency. I am forever grateful for the profound experience.”
Bishop Daniel Garcia and the Board of Directors are excited to announce that Angela Di Novella will be appointed to the position of Executive Director on September 1st 2021. Bishop Garcia said, “It is with excitement that I welcome Angela Di Novella as our new Executive Director. Angela has faithfully served Catholic Charities, Diocese of Monterey as our Family Support Services Director and Development Director and now we look forward to the gifts and talents that she will bring to the Executive Director position.”
Ms. Di Novella was born and raised in Venezuela and moved to the U.S with a suitcase packed of dreams. She graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and from San Jose State University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Angela also completed graduate courses in Strategic Planning and Fundraising from Harvard Extension. She has worked in the fields of mental health, asset development, restorative justice, food access, public health, and fundraising. Angela has served in leadership positions for 9 years at Catholic Charities. “I’m honored and blessed to serve our community in this new role and I’m looking forward to growing our partnerships with all who support our mission to provide service to people in need, to advocate for social justice, and to call other people of good will to do the same” said Angela.