Catholic Charities of Collier County

Naples--Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice announces Armando Galella as the new Director of Catholic Charities of Collier County. Galella comes to the organization with 34 years of experience in non-profit management, institutional marketing, fund raising, and public relations.

Galella recently served as executive director of Eden Florida, a provider of services for children and adults with autism, and prior to that as executive director for Sunrise Community of Southwest Florida that offers services for developmentally disabled children and adults. Galella obtained a master's degree in public administration from Pace University in White Plains, New York, attended the Graduate School of Journalism at Boston University, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

As Director, Galella will be administratively responsible for program operations, program development, funding development, maintaining certifications, and cultivating community partnerships. He also will be the liaison for the Advisory Board of Catholic Charities of Collier County. Catholic Charities program locations in Collier County include the Family Resource Center and Refugee Youth and Family Services, both located in Naples, and Guadalupe Social Services in Immokalee.

Galella became familiar with Catholic Charities through outgoing Director Bob Saunders who retired in February. “We had a lot in common and became friends. I learned a lot about Catholic Charities and when he mentioned he was retiring, I became interested in the job,” Galella said.

“The mission of Catholic Charities is something that I have subscribed to my whole life,” said Galella. “The reputation of the organization is excellent.”

Galella said Catholic Charities is so versatile in meeting the needs of the community and the challenge of maintaining that role is part of what attracted him to the job. “Bettering the community has always been a part of my family and my faith,” he said. “I am part of an Italian Catholic family that has always served the community and church. From a young age I was expected to be a part of that service. I am drawn to work in social service because of my upbringing.”

Galella said his father, who is 90, and mother, who is almost 90, still are active members of their church and community.

Goals for Galella are to keep finances balanced and explore new funding opportunities. Challenges are managing the budget at a time when demand for services is increasing. He also hopes to be supportive of his management team by helping them to build stronger community relationships, board development, community funding, and grant development. “I am very confident in my program directors,” he said.

“My whole life has been focused on being a part of something other than myself,” Galella said. “This comes from my family background. All my work experiences originate from the experiences I had as a youth.”

For more information about Catholic Charities Collier County, please call 239-455-2655.