Temporary Administrator named for Catholic Charities West Virginia

WHEELING, W.Va. –Peggy A. Arizzi, LCSW, has been appointed temporary executive director of Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa). Her first day at CCWVa is July 13.

Arizzi served from 1995-2010 as executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria, where she managed programs with 400 employees and a total budget of $23 million and was responsible for services in child welfare, mental health, family support, youth and community outreach.
Before taking the executive director’s position with the agency, Arizzi served as diocesan counseling coordinator from 1987-1995 and coordinator of the Jesu Center Daycare facility from 1988-92. She also has experience as a court referred mediator, and an individual, marital and family therapist.

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to serve as interim executive director of Catholic Charities West Virginia and am looking forward to the challenge,” Arizzi said. “I am impressed by the reputation and variety of ministries the agency offers and truly believe in what we do here at Catholic Charities and what we have the potential to do in the future.”

Arizzi is a former adjunct faculty member of Heartland Community College and was recognized with the Pere Marquette Award of the Diocese of Peoria in 2004, honoring those individuals who promote vocations and support priests in their ministry. She has been recognized by the State Senate in Illinois and was named one of the top 25 Women in Leadership in her region in 2007 by WEEK-TV.

Arizzi received her Bachelor of Science degree, master’s in science degree and master’s in social work degree, all from the University of Illinois. She has extensive leadership training and professional affiliations and is a published author.
“I know my work here will be gratifying and life giving and that I shall be joining a highly committed team here in Catholic Charities West Virginia,” Arizzi said. “After meeting many of the local staff, I am more confident than ever of the strength of the Catholic Charities national network, the richness and diversity of talents and, above all, the love and commitment that drives our shared mission to serve our neighbors in need.”

While Arizzi serves as the temporary administrator for CCWVa, the search for a permanent executive director will continue.

CCWVa is one of the leading social service providers in West Virginia, providing much-needed health and human services to the less fortunate throughout the state. Started in 1931, Catholic Charities serves thousands of people through the following programs: emergency assistance (utilities, rent, medications), child & adult nutrition programs, disaster/flood relief, food pantries, home meal deliveries, homeless services, pregnancy and parenting services, programs for children and teens, adult literacy programs, programs for the elderly and disabled and cooperative partnerships with local charities, Catholic parishes and other faith-based organizations.