Bishop Announces Removal of Catholic Charities Head and Appointment of Interim Leadership

Oct. 14, 2020

LEXINGTON — The board of Catholic Charities of Lexington voted to remove Ginny Vicini as executive director on Sept. 17, following a preliminary investigation into a financial impropriety, Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., shared with supporters of Catholic Charities and the Diocesan Annual Appeal in a letter dated Oct. 5.

“Care for the poor and vulnerable is at the heart of the Church’s Gospel mission. The generosity of our donors is essential to our living out this mission, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” Bishop Stowe wrote. He noted that the matter came to the attention of the Catholic Charities board on Sept. 10 and that Vicini had acknowledged her role and admitted to a gambling addiction. 

The bishop added that the diocese has reported the matter to law enforcement and insurers and that insurance will cover the money in question. He expressed gratitude for the internal controls at Catholic Charities, which surfaced the issue quickly, and the leadership of Catholic Charities board chair Ryan Haley.

Bishop Stowe also announced that, as the search for a new executive director begins, Meg Campos, social ministries director at Lexington’s Cathedral of Christ the King, has agreed to serve as interim director of Catholic Charities. Campos assumed that role on Oct 1.

“As a Church agency, we are required to follow the example of Jesus in pursuit of justice and mercy,” the bishop added, noting his concern for Vicini’s recovery and requesting prayers for everyone involved. “Catholic Charities remains committed to high standards of integrity and of being faithful stewards of all that is entrusted to us by our supporters.”

Read the full text of the letter.