(May 16, 2011, St. Paul, MN) – The Catholic Community Foundation’s staff has hired Bill Marsella as Director of Institutional Relations and Monica McCracken-Tietjen, C.P.A. as Controller. Both started with the Foundation the week of May 9, and serve in new positions designed to support the Foundation’s asset growth and fiscal oversight. The Foundation currently manages more than $200 million in charitable assets designated for the spiritual, social and educational needs of the Catholic community in Minnesota and throughout the U.S. Eleven staff conduct the Foundation’s work, which is governed by a 31-member Board of Directors chaired by Archbishop John C. Nienstedt.

The position of Director of Institutional Relations was created to respond to the needs of the 150+ Catholic parishes, schools and institutions for which the Foundation manages endowments and long-term investment funds. The director is responsible for deepening existing relationships, helping to increase contributions to institutional funds, and seeking new relationships.

Bill Marsella brings 33 years of nonprofit development and leadership experience to the Director of Institutional Relations role, including 28 years in donor relations roles with the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Prior to joining the Catholic Community Foundation on May 9, Bill served as director of stewardship and development for the Normandale Evangelical Lutheran Church, executive director of the Normandale Church Foundation, vice president of development and communications for Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and director of development and alumni relations for St. John’s University School of Theology-Seminary. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, and holds a B.A. and Master’s of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. He currently chairs the board of the Loyola Spirituality Center in St. Paul. He and his wife Cathy have five adult children, nine grandchildren, live in Plymouth and are parishioners at Holy Name of Jesus in Wayzata.

The controller position was created to assist the Vice President of Finance and Investment with the Foundation’s overall financial plan, policies, and performance. As the lead finance and accounting team member, the Controller is responsible for compliance with all reporting and disclosure requirements. Prior to joining the Foundation as Controller on May 12, Monica McCracken-Tietjen, C.P.A. worked for five years at LarsonAllen in Minneapolis as an accountant, consultant and advisor specializing in nonprofit organizations. Before LarsonAllen, she served as business administrator for Help Enable Alcoholics/Addicts Receive Treatment, Inc. (HEART) in Plymouth. Monica currently serves on the board of Cradle of Hope in Roseville, and holds a B.S. in Accounting and Financial Economics from St. Catherine University, where she also has taken graduate classes. She lives in Hastings with her husband Marc and their son Tristan, and are parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

ABOUT THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Catholic Community Foundation (www.ccf-mn.org) was established in 1992 to support financially the spiritual, educational and social needs of the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The Foundation currently manages assets in excess of $200 million and has distributed more than $80 million in grants since inception.