CHARLOTTE — Veteran Catholic Church fundraiser Patty DiSandro has joined the Diocese of Charlotte to eventually serve as director of development as Jim Kelley transitions into a new role after 40 years at the department’s helm.
DiSandro brings 20 years of nonprofit and Church fundraising experience and has begun her career locally as deputy director of development with Kelley continuing as director for several months for training and collaboration as each prepares for their new role.
Over the next year, DiSandro will assume the director position as well as Kelley’s function as president of The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. Kelley will continue working fulltime to deepen his one-on-one work with donors and play a key role in the diocese’s historic $150 million “Making Room” fundraising initiative.
“It’s a dream come true to succeed the legendary Jim Kelley as chief fundraiser for the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Charlotte,” DiSandro said, “and while I’m ready for this important position, I am glad we’ll have Jim around with his history and relationships.
“I am particularly impressed by Bishop Martin’s vision and the emphasis he’s placing on development and stewardship,” she said. “The people of this diocese clearly recognize the importance of generously supporting the work of the Church across the western half of North Carolina.”
DiSandro has worked in development for a variety of organizations that include an Illinois university, an Ohio children’s hospital, a South Carolina aquarium, and the Salvation Army in Florida. She most recently worked for eight years as executive director of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida, which oversaw fundraising across the diocese’s 17 counties and nearly doubled the endowment assets of its foundation. In that role, she and Kelley got to know one another – and she was the first person who came to mind last year when he began planning for succession.
“I’ve been here over 40 years, and I’m 70,” Kelley said. “It made sense to put together a succession plan that will help preserve donor relationships and institutional knowledge – while also capturing a new generation of thinking about development and stewardship.”
As development director, DiSandro will be responsible for fundraising for the diocese’s operations and capital improvements, and as foundation president she will oversee the organization that supports diocesan ministries through estate gifts and endowments.
Kelley will continue his work with the diocese’s “Making Room – for More to Know the Love of Jesus” fundraising initiative through June 2028, then will move toward working exclusively with individuals and couples on estate-planning, major gifts and endowments.
Since joining the diocese in 1986, Kelley has helped raise close to $1 billion.
“I’ve enjoyed my job every day for 40 years, and I am grateful because I know most people can’t say that,” Kelley reflected. “I’m thrilled about this new opportunity to continue serving the Church I love and the clergy, parishioners, staff and Church leaders who have shaped my life and career.”
The Catholic News Herald celebrated his 40-year anniversary with a special profile in its Feb. 20, 2026, edition, recapping his storied career: “Steward of Stewardship: Jim Kelley celebrates 40 years of giving to God.”
A FOUNDATION OF SERVICE
DiSandro welcomed the opportunity to work in the diocese: “It’s an exciting time to be in the Diocese of Charlotte,” DiSandro said. “With the vision Bishop Martin has cast, I am most excited about the opportunity to work with our clergy and parishioners.”
Originally from southern Illinois, DiSandro grew up on a farm. She attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, on a volleyball scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree before later completing her MBA. She is also a Certified Fundraising Executive.
DiSandro and her husband, Jeff, have two teens and a rescue dog named Bear.
She and Kelley share a common vision for the diocese’s stewardship efforts.
“We want people to understand how blessed they are by God, to be grateful, and to give back a portion of their time, talent and treasure,” Kelley said.
DiSandro embraces that philosophy, too.
“God has given us so much, and we are blessed with the opportunity to help others using whatever gifts we have,” she said. “What a joy it is to respond in this generous way.”
— Trish Stukbauer and Courtney McLaughlin