CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Office of Development has hired Barb De Mase as the new associate director of development. She takes over from former associate director Kerry Ann Tornesello, who held that position for more than four years before leaving this month to start a new business coaching people and businesses on leveraging their talents.
De Mase comes to the diocese after working most recently with United Way of Central Carolinas for over four years. She was part of their development team, working on annual workplace campaigns. Her efforts there helped raise more than $25 million for Charlotte and the surrounding communities.
Before that, De Mase worked for more than 20 years in the business world on a variety of direct marketing campaigns that drove revenue while acquiring and retaining customers. Fifteen of those years were with Bank of America.
De Mase is a registered parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, and as she now lives in southeast Charlotte, she splits her time between St. Matthew Church and St. Gabriel Church.
She is a graduate of the 2013-’14 JustFaith educational program at St. Matthew Church and currently serves as a co-facilitator for the JustFaith program at St. Gabriel Church.
De Mase also volunteers her time in the Special Religious Development program at St. Matthew Church, serving as a catechist since 2014. SPRED focuses on meeting the spiritual needs of people with developmental disabilities and intellectual challenges.
“I’m excited about this new career opportunity within the stewardship and development team,” De Mase said. “I’m proud to be part of the Diocese of Charlotte family. It’s right where I need to be.”
“I’m so grateful for the work that Kerry did to support our parishes and parishioners,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. “And I am excited that Barb has joined us. She brings knowledge and experience that will benefit our work in serving the people of the diocese.”
De Mase can be reached at 704-370-3302 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter