CHARLOTTE — Suzanne Carney has joined the Diocese of Charlotte as its safe environment program coordinator.
Carney is responsible for overseeing the diocese’s comprehensive program for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, helping parishes, schools and ministries maintain compliance with diocesan policies and the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection for Children and Young People.
Carney succeeds David Vasquez, who is moving into a special projects role for the diocese after serving as safe environment coordinator since 2023.
Carney brings nearly two decades of leadership and ministry experience.
Prior to joining the diocese, Carney served in several leadership roles at St. James the Greater Church in Concord, including preschool director and family faith formation coordinator. She holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Early Childhood Education and Development and has been recognized as Preschool Director of the Year and Community Leader of the Year.
“After many years of working directly with children and families in parish ministry at St. James, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve all families, parishes and schools throughout the Diocese of Charlotte,” she said. “I am also very grateful for the work of my predecessor and the strong foundation he built, that was entrusted to me. I look forward to building upon this foundation while supporting our parishes and schools in creating environments where the safety and dignity of every individual remain at the heart of what we do.”
A Charlotte native, Carney and her husband, Bobby, have been married for 31 years and have two daughters. They are parishioners at St. James.
— Catholic News Herald