As a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg and a proud alum of St. Raphael Catholic School, Lori attended Catholic school even though she was not raised in a Catholic household.

“While I did attend a Catholic elementary school, both of my parents were Presbyterian,” Lori said. “It was not a surprise to my parents when I was later confirmed in the Catholic Church after going through RCIA (now called OCIA) as an adult prior to getting married. My Catholic school upbringing had a profound impact on me and where I began my own faith journey.”

Lori’s experience with Catholic education eventually became something she wanted to share with her own family. She and her husband, Patrick, made Catholic education a priority for their children, Kristen and Ryan.

“My husband and I have worked intentionally to instill in our children the values of faith, academic excellence, and lifelong learning,” Lori said. “Both our children, Kristen and Ryan, are graduates of St. Paul Catholic School and St. Petersburg Catholic High School.”

Lori’s own career with the Diocese began in 2006, while working as a middle school teacher’s assistant at St. Paul Catholic School in St. Petersburg. In November 2021, she began working at the Pastoral Center as one of the assistants to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Centers.

Her years working in Catholic education gave her an understanding of the rewards and challenges of serving within the Church.

“It was a formative experience for me and has given me a deep appreciation for the vital role Catholic education plays in the life of the Church and in the formation of young people,” Lori said. 

“I also witnessed the complex administrative, financial, and leadership challenges that school systems face. That experience helped me to understand how essential strong management and responsible stewardship are to sustaining Catholic institutions and ensuring they remain accessible and vibrant for future generations.”

Lori's lifelong work and volunteer experience throughout the Diocese has continued to shape her faith and allowed her to grow personally and professionally. Today, faith and community remain central to her life and to the work she does each day.

In January 2026, Lori began serving as the Diocese of Saint Petersburg’s Director of Donor Relations. As a member of the development team, she works to build relationships with donors and helps diocesan ministries have the resources they need to serve our communities and carry out the mission of the Church. For Lori, the work is about much more than just fundraising. It is about helping to build a strong foundation for the future of Catholics across our diocese.

“Collaboration and teamwork are essential in both education and diocesan leadership,” she said. “Sound management supports vibrant ministry, and faithful stewardship allows our mission to endure.”

Lori looks forward to the continued growth of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and how her position in development will help make progress possible.

“I aspire to be a force for good across the Diocese, helping our ministries continue to thrive for generations to come.”