The Board of Directors of Cardinal McCloskey Services (CMS), a leading child welfare agency, has named Beth Finnerty as the new executive director, effective November 20. Mrs. Finnerty replaces Mrs. Marjorie McLoughlin, LMSW who retired in November following 15 years of serving as Executive Director.

Finnerty joins Cardinal McCloskey Services after most recently serving as Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of God's Love We Deliver in New York City. In addition to her 20 years experience working in the not-for-profit sector for agencies including the Fortune Society, ARCS and a number of others, Finnerty has over 10 years experience working in for-profit and government arenas. Throughout her career, Finnerty has specialized in developing sound infrastructure in multi-leveled organizations to build new business, implement new programs and improve operational and financial systems.

"Cardinal McCloskey Service's mission of caring for society's most vulnerable children and families is a mission I strongly believe in. As this great organization celebrates 60 years of a proud tradition of continually adapting to serve those in need, I look forward to helping to create the strategic vision that will position the agency for continued growth and success in the coming years," said Ms. Finnerty.

"We are very pleased to appoint Mrs. Finnerty to the position," said John Queenan, Board Chairman. "Cardinal McCloskey has an excellent administrative team and we believe Beth's diverse background in finance, real estate, agency operations and business development will help provide the leadership and strategic planning needed to guide the agency to the next level in the coming years."

Finnerty holds a Master of Arts in Economics from City University of New York at Brooklyn College where she graduated Summa cum Laude and a BA from Fordham University.

Cardinal McCloskey Services' Board of Directors began the search for a new Executive Director in June following McLoughlin's announcing her retirement plans. McLoughlin began her 45-year career in the child welfare arena in 1961 as a social worker for the New York Foundling Hospital. McLoughlin joined the Cardinal McCloskey School and Home for Children in 1966 when it was still operating as a campus program as a social worker and soon after placed a child in the agency's first foster boarding home.

In 1980, when the McCloskey campus closed, McLoughlin became the Director of Social Services for St. Dominic's Home in Blauvelt, NY. Within a few years she was named as Associate Executive Director at St. Dominic's. In 1991 McLoughlin returned to Cardinal McCloskey Services as Executive Director. Under her leadership Cardinal McCloskey Services' programs and services grew significantly including diversifying programs to provide residential and day hab services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Throughout her career McLoughlin chaired and served on numerous committees for New York City, New York State, COFFCA and Catholic Charities. She served as an adjunct professor for Hunter College School of Social Work teaching courses in management and supervision. "Cardinal McCloskey Services would not be the agency it is today without Marge McLoughlin's outstanding leadership. We are exceptionally grateful for Marge's personal integrity and staunch commitment to those we serve and those we employ," said John Queenan. "Marge will be dearly missed."

"It has been my honor and privilege to be a part of such worthwhile work. It has been my way of making a difference in the world," said McLoughlin at her retirement dinner.