Description

Pam Russo and Rob Nicolella

Title:  “God’s Timing – a Journey of Faith, Love and Service”

Summary:  We will each share our journey, including challenges and times we questioned our faith, how we gained the strength and “wisdom” to trust in God’s timing and accept the grace and peace God was giving to us throughout our challenges as leaders.

Bio:  Pamela Russo is the Secretary for Catholic Health, Human Services and Youth Protection for the Diocese of Allentown. A licensed social worker, she earned her Master’s in Social Work from Temple University and a Master’s in Science in Administration of Human Services from Chestnut Hill College.

Prior to returning to Pennsylvania to take on her role in the newly formed Secretariat for Catholic Health, Human Services and Youth Protection, Pam served as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Tennessee, based in Nashville. She is also the former Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown. Her nonprofit service includes various roles at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown, Catholic Social Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the American Red Cross, Berks County Chapter.

Pam serves on the board of directors of St. Luke’s – Sacred Heart Hospital and Holy Family Senior Living.

Raised in Reading, PA, Pam is a product of the Diocese of Allentown schools and is a parishioner at Immaculate Conception, Allentown, PA.

Bio:  Rob Nicolella graduated from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio with a Bachelor in Science of Education.  He received his Master’s in Social work from Temple University.

Rob worked with many faith-based groups during his formative years.  During high school and college he worked at both a Jewish Community Center summer camp, and for a YMCA school’s child care program.  Upon graduating, Rob’s first professional job as a Social Worker was for the Salvation Army located in Norristown, PA. 

Rob was hired in 2000 as the County Administrator for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown (formerly known as the Catholic Social Agency).  Rob managed all social service programs throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties. He successfully applied for a multi-year federal grant to support veterans and prevent homelessness.

Rob was named Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown in June of 2019. The agency provides services to tens of thousands of people throughout the five counties of the Diocese of Allentown. He serves as a key community leader on issues of homelessness, affordable housing, and mental health.