FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2025 

WASHINGTON—Laurie Carafone has been named Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and NETWORK Advocates for Catholic Social Justice and will begin serving in that role on July 14. The appointment follows a national search for the next leader of the 53-year-old organization founded by Catholic Sisters to work for justice and systemic change through federal policy. 

Laurie Carafone

Carafone most recently served as Vice President of U.S. Legal Services for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), where she spent 13 years championing legal support for immigrant children. During her time at KIND, she helped expand the organization to 16 field offices, working to protect unaccompanied children and advocate for asylum for them.  

The chairs of NETWORK’s boards celebrate that Carafone is deeply committed to NETWORK’s mission: 

“Laurie is deeply aligned with the values of Catholic social teaching and has spent her career working for racial, economic, and social justice,” said Sr. Catherine Ferguson, SNJM, chair of the NETWORK Lobby board. “She’s skilled at building coalitions, navigating tough political landscapes, and bringing people together. She’s an effective communicator and fundraiser, and she also brings an ecumenical spirit that aligns beautifully with NETWORK’s values and vision. Her wisdom, integrity, and gift for building bridges are exactly what’s needed for the road ahead.” 

“Those who know her describe her as warm, thoughtful, and someone who listens deeply before making a move – qualities that really resonate with NETWORK’s mission to advocate for federal policies that uplift the dignity of all people and serve the common good,” said Leslye Colvin, chair of the NETWORK Advocates board. “Her leadership is inclusive and grounded in justice, with a deep understanding of how anti-racism and social equity intersect, which are essential aspects of NETWORK’s Catholic values. We’re confident Laurie will lead with both courage and compassion.” 

 “I am thrilled to lead NETWORK into its next chapter,” said Carafone. “The organization’s prophetic commitment to dismantling poverty, promoting racial equity, and advancing economic justice resonates deeply with me. I am honored to serve this extraordinary organization into its next era of faithful advocacy and systemic impact.” 

Carafone is a native of Massachusetts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Dartmouth College, a J.D. from University of Michigan Law School, and a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.   She is a member of All Souls Church Unitarian in Washington, D.C. 

Founded by Catholic Sisters in 1972, NETWORK is an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization open to all who share our values, working for justice and equity for everyone. For 53 years, NETWORK has educated, organized, and lobbied for federal policies that serve the common good and honor the dignity of all people. 

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