People on the Move: McAuley Ministries Names Christine McDermott as Executive Director

People on the Move: McAuley Ministries Names Christine McDermott as Executive Director

McAuley Ministries, the Providence-based nonprofit founded by the Sisters of Mercy and dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in the community, has welcomed Christine McDermott as its new Executive Director. Christine began her role on April 20 and succeeds Barbara Haynes, who retired after leading the organization since 2018.

McDermott brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning business operations, communications, and nonprofit governance. A lifelong Rhode Islander and parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in West Warwick, she has been deeply engaged in the local community, through both her professional and volunteer work.

“Christine is a thoughtful and mission-driven leader who understands both the complexities of human services work and the importance of building strong, supportive communities,” said Scott Camirand, Chair of the McAuley Ministries Board of Trustees. “Her experience, compassion, and commitment to Rhode Island make her an outstanding choice to lead McAuley Ministries into its next chapter.”

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Most recently, McDermott was Director of Sales, Marketing & Operations at Tri-Bro Manufacturing, where she led strategic growth initiatives and oversaw operations for a global business. Prior, she was Director of Publications at AAA Northeast. She also has extensive nonprofit leadership experience, having served for more than a decade as board chair of both Sojourner House, a domestic violence and housing agency, and Higher Ground International, which supports refugees and immigrants from West Africa and Liberia.

“I am deeply honored to join McAuley Ministries and to carry forward its legacy of mercy,” said McDermott. “Throughout my career and community involvement, I have seen the transformative impact of meeting people with dignity, consistency, and care. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters to strengthen and grow this vital mission.”

McAuley Ministries has served the Providence community for more than 50 years, providing a range of programs including meals, housing, childcare, and essential support services for individuals and families facing hardship.

Christine is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University. She lives in Warwick with her husband, Michael, and sons, Logan and Jonah.