ROCKFORD—Claudia Broman began service at the Diocese of Rockford as its new Charitable Giving Director on March 15.

 

She brings a wide variety of experience to the position, most recently as development director of Warhawk Catholic, which is the Catholic campus ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, part of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. 

 

Her work there included creating a foundation for a long-term annual giving program, and donor relations and communications. 

 

Her past employment includes service as a parish music director, marketing manager, publisher and editor of an online news source for northern Wisconsin, college director of annual giving and public relations, and she began her career as a staff writer at papers in northern Wisconsin.

 

Since 2001, she has done a lot of freelance writing work for entities including a hospital foundation, the grocery industry, and other foundations and dioceses.

 

Broman’s education includes a bachelor’s in environmental studies, a master’s in communicating arts, a certificate of Catholic theology, liturgical theology from the University of Notre Dame, and a certificate in Catholic Social Doctrine with the topic of “Women in Public Life” from several participating international universities.

 

Her honors include graduating from Macalester College with Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude honors (2000), receiving an Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources Fellowship (2003), and an arts council grant and awards from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the Inland Press Association. She also was awarded a Rotary fellowship for one month of professional travel to Lithuania.

 

Broman’s volunteer service has given her experience with prison ministry, several music ministries including a Spanish Mass choir, the Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin, and with a Catholic school and a public library. 

 

Although she does not claim to be fluent in Spanish, she can “speak and read” it ... about “55 to 60%” she says, adding, “I would say I understand more than I can speak.”

 

Broman brings enthusiasm to her new venture as she dives into this busy spring.

 

“I am grateful and blessed to be part of the good work being done throughout the Rockford Diocese,” she says. “It is truly a happy Lent!”

 

Other changes

 

Denise Dobrowolski is moving out of the Charitable Giving Office to work part-time as the Fiscal Manager and Controller for Catholic Education.

 

“We are fortunate to have Claudia on board,” Dobrowolski says, “She is transitioning well during a fun yet challenging time as we prepare for the 2021 Diocesan Annual Appeal kickoff. At the same time, “I am fortunate to be spending time with Sue Murray — visiting schools, learning the ropes, with the hopes of stepping into a role she has done for many years.  I truly look forward to working with the Education Office again,” Dobrowolski said.

 

Later in April Susan Murray, longtime Fiscal Manager and Controller for Catholic Education, will retire. 

 

Watch future issues of The Observer for more information.