Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville announces that Executive Director Judy Orr will retire in 2026 after more than six years of dedicated service. Orr has led the agency since May 2019. She shared her plans with the Board of Trustees on August 29, 2025. Her retirement date will be determined once a successor is hired and a transition plan is in place.
Under Orr’s leadership, Catholic Charities has experienced unprecedented growth and expanded its role as one of Middle Tennessee’s leading nonprofit service providers. Highlights of her tenure include:
- Revenue growth and donor support: Contributions have more than tripled, from $574,753 in FY18 to $1,697,479 in FY25, with projections to exceed $2M in FY26.
- Expansion into new counties: Orr championed the diocesan goal of opening family resource centers, leading to four successful locations across the region.
- Navigating crises: She guided the agency through the March 2020 tornado, followed immediately by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Christmas Day Bombing, and recent federal funding cuts.
- Community impact: Catholic Charities now serves more than 25,000 individuals annually through eight locations, supported by nearly 100 staff and countless volunteers.
- Organizational innovation: Orr oversaw a rebranding initiative, strategic planning, enhanced professional development for staff, and improved financial transparency.
During her time as executive director, Catholic Charities’ total revenue more than doubled—from $11.4M with 90 employees to $27M with 200 employees.
In sharing her decision, Orr reflected on both her professional journey and personal commitments, including the joy of welcoming two additional grandchildren locally and caring for her husband Jay in his journey with Parkinson’s Disease. She emphasized her dedication to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and positioning the agency for long-term success.
The Board of Trustees will soon begin a search process for the next executive director. Orr will remain in her role until a successor is on board and transition plans are complete.
