Following a national search, Bishop Barry C. Knestout has appointed Sarah Fogler as human resources officer (HRO) for the Diocese of Richmond, effective Monday, May 2.
Fogler succeeds Dorothy “Dot” Mahanes, who announced her retirement in November after 17 years of service to the diocese.
Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo appointed Mahanes in 2004 to develop and strengthen the Human Resources Office. During her tenure, she was instrumental in creating the diocese’s Office of Safe Environment and establishing compensation structures and guidelines.
In collaboration with the Office of Finance, she pursued technological efficiencies for payroll and expanded employee benefits to include multiple health plans and a defined contribution 403(b) plan.
Under the direction of Bishop Knestout, she was responsible for implementing EthicsPoint – an independent, third-party reporting system that allows employees, clergy, volunteers or parishioners to anonymously submit concerns about suspected unethical behavior, misuse of resources or financial misconduct. Most recently, she assisted and guided the diocese with policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fogler, who holds a master’s degree in administration, training and policy studies from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, has worked as the director of the diocesan Office of Human Resources for the last 12 years in various capacities. She has been assistant director of human resources; senior recruiting, training and project manager; benefits and as payroll/ HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems) manager. Previously, she worked for Capital One Financial for eight years.
“Sarah brings more than 20 years of strategic human resources management and leadership to the diocese,” said Bishop Knestout. “I am grateful to have someone of Sarah’s expertise, principles and management skills to assist our hardworking professionals who work for our local Church.
“I look forward to the continuity she will bring to the office and the ongoing strengthening of our operations and employee recruitment that will build upon the caliber of work Dot Mahanes brought to the diocese.”
Like Mahanes, Fogler is certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources.