WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has appointed two
Catholics to his third Advisory Council on Faith-Based and
Neighborhood Partnerships.
Kevin Ryan, CEO and president of Covenant House
International, and Stephen Schneck, director of the Institute
for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic
University in Washington, were among the 18 appointed
announced Sept. 24.
The presidential advisory council brings together religious
and secular leaders as well as scholars and experts in fields
related to the work of faith-based and neighborhood
organizations. It focuses on steps the government should take
to reduce poverty and inequality and create opportunity for
all, including changes in policies, programs, and practices
that affect the delivery of services by faith-based and
community organizations and the needs of low-income and other
underserved people.
Ryan has led Covenant House since 2009. From 2008 to 2009, he
served as chief operating officer of the U.N. Special Envoy
for Malaria. From 2006 to 2008, he was the first commissioner
of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. From
2003 to 2006, Ryan served as the first state child advocate
in the Office of the Child Advocate in New Jersey.
Prior to his government service, he served as director of the
youth advocacy center at Covenant House New Jersey. From 1992
to 1997, Ryan worked as a Skadden fellow and staff attorney
at Covenant House New York.
Schneck has been at the helm of Institute for Policy Research
& Catholic Studies at Catholic University since 2005.
From 1996 to 2005, he was chair of the university’s politics
department, and from 1990 to 2005, he was an associate
professor of politics. Schneck earned a bachelor’s degree
from Rockhurst University, and master’s and doctoral degrees
from the University of Notre Dame.
