Newark, N.J., Jul 26, 2006 / 22:00 pm
A former aide to three New Jersey governors has been named executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference.
Patrick Brannigan, 63, came out of retirement to begin working at the Catholic Conference this week. Prior to his retirement in February, Brannigan had pursued a lifelong career in state government. He had worked as deputy chief of management and operations in the governor's office, serving former Govs. James E. McGreevey and Richard Codey, reported the Star-Ledger.
Brannigan succeeds William Bolan, who has retired after 22 years with the conference.
In a prepared statement, Archbishop John Myers of Newark praised Brannigan's, "wide range of experience and expertise.”
"We believe he will serve the conference and the New Jersey bishops well as we seek to maintain a strong, solid voice in the shaping of laws and policies that deal ethically, fairly, and justly with everyone in society," the archbishop said.