Diane-Louise (D-L) Casson is Parish Administrator
Diane-Louise (D-L) Casson has extensive experience in higher education management, community development, and public health applied research. D-L was also honored when named a Trustee for Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. She is now the SsAM representative to the Friendship House Board previously was the Vice President of the Board.
Before her retirement, she managed the W.K.-Kellogg-Foundation-funded “Philadelphia Urban Food & Fitness Alliance” through which African-American and Cambodian teenagers learned and used advocacy for increased access to healthy food and safe places to play. She designed and implemented the enhanced mortgage program and the approach for rehabbing 21 long-time vacant houses in the community neighboring the University of Pennsylvania. Under her leadership, 300 new homeowners were added to the neighborhood in 18 months and more than 100 existing homeowners received matching rehab funds.
She held a senior management position responsible for the development of the one stop shopping Student Financial Services Office at Penn. Her responsibility was to ensure that all aspects of the merger of the four offices (and the 100+ staff) went smoothly including developing new job descriptions, reporting relationships, policies and procedures, and cross-training protocols. In her role as Associate Treasurer, in addition to managing the University’s cash, she negotiated many of the cost cutting contracts for ATMs, credit card fees and banking programs and was the primary liaison with Penn’s multiple banking relationships.
At SsAM, D-L is now the Parish Administration and oversees the finances and administrative functions. D-L can also be found answering phones and greeting people along with coordinating the ministries and developing the training for all the liturgical participants. She developed “Unfolding our Liturgy” as an informational and training piece for SsAM members. With a nudge from David Christopher, D-L joined Delaware Choral Arts. On the Diocesan level, D-L was named Convention Secretary by the Rt. Rev. Kevin S. Brown and is now the Chair of the Deputation to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2021.
Position Summary (as of September, 2019)
The position of the Parish Administrator (PA) is a very important special ministry in a church setting. The PA is a key member of the church staff and works closely with the Rector to manage the areas of finance and accounting, human resources, facilities management, and general administration.
Reporting and Supervision:
Reports to the Rector and coordinates efforts with the Vestry, Parish Treasurer, and parish ministries.The PA supervises the part-time Finance Associate and the Accountant and works closely with the Parish Ministries Coordinator and the Director of Music/Organist.
Finance & Accounting:
Process, approve, monitor, control and plan all financial transactions.
Manage and communicate all budgets and cash flows and generate monthly reports.
Serve as financial reporting liaison to the Vestry, parish committees, parish ministries and staff.
Human Resources:
Ensure proper procedures and documentation for the hiring, evaluation and, if needed, termination of employees.
Ensure proper submission of payroll and retirement contributions for processing; prepare 1099s.
Facilities management:
Coordinate and communicate with the property committee concerning financial and maintenance priorities.
Oversee proactive maintenance schedule for building and rectory systems.
