As Marlene Lao-Collins looks to retirement, faith has been at the heart of who she is and all she does

Marlene Lao-Collins will retire from her position as executive director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Trenton at the end of this year. She has led the organization for 15 years.

Bishop David M. O'Connell appointed Lao-Collins to the role in 2011 after she served as the social concerns director for the New Jersey Catholic Conference. In her previous role, she worked with the state's Catholic bishops on issues including housing, health care, poverty, and hunger. Bishop O'Connell described her as a committed servant to those in need.

Lao-Collins stated that her Catholic faith, which teaches treating others with dignity and love, guided her career in government, nonprofit organizations, and ministry. She expressed gratitude for her colleagues and partners while noting her confidence in the future of the organization.