Bernie Fitzsimmons joined House of Mercy in April, 2024 as Associate Director of Development. Most recently, he served as the Associate Director of Development at the Archdiocese of
Newark, NJ, where he provided strategic leadership in areas such as data-driven moves management, technological optimization for operational processes, and fostering collaboration among national Diocesan offices. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Montana, with additional coursework in Sydney, Australia, and outdoor leadership experiences in Alaska and Maine. His involvement in American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations underscores his dedication to outdoor conservation and service for others. In 2021 and 2023, he  volunteered on a sustainable coffee farm in Costa Rica with La Finca LIFE (Low Impact for Earth), blending coffee production, conservation, and organic agriculture with low environmental impact energy systems. These diverse experiences have shaped his professional and personal philosophy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and a deep connection  to communities, both near and far.