Our Staff

Leading the Catholic Foundation was an opportunity Lisa could not pass up. “It is a pleasure for me to put my professional skills to work for causes that inspire me personally,” she says. In collaboration with its board of directors, Lisa guides the work of the foundation to raise, manage growth and grant funds to support the mission and ministries of the Catholic faith following each donor’s intent.

Prior to her work with the Catholic Foundation, Lisa held a variety of leadership positions in marketing, communications, and fundraising at the Regional Cancer Center over the course of more than 20 years. She earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2018.

Lisa holds a BA in speech communication from Miami University of Ohio and an MA in communication studies from West Virginia University. She and her husband, Mark, have four children and are active members at St. Jude parish.

Inspired by her experiences as a parish volunteer, Julia Cooney has a deep appreciation for the difference donors and organizations can make together. “Connecting donors with the causes they are passionate about can truly advance the mission of the church and, ultimately, change the lives of both philanthropic individuals and those who are impacted by their generosity,” she says.

As Operations Director, Julia directs day-to-day Foundation operations, ensuring accuracy and consistency in processes, financial transactions, data management, and collaboration with ministries and organizations. She also serves as the Recording Secretary of the Catholic Foundation.

In addition to her extensive volunteer work at Our Lady of Peace parish and school, Julia previously worked as the Catholic Foundation Development Services Coordinator and has experience as a programmer/analyst. She earned a BS in Computer Information Systems from Westminster College. She and her husband Michael are proud parents of three daughters.

As Development Associate Elizabeth Rathburn provides administrative support to the operations of the Foundation and contributes to a variety of constituent relations activities including assistance with marketing and communication materials and plans, social media and events. She welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s growth by bringing new ideas and a different perspective to current efforts.

Elizabeth earned BAs in Music and Communication and an MS in Organizational Leadership from Mercyhurst University. In her spare time Elizabeth can be found sharing her musical talents volunteering in orchestra pits around the Erie area, adding to her stack of fiction novel drafts, or playing with her cat, Mugsy.

With over 25 years of work experience and as a long-time volunteer in the church, joining the Catholic Foundation team was a natural fit for Ellie. “I am excited to raise awareness of the opportunities provided by the Catholic Foundation to support and advance our Catholic faith and the capacity for spiritual growth for all generations well into the future.”

As Marketing Director, Ellie develops and implements marketing, communications and event initiatives supporting strategic priorities of the Foundation to fulfil its mission.

Ellie holds a BS in Human Development and Education from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to moving to Erie, she held positions with several nonprofit organizations and faith communities including Operations Director with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southwest Florida and United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida, and Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Onslow County, NC. She was Artistic Director/Cantor at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL for many years and Music Director at St Paul Catholic Church, New Bern, NC. More recently Ellie was Director of Church Life at Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern, NC and Donor Advisor at St Martin Center in Erie PA.

Ellie’s husband, Ed, grew up in Erie, PA. They returned to the area to be closer to family and dear friends. Ellie serves as a cantor and musical professional at various churches in the community.