Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, president of the California Catholic Conference (CCC) announced that Andrew Rivas has been named as executive director of the California Catholic Conference in Sacramento. He assumed his position in early August at the end of the legislative session.
“Andy stood out in an exceptionally qualified field of candidates,” said Bishop Soto. “He knows California politics, he knows Washington politics and, more importantly, he is devoted to the mission of the Catholic Church in California. He will be a valued co-worker for the special ministry that is the California Catholic Conference."
Rivas replaced Edward “Ned” Dolejsi, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Rivas brings more than 20 years of leadership and ministry experience to CCC, most recently as the Director, Office of Government and Community Relations for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Previously he served as Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference; Policy Advisor in Domestic Social Development with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; as an Advocate for Catholic Charities USA in Alexandria, VA.
“Andy has been a friend and colleague for many years, since we served together in Texas. He has been a blessing to my ministry and to the family of God here in Los Angeles,” said Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles. “We are going to miss him here, but I know he will do great things in Sacramento for the whole church in California.”
Rivas earned a degree from UCLA and a law degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He has served on numerous boards and committees.