Steven Velardo Named Inaugural President of Foundations in Education
May 18, 2026 | Foundations in Education | General Media Mentions News
Foundations in Education today announced the appointment of Steven Velardo as its inaugural President, effective June 1, 2026.
Foundations in Education is Connecticut’s largest scholarship-granting organization supporting Catholic education across the Diocese of Bridgeport.Since its founding in 2015, Foundations in Education has awarded more than 14,500 student tuition assistance awards totaling over $29 million, helping students across the Diocese of Bridgeport receive a Catholic education. The Board’s vision for the next decade is to at least double that impact.
The appointment fulfills a commitment made by Board Chairman Joe Purcell in January, when he told FIE’s friends and donors that a new leadership model, a President supported by additional positions, would be in place no later than July.
Mr. Velardo joins FIE from the Diocese of Bridgeport, where he most recently served as Senior Director of Development for Leadership Gifts. Since 2022, he has worked alongside the philanthropic partners supporting Catholic schools, charitable outreach, and pastoral ministries throughout Fairfield County.
“Catholic education in our Diocese is one of the most powerful expressions of the One renewal: a place where families encounter Christ in classrooms, on playing fields, and at parent-teacher conferences. Foundations in Education has been at the heart of making that education accessible, and Steven Velardo is the right leader to carry that mission into its next chapter. He knows our donors, he knows our schools, and he knows that what we are doing here matters.” ~ Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
“In January, I told our friends and donors that we would have new leadership in place no later than July. I’m delighted to share that we have found that leader sooner and that he comes to us with deep relationships across our donor community and a clear vision for growth. Steven understands the trust that has built Foundations in Education, and he is ready to take it forward.” ~ Joe Purcell, Foundations in Education Board Chair
“I have spent the last four years getting to know the families, donors, and educators who make Catholic education in Fairfield County such an extraordinary gift. To be asked to lead Foundations in Education at this moment, building on the first ten years of success, is both a humbling responsibility and the privilege of a lifetime. I’m grateful to Bishop Caggiano, Joe Purcell, and the Board for their trust, and I cannot wait to get to work.” ~ Steven Velardo, Incoming FIE President
To Read Joe Purcell’s letter to friends and donors, please click here.