Kiley Reappointed as Diocesan Chancellor

FALL RIVER — Twelve years after the Diocese of Fall River began a sweeping financial and service culture overhaul, the lay administrator who has overseen much of that work has been reappointed to continue in his role in service to the Catholic Church in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has reappointed Kevin Kiley to a third term with the expanded title of Chancellor, Chief Finance and Operating Officer, formally recognizing the integrated leadership role Kiley has exercised across finance, operations, and Diocesan administration over the years.

The reappointment, which became effective April 18, 2026, is for an additional five-year term that will, Kiley says, mark a shift from rebuilding to sustaining, ensuring the Diocese is responsibly prepared for the future.

Kiley first took the role in 2016 after a 23-year career with the Archdiocese of Boston when the Diocese of Fall River – like many across the country – was working to rebuild trust, modernize Diocesan operations, and strengthen its foundation for the future. Under Bishop da Cunha, Kiley’s portfolio of responsibilities quickly expanded from being finance focused to oversight of day-to-day Chancery-wide operations that support 64 parishes, 18 schools and other affiliated organizations. Together, these entities serve approximately 250,000 Catholics in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.

The turnaround is measurable and reflects the collective work of clergy, staff, and lay leaders across the Fall River Diocese. Since 2017, the Diocese has achieved certified financial audits, strengthened financial oversight through reconstituted governance boards and councils, modernized parish and school financial systems and launched major initiatives focused on clergy support, evangelization, and strategic planning. Its Safe Environment Enterprise, which screens and trains clergy, staff, and volunteers, was ranked number three among diocesan programs nationwide in a 2023 report by Voice of the Faithful, an independent lay Catholic group focused on ensuring transparency in the Catholic Church.

These efforts have worked to restore credibility and reinforce the ongoing commitment of Bishop da Cunha to transparency and service.

“Kevin’s leadership has been instrumental in restoring trust and building a strong foundation for the future of the Diocese,” said Bishop da Cunha. “I am grateful for his continued service and commitment to our priests, parishes, schools, and affiliated organizations in our Diocese.”

In accepting the reappointment, Kiley reflected that “Bishop da Cunha is a great leader, and I am grateful for the trust he places in me. The opportunity to continue serving the Diocese alongside our amazing staff is an honor.

During what he envisions as his final term, Kiley identifies his priorities to include advancing the Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative, supporting the Diocese’s first ever comprehensive capital campaign, strengthening long-term financial sustainability, and ensuring thoughtful succession planning across Diocesan boards and councils; all under the umbrella of an ‘Enterprise Risk Management’ framework.

Kiley assures all members of the Diocese that he and the Chancery Service Team “remain committed to a culture of service, transparency, and trust-building” as they continue to navigate the demographic, financial, and pastoral challenges facing the Church today.

Diocese of Fall River

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