WASHINGTON (February 18, 1998) -- Mark Franken was today named Executive Director of the U.S. Catholic Conference's Migration and Refugee Services, permanently filling the post in which he had served as Interim Executive Director since September.

Msgr. Dennis M. Schnurr, General Secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/USCC, made the announcement.

Franken began work for the USCC as a resettlement coordinator in February 1980. He served in various capacities within Migration and Refugee Services, becoming director of refugee programs in June 1996. Last September, he was named Interim Executive Director of MRS following the departure of John Swenson, who left after four years in the post.

"Eighteen years ago this month, Mark Franken began a career with the Conference which has been marked by an admirable dedication to and compassion for some of society's most forgotten members," said Msgr. Schnurr. "He has distinguished himself through his unswerving commitment to the newcomers to our country and the Conference is blessed to have him at the helm of this important department. I am pleased that he has agreed to oversee all of the operations assigned to MRS, from policy, to refugee resettlement to pastoral care."

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