Bishop Burbidge is pleased to announce that Robert Jurman is joining the Office of Development as Director of Annual Appeal Programs, effective October 28th. In this role, Robert will oversee the development, organization, and implementation of the annual Bishop’s Lenten Appeal, coordinate the Parish Offertory Program, and manage the development efforts of the Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation (DASF).
Jeanne Combos, who has led the BLA for the past 19+ years, will continue to work with Robert on the 2025 BLA through May 31, 2025. We are grateful to Jeanne for her many years of service, which has helped the Arlington Diocese to have one of the most successful annual appeals in the country. Jeanne will also be providing guidance to Robert on the Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation and Offertory Program throughout the coming months.
Robert began his development career in the Archdiocese of New York as a Campaign Manager. In that role, he directed capital campaign and annual appeal strategies for 25 diverse churches. He moved from the Archdiocese of New York to CCS Fundraising where he consulted the Basilica School of Saint Mary on the Mary Lead Us Capital Campaign. For the past 2.5 years, Robert has served as the Development Coordinator for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. In this role, he assisted in raising $17.4M for their 2023 Annual Appeal and increasing parish offertory by an average of 20%.
Robert earned his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Criminal Justice Administration from St. Joseph’s College. He has a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing, from Wagner College.
Please welcome Robert to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and pray for him and his wife, especially at this time of transition.
