YOUNGSTOWN — Lucas “Luke” Politsky has been promoted to director of development and stewardship for the Diocese of Youngstown starting this month, having served as the Office’s Fund Development Specialist since 2018.

As fund development specialist, Politsky has worked closely with donors, parishes, diocesan ministries, the Diocese of Youngstown Foundation and the Diocesan Stewardship Commission to promote stewardship as a way of life through a variety of initiatives, programs and campaigns. In addition to continuing these activities, the Office of Development and Stewardship under Politsky’s leadership will regain oversight and administration of the annual bishop’s appeal, previously the responsibility of the Department for Social Concerns since 2015.

Politsky’s academic background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration and a certificate in nonprofit leadership, all from Youngstown State University. He is a member of the International Catholic Stewardship Council and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter, on which he serves as a member of the board of directors.

Politsky’s background in fundraising includes an internship with the YSU Office of University Development and past service as president of the Poland School Foundation for Educational Excellence. Before his professional services to the Diocese, he was employed in a variety of roles at YSU and continues as a part-time faculty member in the university’s Honors College.

A resident of Poland, Politsky is a member of St. Columba Cathedral Parish, Youngstown and Holy Family Parish, Poland, and serves in a variety of liturgical and spiritual formation ministries. He also serves on the YSU Newman Center Board of Advisors.

Pat Palombo, previous director of development and stewardship, retired from his position in June 2020 after 40 years of service to the diocese.

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