Michael Stock, a veteran public administrator and ordained deacon, has been named Episcopal Director of Operations for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.
In the newly created role, Stock will be responsible for overseeing and organizing daily operations of the Diocese, reporting directly to Bishop Kevin Vann.
“It’s an honor to serve the Diocese of Orange and the Catholic Church,” said Stock, a San Clemente resident who was ordained a deacon in 2015 by Bishop Vann and is assigned to St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve others and work collaboratively to fulfill the Church’s mission.”
Stock brings more than 35 years of executive leadership and legal experience to the Diocese. He most recently served as Assistant CEO and Human Resources Director for the County of Riverside. Prior to joining the County of Riverside, he was Senior Vice President for Employers Compensation Insurance Company and, prior to that, a Deputy District Attorney for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted felony criminal and civil matters and served as a member of the special prosecutions section.
“We are blessed as a Diocese to benefit from the talents, faith and commitment of Mike,” Bishop Vann said. “I look forward to his gifts being dedicated to our faithful journey here in the Diocese of Orange.”
Stock brings an extensive set of expertise and professional skills that will be invaluable to the Diocese of Orange, said Tom Burnham, Human Resources Director of the Diocese.
“Michael is a man of deep faith who truly is attracted to this important position to be of service and to assist with our important works of ministry,” Burnham said.
Stock earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University and a Juris Doctorate from California Southern Law School. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Marines and was recalled to active service in 1991 for Operation Desert Storm.
Stock and his wife of 37 years, Rosy, have two adult children and two grandchildren.
He joins the Diocese at a time of growth and transformation: preparations are underway for the dedication of Christ Cathedral in July 2019 and plans are moving forward to build a new church in Santa Ana for the Christ our Savior parish. There are an estimated 1.2 million Catholics in Orange County, and the Diocese includes 62 parishes and institutes and 41 schools.
“It’s an exciting time to help spread the good news and be the body of Christ here on earth,” Stock said. “I’m thankful for Bishop Vann’s confidence in me and blessed to be a part of the journey of the Diocese of Orange.”