Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A retired FBI agent will head the U.S. bishops’ consultative safe environment body, while a clergy abuse survivor, a nursing professor, and two clinical social workers are also among the board’s August 1 appointments.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has appointed James Bogner as the next chair of the National Review Board. A former high-level FBI special agent with more than 35 years of law enforcement experience, Bogner succeeds outgoing chair Suzanne Healy, who recently completed her four-year term, having led the board since 2020.

Three new members have also been appointed to the board: Paulette Adams, a tenured professor emeritus at the University of Louisville School of Nursing; independent business owner Scott Surette, a survivor of clerical abuse; and retired clinical social worker Barbara Thorp of the Archdiocese of Boston.

Reappointed to the board for a second term was Vivian M. Akel, a retired licensed clinical social worker who serves as safe environment coordinator for the Maronite Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn.

The board appointments were announced in two separate press releases issued by the USCCB on August 1.

The lay-led, 15-member board is a key part of the bishops’ commitment to preventing sexual abuse of minors, as detailed in the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” established in 2002 amid numerous emerging clerical abuse scandals. Commonly called the Dallas Charter, this document lays out comprehensive procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy and includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention.

Created alongside the charter’s adoption, the board works closely with USCCB to uphold it. Among its functions are reviewing annual reports and overall work by bishops’ Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection; alerting this secretariat and its standing committee about issues; and making recommendations.

The professional backgrounds of these appointees reflect diverse experiences relevant to addressing sexual abuse within the church.

During his FBI career, Bogner oversaw internal affairs units and served as special agent in charge in several capacities. His positions included supervisory roles in investigating domestic terrorist attacks such as Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and designing post-9/11 airport security protocols in Nebraska and Iowa. A lifelong Catholic active with Knights Columbus Bogner chairs advisory review ministerial misconduct boards Archdiocese Omaha well Missionary Society St Columban’s US review board

Surette knows firsthand trauma clerical sexual abuse molested age abusive priest native Indiana Four decades fallout led him seek healing resources Diocese Lafayette provided counseling arranged meeting Bishop Timothy L Doherty According USCCB release Surette believes given vision abuser eyes Christ coming see now-deceased priest hurt wounded lost soul whom fully forgave prays regularly

“This healing peace touched every aspect Mr Surette life wishes bring total paradigm shift anger vengeance healing forgiveness Church help recover deep wounds caused,” said release

Adams longtime nurse nursing professor years experience legal consultant malpractice cases handled law firms testified court expert witness served Louisville sexual review creation chairing Peace Justice Commission

Thorp spent years clinical worker founded directed Pastoral Support Outreach providing trauma-informed services survivors family members parishes assisted first papal meeting Pope Benedict XVI April encounter Cardinal Seán O Malley initiated post-abortion ministry Project Rachel member Awake community survivors concerned Catholics allies responding wounds

In addition leading safe environment office Maronite Eparchy St Maron Brooklyn Akel member since serves seminary formator marriage preparation facilitator spent school New York City Department Education directed acute care medical center maintained private psychotherapy practice until

Archbishop Broglio thanked Healy leadership service welcoming Bogner said release experienced excellent collaborative working relationship

“We witnessed great strides challenges continued ongoing efforts strengthen renew protection young people healing victims,” said “I thank Mrs longtime most crucial issue look forward working (National Review Board) under leadership continuing process future.”