"Mr. Rivas' gifts are in many ways unique and well suited for this position," Bishop Aymond said. "With a law degree from The Catholic University of America and having worked for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he is very knowledgeable of church teaching, especially on social justice. He is highly respected by his co-workers at USCCB and on Capitol Hill."

Rivas served as policy advisor for the USCCB for more than four years, concentrating on federal legislation that impacted criminal justice, agriculture and environmental issues. Prior to his position at the USCCB, he worked for Catholic Charities USA and the Senate Commerce Committee.

"I am very excited over the opportunity to serve as the new executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference, and to live in one of the most beautiful cities in America," Rivas said. "I have always considered working for the church a blessing because it has allowed me to serve my community in a meaningful way. Now my community will include the city of Austin and the state of Texas."

Rivas follows Holy Cross Brother Richard Daly, who served as executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference for 26 years. Rivas will be the fourth director for the Conference when he assumes the position on July 1.

The Texas Catholic Conference was founded in 1963 to encourage and foster cooperation and communication among the dioceses and the ministries of the Catholic Church in Texas. A major function is to be the public policy arm of the bishops of Texas before the Texas legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress, and state agencies. The public policy issues addressed by the Conference include institutional concerns of the Catholic Church as well as issues related to Catholic social teachings.