Bishop Gregory Kelly has appointed Melissa Briscoe as Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Tyler, effective April 7, 2026.
In her role, Briscoe will oversee the Diocese’s financial operations, including accounting, reporting, and budgeting, and will guide financial planning for the Diocese and its ministries. She will work closely with diocesan staff, the Finance Council, and parish leaders to support sound stewardship and long-term stability.
“Melissa brings both strong financial expertise and a deep commitment to the life of the Church,” Bishop Kelly said. “Her experience in mission-driven healthcare, combined with her active faith life, makes her exceptionally well-suited to help guide the Diocese in faithful and responsible stewardship. I am grateful for her willingness to serve and confident in her ability to support the mission entrusted to us.”
Briscoe comes to the Diocese after six years as Chief Financial Officer of Bethesda Health Clinic in Tyler, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 to provide affordable, compassionate healthcare to uninsured East Texans. In that role, she led financial planning, compliance, and other key areas in a setting dedicated to serving the most vulnerable. She previously held leadership positions in finance and accounting with healthcare organizations throughout East Texas.
“I am honored to serve the Diocese of Tyler in this capacity,” Briscoe said. “The Church’s mission is close to my heart, and I look forward to supporting our parishes, schools, and ministries through careful stewardship and faithful service.”
Briscoe is an active parishioner at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Whitehouse, where she serves as a catechist and Eucharistic minister. She has also been involved in volunteer efforts in the Whitehouse community and with Whitehouse ISD. She and her husband, Zack, have three adult children. She is a graduate from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Briscoe succeeds Dwayne Friesen, who retired in April 2026 after six years of dedicated service to the Diocese.
The Diocese of Tyler remains committed to responsible stewardship of its resources in service to the Gospel, ensuring that its financial practices continue to support the pastoral and evangelical mission of the Church.
