Two years after leaving private practice to become general counsel for the Archdiocese of Washington, Kim Viti Fiorentino says her most important role as the principal legal adviser to the Catholic nonprofit is to listen, collaborate and serve.

“Listening, asking questions and getting input is often more useful than just talking,” said Fiorentino, who also serves as chancellor—the highest position a layperson can hold in the Catholic Church—a key administrative position that includes providing counsel to Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, on legal and public policy issues.