SAN ANTONIO • Monday, Feb. 20 marked the first day on the job for the archdiocese’s newest employee as the retired president of Valero Energy, Edward Benninger, assumed his responsibilities as vice-chancellor for administration.     Archbishop José H. Gomez introduced Benninger to chancery employees at a meeting Feb. 17, saying, “I am extremely grateful for the willingness of Mr. Benninger to share his considerable business experience with the church. I know that, with his guidance, the archdiocese will be better stewards of the gifts of the Catholic faithful have entrusted to us in service of God’s people.”

    Benninger served as president of Valero Energy Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, from 1996 to 1998. During his 23 years of serv-ice with Valero and Lovaca Gathering Co., he held many positions. At Valero Energy Benninger served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.

    As vice chancellor for administration, Benninger’s primary responsibilities will be in the area of coordination of the budgeting process for the arch-diocesan budget and oversight of all business operational matters of the archdiocese. Archbishop Gomez added, “I believe Mr. Benninger will help us be more efficient and effective.”

    “I have gotten to know Archbishop Gomez well in the past year,” Benninger said. “And feel we have a relationship built on faith and mutual respect. I look forward to assisting him in this new role, and thank him for giving me this special opportunity to serve.”

    Benninger offered his serv-ices to Archbishop Gomez personally, when he was asked to suggest possible candidates for the vice chancellor position. The archbishop told Benninger he couldn’t pay him a salary that even approached his days at Valero. In response, Benninger said that this was an opportunity for him to serve his church, using his God-given gifts and business experience. Benninger said, “After seven years of retirement, this is an opportunity for me to not only share my time and talent, but also to put structure and purpose back into my life.”

    Benninger graduated from Texas Tech University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and was honored as a distinguished alumnus. He is a parishioner and chairman of the Pastoral Council at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and chairman of its $2.3 million capital campaign. He is also a member of the Assumption Seminary Expansion Campaign Fundraising Committee. In September 2000, he was honored by being named by papal order a Knight of St. Gregory the Great for his many charitable endeavors.