Catholic Charities of Buffalo has introduced the members of the Appeal 2026 leadership team. This year’s Appeal is led by Daniel Mecca as chair, Pia and Eugene O’Connor as vice chairs, Patricia Spear as parish and community division chair, Nicholas Knab as corporate division chair, and Connor Rosenecker as corporate…
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Tony DeSimone Following an extensive seven-month search by its board of trustees, Catholic Charities of Buffalo has named Tony DeSimone as the organization’s new president & CEO, effective March 2. DeSimone succeeds Deacon Steve Schumer, who retired at the end of 2025 after serving six years in the role. “Across…
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Kelly Zielinski Catholic Charities of Buffalo has promoted Kelly Zielinski to director of finance. She succeeds Bob Hasselbeck who has been appointed chief financial officer. Zielinski joined Catholic Charities in 2012, and has steadily advanced her roles within the agency, becoming senior accountant in 2021, and most recently served as…
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Robert Hasselbeck Catholic Charities of Buffalo has named Robert Hasselbeck to chief financial officer. He succeeds Mike Quinn who is retiring at the end of the year. “We are deeply grateful for the expertise, leadership, and mentorship Mike has brought to the agency and his guidance laid a strong foundation…
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Deacon Steve Schumer Deacon Steve Schumer, president & CEO of Catholic Charities of Buffalo announced his retirement to the agency’s Board of Trustees on Thursday, July 10 and in a video message to staff and volunteers today. Schumer’s retirement becomes effective on December 31, 2025. Quoting scripture in his message…
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Catholic Charities of Buffalo has named Justin Fax, practice director for behavioral health services, and Elizabeth Millen, manager of recruitment & engagement. Fax will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s five behavioral health clinics in Erie and Niagara counties, as well as ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of behavioral…
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Catholic Charities of Buffalo today announced leadership promotions within its newly integrated Communications and Development Department. Chuck Hayes has been named chief communications & development officer, and Kaitlin Jackson was promoted to director, agency communications. “To create efficiencies and enhance capabilities when it comes to communicating the mission and services…
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Catholic Charities of Buffalo has announced the promotion of Elise Pogorzelski to senior director, school-based services. In this new role, she oversees Catholic Charities’ school-based offerings, which include the in-school social work, closing the gap, and foster grandparent programs, as well as works toward expanding partner networks and community-based service…
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Catholic Charities of Buffalo has named Cherie Sugg its chief human resources officer. Cherie Sugg In her new role, Sugg will be responsible for shaping and executing human resource strategies for the organization including overseeing the recruitment and retention of a diverse and skilled workforce, managing employee relations, developing and…
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Catholic Charities of Buffalo announced the members of its Appeal 2024 leadership team which include Kevin Gannon as chair, Michael Noe, MD, MPH as vice chair, Gina Giese as parish and community division chair, and C. Kevin Brayer and David Wolf as corporate division co-chairs. After previously serving as both…
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