Leadership

Catholic Charities of Buffalo today announced a restructure of its finance department and new leadership appointments. Ryan Undercoffer has been named chief financial officer and Robert Hasselbeck will serve as controller for the human services agency. “Adding additional leadership and expertise to our finance team is part of a broader…

L-R: Leigh Murak, director of human resources; Tony DeSimone, president & CEO; Cherie Sugg, chief human resources officer; and Molly Oliver, chief operating officer. Catholic Charities of Buffalo was recently awarded with the WNY Women’s Foundation P.O.W.E.R Seal, which stands for Positioning Organizations & Women to Excel & Rise. This…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…