by Kaitlin Jackson
Latham
Catholic Charities of Buffalo has named Meichle Latham, LCSW-R, Chief Operating Officer (COO). Dennis C. Walczyk, chief executive officer, and Sister Mary McCarrick, diocesan director, made the announcement.
Latham, a Buffalo resident, has been with Catholic Charities since 1995, beginning as a clinical services specialist and most recently serving as the agency’s Encompass Children’s Health Home Regional Director.
As COO, Latham will be responsible for leading and managing an array of services and programs, as well as carrying out all duties pertaining to licensure, accreditation, fiscal viability and contracts for the agency. She will also aid in developing and managing aspects of the annual budget; ensure that Catholic Charities’ services are in compliance with government and funder regulations, certifications and licensing requirements; and assist in cultivating strategic plan goals.
“For more than 20 years, Meichle has aligned herself and her work with Catholic Charities’ mission and vision. Her dedication and leadership are remarkable, and we are confident that she will oversee agency program operations with vigor and precision in her new role as chief operating officer,” said Walczyk.
Latham, who also served as the agency’s Director of School Based Services for two years, has conducted various trainings and workshops on family resources and domestic violence, and is certified in Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) from The Praed Foundation and has a Child Trauma Certification from the Child Trauma Institute. In April 2018, Latham is slated to graduate as a Health Leadership Fellow through the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.
She holds a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from the University at Buffalo.
“As chief operating officer, I am excited to engage Catholic Charities’ internal and external stakeholders and assets in existing and new initiatives,” Latham said. “I look forward to fostering our programs and services, and promoting innovative practices that offer increased hope to individuals so we can better empower, equip and mentor them as they discover the breadth of their competencies and achieve improved health, wellness and personal satisfaction.”
Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment; and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education.
Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.
An excellent steward of the contributions it receives, Catholic Charities earns highest-possible ratings from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Catholic Charities also receives highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service.
To make a donation to the 2018 Appeal or for more information contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to ccwny.org. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
