Following an extensive five month search by the board of trustees, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Buffalo and chairman of the board of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, announced the appointment of Deacon Steve Schumer as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 6, 2020. Mr. Schumer succeeds retiring President and CEO Dennis C. Walczyk, who joined Catholic Charities in 1997 as chief operating officer and was appointed CEO in 2003. The board of trustees added the title of president in 2018 when it reorganized to a single executive from a dual-leadership structure.
Mr. Schumer will be responsible for all programs, services, fiscal, and infrastructure operations, including the annual appeal, financial accountability, and strategic direction and planning. The agency provides programs and services annually to more than 150,000 people in need in the eight counties of Western New York with a staff of 470 employees. Mr. Schumer was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Buffalo in 2014. He is currently serving at Our Lady of Charity Parish in South Buffalo, and previously served in his home parish of St. Bernadette Parish in Orchard Park. Mr. Schumer graduated from Christ the King Seminary with a master’s degree in pastoral ministry and also holds an MBA from the University of Buffalo, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Niagara University.
Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive human service provider organization in the region, serving people of all ages, races, faiths, and walks of life. It 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.
This was reported by Niagra Frontier Publications on December 28, 2019.
Contact information: Catholic Charities Montante Administrative Center, 741 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14209; 716-218-1400; Website: www.ccwny.org
