Catholic Charities of Buffalo appoints Tony DeSimone president & CEO

New leader brings nearly 30 years of executive leadership experience across private & nonprofit sectors

Catholic Charities of Buffalo Press Release 

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 and CEO, effective March 2. DeSimone succeeds Deacon Steve Schumer, who retired at the end of 2025 after serving six years in the role.

“Across Tony’s various roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors, he has led large, cross-functional teams, managed complex budgets, and guided organizations through periods of growth and change,” said the Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher, bishop, chair of the Catholic Charities board of trustees. “Tony brings enthusiasm and a dedication to servant leadership at a time when Catholic Charities, like many other nonprofits, continues to navigate the shifting needs and challenges of providing hope to those in need throughout our community. On behalf of the board of trustees, we congratulate and welcome Tony to his new role.”

In his new role, DeSimone will be responsible for all programs, services, fiscal and infrastructure operations, including the annual Appeal, financial accountability and strategic direction, and planning. As Western New York’s most comprehensive human services provider, Catholic Charities’ programs and services touch the lives of nearly one out of every 10 people in Western New York. Catholic Charities employs more than 300 people across the eight counties of Western New York.

“Being committed to mission-driven work and lifting up the social and human services that provide hope to neighbors across the region is deeply personal for me,” DeSimone said. “Having a son with profound autism has shaped my passion for strengthening organizations like Catholic Charities that support individuals with complex needs and the families who care for them.”

DeSimone brings nearly 30 years of executive leadership experience across both the private and nonprofit sectors to his new role with Catholic Charities. He began his career at Fisher-Price in 1995 and spent almost two decades with the company, ultimately serving as vice president of global brand marketing. DeSimone later spent more than 10 years at New Era Cap, most recently serving as vice president, licensed sports. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Niagara University and an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

In addition to his executive leadership, DeSimone has a strong record of nonprofit and community involvement. He currently serves on the board of directors for People Inc. and on the advisory board for Niagara University’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration, and previously served on the board of directors of The Summit Center. DeSimone resides with his wife and two sons in Amherst.

For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities of Buffalo has provided hope to individuals and families of all faiths, backgrounds and circumstances. As the most comprehensive human services agency in Western New York, Catholic Charities delivers wide-ranging programs to address systemic poverty, sudden financial crisis, hunger, behavioral health, workforce readiness, family stability, legal immigration and resettlement, and help for older adults. More information can be found by visiting ccwny.org.