J. Antonio Fernández has become the first layman to direct Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, the social services organization with 108 years of experience, the institution announced today. Fernández brings more than two decades of experience expanding access to essential human services for vulnerable communities.
Although not a member of the clergy, Fernández maintains a strong connection to the mission of Catholic Charities and its work of serving those in need. Previously, he was President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio for 13 years, and before that he served as executive leader at Catholic Charities of Chicago.
“Catholic Charities is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, and it is an honor to join their mission of providing compassionate care and respect to those who need our help,” said Fernández. “I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, partners and volunteers to strengthen the legacy of Catholic Charities and help lead and grow this essential New York organization into the future.”
Catholic Charities of New York, which traces its origins to the Catholic Benevolent League, helped orphans after the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It was officially incorporated as Catholic Charities in 1917. Today, the organization serves more than 400,000 New Yorkers annually and, through its programs, helps weave the fabric of a caring New York. In the last year alone, Catholic Charities served more than ten million meals through soup kitchens and pantries, assisted nearly 100,000 children in after-school programs and other services, and supported 108,000 newcomers and immigrants. The agency also works with families in crisis, homeless people, and develops and provides housing.
Mr. Fernandez shared that his goal is to continue strengthening and expanding services for New Yorkers in need, ensuring that all support is provided with respect and dignity. Their main areas of focus at this time include feeding the hungry, offering self-sufficiency and case management services to those who need it most, increasing access to housing for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity, and innovating wherever possible to improve outcomes and expand the reach of Catholic Charities
Since 2013, Fernandez led Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, where he transformed the agency from 17 to more than 50 programs, quadrupled its operating budget, and developed a nationally recognized model of humanitarian response, housing support, immigration legal counsel, and family services in 19 South Texas counties.
Previously, Fernández was Senior Vice President of Operations at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Deputy Director of Wellness Programs at Casa Central. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, certified in nonprofit management, and serves on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities USA.
Fernández succeeds Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, who has moved into an advisory role as Executive Director Emeritus.
Beatriz Carvalho is Marketing Manager for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York