Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, information technology, people management, and accounting.

Driven by a commitment to service, Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago provides essential support to over one million individuals annually, regardless of background, through a comprehensive network of over 150 programs across Cook and Lake counties, impacting communities through childcare, senior services, and vital assistance.

Leadership Roles at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago

  • Chief Financial Officer - William Phelan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Denise Capaci
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Todd Maxwell
  • Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer - Frank Burr
  • Chief People Officer - Erica O'Malley
  • Accounting Professional - Cynthia Smetana
  • William Phelan - Chief Financial Officer

    William Phelan, the Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, directs the organization's financial strategy and oversight. Phelan manages all fiscal operations, ensuring robust financial health and compliance across more than 150 programs serving over one million individuals annually. This leadership role involves meticulous budget management, resource allocation, and financial planning to support critical services like childcare, senior housing, and food pantries. By optimizing financial processes, William Phelan ensures that resources are effectively deployed to meet the needs of low-income families, seniors, mothers, and children throughout Cook and Lake counties. The Chief Financial Officer's guidance is essential for sustaining the organization's extensive reach and impact in providing vital assistance.

    Denise Capaci - Chief Operating Officer

    Denise Capaci, the Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, oversees the daily operations of the organization's extensive service network. Capaci directs the execution of over 150 programs, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services such as childcare, HIV/AIDS counseling, and senior nutrition across Cook and Lake counties. This critical role involves optimizing operational workflows and resource deployment to support the needs of over one million individuals served annually. Denise Capaci's leadership ensures seamless integration of services, from food and clothing pantries to immigration assistance, directly impacting the lives of low-income communities. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational excellence is fundamental to the organization's mission of providing vital support.

    Todd Maxwell - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Maxwell, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, provides executive leadership and directs overarching operational strategies. Maxwell guides the organization's mission to serve over one million individuals annually through more than 150 programs across Cook and Lake counties. This senior leadership position involves ensuring strategic alignment of all departments, from childcare and senior services to health fairs and immigration assistance. Todd Maxwell's oversight is crucial for fostering a culture of service and driving the effective delivery of essential support to low-income families, seniors, and vulnerable populations. The President & Chief Operating Officer's role is central to the organization's sustained impact and community engagement.
    Todd Maxwell

    Frank Burr - Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer

    Frank Burr, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, architects and safeguards the organization's technological infrastructure. Burr directs the implementation and maintenance of IT systems that support over 150 diverse programs, ensuring data integrity and operational continuity for services reaching over one million people annually. This dual role involves developing robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information related to childcare, health services, and refugee assistance across Cook and Lake counties. Frank Burr's strategic vision ensures that technology enhances service delivery and security, enabling efficient operations for food pantries, senior housing, and community centers. The Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer's expertise is vital for maintaining trust and operational resilience.

    Erica O'Malley - Chief People Officer

    Erica O'Malley, the Chief People Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, leads human resources strategy and talent management for the organization. O'Malley oversees initiatives that support the dedicated staff and vital volunteers who deliver services to over one million individuals annually. This role focuses on cultivating a positive and effective work environment across more than 150 programs, ensuring the recruitment, development, and retention of personnel essential for providing childcare, senior housing, and emergency assistance. Erica O'Malley's leadership ensures that the organization's most valuable asset—its people—are empowered to fulfill the mission of serving those in need throughout Cook and Lake counties. The Chief People Officer's commitment is integral to operational success.

    Cynthia Smetana - Accounting Professional

    Cynthia Smetana, the Accounting Professional at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, manages critical financial record-keeping and reporting functions. Smetana supports the organization's fiscal operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial transactions that underpin over 150 programs serving over one million individuals annually. This role is integral to maintaining the financial integrity required for services such as nutrition for seniors, childcare for low-income families, and support for refugee assistance across Cook and Lake counties. Cynthia Smetana's meticulous attention to detail contributes directly to the effective allocation of resources and the sustained delivery of vital community support. The Accounting Professional's work is foundational to the organization's operational stability.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago?
    Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago is led by William Phelan (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Denise Capaci (Chief Operating Officer) and Todd Maxwell (President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago’s executive team?
    The executive team of Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago includes leaders such as William Phelan (Chief Financial Officer), Denise Capaci (Chief Operating Officer), Todd Maxwell (President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago have?
    Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer, Chief People Officer.