Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, financial strategy, information security, accounting, and administrative oversight.

Dedicated to serving over one million people annually, Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago maintains a mission of providing essential social services regardless of faith or background across diverse communities.

Leadership Roles at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago

  • Chief Financial Officer - William Phelan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Patrick Dunne
  • Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer - Frank Burr
  • Accounting Professional - Cynthia Smetana
  • Chief Financial & Administrative Officer - Anthony Falcone
  • William Phelan - Chief Financial Officer

    William Phelan, the Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, manages the fiscal health and long-term sustainability of the organization. Overseeing the budgeting process for diverse programs like HIV/AIDS counseling and refugee assistance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the core mission of serving those in need. This leadership role involves rigorous monitoring of grant funding and donor contributions to maintain transparency and accountability. By implementing robust financial controls, William Phelan secures the capital necessary for senior community centers and nutrition programs. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to forecast economic trends and mitigate risks associated with large-scale social service operations. Through strategic financial planning, Phelan supports the expansion of charitable initiatives, ensuring that every dollar directly impacts the lives of the one million people relying on these essential services.

    Patrick Dunne - Chief Operating Officer

    Patrick Dunne, the Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, directs the daily execution of over 150 social service programs. Overseeing the delivery of childcare, senior housing, and nutrition initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures operational excellence across Cook and Lake counties. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize resource allocation for low-income families and vulnerable populations. By streamlining service delivery models, Patrick Dunne maintains high standards of care for the million individuals served annually. The Chief Operating Officer manages complex logistics for food pantries and health fairs, ensuring that operational workflows remain efficient and responsive to community needs. Through rigorous oversight of program infrastructure, Dunne guarantees that the organization meets its mission-critical objectives while expanding the reach of essential support services throughout the region.

    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 the digital infrastructure and data protection protocols for the entire organization. Overseeing the secure management of sensitive client information for immigration assistance and health services, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer ensures compliance with privacy regulations. This leadership role involves deploying scalable technology solutions that support the coordination of 150 programs across multiple counties. By fortifying the network against cyber threats, Frank Burr protects the integrity of the data used to track nutrition and housing support for low-income populations. The Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer drives digital transformation initiatives to improve service accessibility for volunteers and staff. Through constant vigilance and technological innovation, Burr maintains a secure environment that allows the organization to focus on its primary mission of community support.

    Cynthia Smetana - Accounting Professional

    Cynthia Smetana, the Accounting Professional at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, manages the precise recording and reporting of all financial transactions. Overseeing the reconciliation of funds for food pantries and clothing distribution, the Accounting Professional ensures that every donation and grant is tracked with absolute accuracy. This leadership role involves maintaining detailed ledgers that support the broader financial strategy of the organization. By providing granular data on program costs, Cynthia Smetana enables leadership to make informed decisions regarding the allocation of resources for senior housing and childcare. The Accounting Professional works closely with the finance department to prepare for audits and ensure full regulatory compliance. Through meticulous attention to detail, Smetana supports the fiscal transparency required to maintain public trust. This role remains vital for the continued operation of programs that serve one million people annually across the region.

    Anthony Falcone - Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

    Anthony Falcone, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, directs the integration of administrative policies with overall financial strategy. Overseeing the organizational structure that supports 150 programs, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer ensures that internal processes facilitate the efficient delivery of social services. This leadership role involves managing the administrative overhead for senior centers and immigration assistance programs to maximize the impact of available funding. By optimizing internal workflows, Anthony Falcone creates a stable foundation for the dedicated staff and volunteers working in Cook and Lake counties. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer collaborates with other executives to align administrative capacity with the growing demand for nutrition and health services. Through strategic management of both financial assets and administrative functions, Falcone ensures that the organization remains agile and capable of meeting the diverse needs of the communities served.

    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 Patrick Dunne (Chief Operating Officer) and Frank Burr (Chief Information Officer & Chief Security 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), Patrick Dunne (Chief Operating Officer), Frank Burr (Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago have?
    Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago has 5 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, Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer, Accounting Professional, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer.