Catholic Relief Services Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Catholic Relief Services has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, fiscal oversight, and global health initiatives.

Committed to alleviating suffering across 100 countries, Catholic Relief Services maintains rigorous standards of accountability while delivering essential humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Catholic Relief Services

  • Chief Executive Officer - Carolyn Woo
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Danusia Dzierzbinski
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Saa Bongono
  • Chief Operating Officer - Gregoire Jibikilay
  • Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria - Leonardo Shamamba
  • Chief Information Officer - Karl Lowe
  • Carolyn Woo - Chief Executive Officer

    Carolyn Woo, the Chief Executive Officer at Catholic Relief Services, directs the overarching humanitarian mission across 100 countries. Overseeing the strategic alignment of international aid programs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that 92 percent of revenues reach the poor overseas. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with global partners and the Board to maintain organizational transparency. By prioritizing efficiency in humanitarian relief, Carolyn Woo drives the agency toward sustainable development goals. The Chief Executive Officer monitors the impact of aid delivery, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to crises regardless of race, belief, or nationality. Through consistent focus on operational excellence, Woo secures the long-term viability of the agency. This executive leadership position requires balancing immediate disaster response with long-term poverty alleviation strategies, ultimately shaping the global footprint of the organization while upholding the core values of the Catholic community.

    Danusia Dzierzbinski - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Danusia Dzierzbinski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, manages the fiscal health and financial transparency of the organization. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that 92 percent of revenues directly support overseas programs. This role involves rigorous auditing and financial planning to maintain the trust of donors and stakeholders. By implementing strict fiscal controls, Danusia Dzierzbinski drives the agency toward sustainable financial growth. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer monitors global economic trends to mitigate risks associated with international humanitarian aid. Through the oversight of complex budgetary processes, Dzierzbinski ensures that every dollar aligns with the mission of alleviating suffering. This leadership position requires constant coordination with the Board to report on financial performance and accountability. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation that enables the agency to provide assistance to people in need worldwide.

    Saa Bongono - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Saa Bongono, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, supports the financial integrity of the agency through detailed accounting and reporting. Overseeing the daily financial operations, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that regional offices adhere to strict accountability standards. This role involves managing the flow of funds to international programs and verifying the accuracy of financial statements. By streamlining internal audit procedures, Saa Bongono drives efficiency in the financial department. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer assists in the preparation of budgets that reflect the humanitarian priorities of the organization. Through the analysis of expenditure patterns, Bongono provides insights that help the agency maximize the impact of its resources. This leadership position requires close collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer to maintain fiscal transparency. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that the financial systems remain robust, allowing the agency to continue providing essential aid to vulnerable populations across the globe.

    Gregoire Jibikilay - Chief Operating Officer

    Gregoire Jibikilay, the Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Relief Services, manages the daily execution of humanitarian programs across diverse international regions. Overseeing the logistics of aid distribution, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach remote areas with maximum efficiency. This role involves coordinating with regional directors to streamline supply chains and improve program delivery speed. By optimizing internal processes, Gregoire Jibikilay supports the agency's commitment to accountability and transparency. The Chief Operating Officer monitors operational performance metrics to ensure that field teams meet strict humanitarian standards. Through the implementation of scalable operational frameworks, Jibikilay enhances the capacity of the organization to respond to emergencies. This leadership function requires constant collaboration with global stakeholders to align field activities with the broader mission of the agency. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the structural integrity of the humanitarian network, ensuring that every dollar spent provides tangible benefits to the poor.

    Leonardo Shamamba - Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria

    Leonardo Shamamba, the Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria at Catholic Relief Services, directs the implementation of critical health programs aimed at eradicating malaria. Overseeing the coordination of medical resources, the Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria ensures that preventative measures reach high-risk populations. This role involves managing partnerships with government agencies and local health providers to improve community outcomes. By executing large-scale health interventions, Leonardo Shamamba drives the agency's impact in the global health sector. The Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria monitors program efficacy and adjusts strategies to meet specific regional health challenges. Through the leadership of specialized field teams, Shamamba ensures that the initiative remains aligned with the broader humanitarian mission. This position requires technical expertise in public health and the ability to manage complex, multi-year projects that save lives and reduce suffering in underserved regions.

    Karl Lowe - Chief Information Officer

    Karl Lowe, the Chief Information Officer at Catholic Relief Services, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for global humanitarian operations. Overseeing the integration of data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that field teams possess the tools required for accurate reporting and program tracking. This role involves securing sensitive information while enabling real-time communication across international borders. By modernizing the technological landscape, Karl Lowe drives efficiency in data-driven decision-making for the agency. The Chief Information Officer manages the deployment of software solutions that track aid distribution and financial accountability. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, Lowe protects the integrity of the organization's digital assets. This leadership position requires aligning technical capabilities with the specific needs of humanitarian workers in the field. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer supports the mission by providing the digital backbone that allows the agency to operate with transparency and precision in over 100 countries.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Catholic Relief Services Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Catholic Relief Services?
    Catholic Relief Services is led by Carolyn Woo (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Danusia Dzierzbinski (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Saa Bongono (Deputy Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Catholic Relief Services’s executive team?
    The executive team of Catholic Relief Services includes leaders such as Carolyn Woo (Chief Executive Officer), Danusia Dzierzbinski (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Saa Bongono (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Catholic Relief Services have?
    Catholic Relief Services has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Catholic Relief Services’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Catholic Relief Services includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria.