Catholic Relief Services Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Catholic Relief Services has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and program delivery.

Driven by a commitment to global humanitarian aid, Catholic Relief Services alleviates suffering and provides essential assistance to vulnerable populations worldwide, upholding rigorous standards of efficiency and transparency in all operations.

Leadership Roles at Catholic Relief Services

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

    Sean Callahan, the Chief Executive Officer at Catholic Relief Services, directs the organization's global strategy and operational framework. Overseeing all international humanitarian efforts, Callahan ensures adherence to the agency's core mission of alleviating suffering and providing aid to those in need across more than 100 countries. This leadership position involves guiding the organization's engagement with diverse communities and stakeholders, maintaining strict standards of efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Callahan's strategic direction ensures that over 92 percent of revenues directly benefit the poor overseas, reinforcing the agency's commitment to impactful program delivery. The Chief Executive Officer's role is central to fostering partnerships and driving the organization's mission forward, ensuring Catholic Relief Services remains a leading force in international humanitarian assistance.

    Michel Tankoano - Chief Financial Officer

    Michel Tankoano, the Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, oversees the comprehensive financial management and strategic fiscal planning for the organization's international humanitarian efforts. Tankoano directs all financial operations, ensuring strict adherence to standards of efficiency, accountability, and transparency across more than 100 countries. This leadership position is vital in maintaining the agency's commitment to allocating over 92 percent of revenues directly to programs that benefit the poor overseas. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing budgets, financial reporting, and ensuring fiscal integrity to support the mission of alleviating suffering. Tankoano's expertise guides the organization's financial strategies, enabling sustainable program delivery and maximizing the impact of donor contributions. The Chief Financial Officer's stewardship ensures the financial health and operational effectiveness of Catholic Relief Services.
    Michel Tankoano

    Saa Bongono - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Saa Bongono, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, provides critical support to the Chief Financial Officer in managing the agency's global financial operations. Bongono assists in overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and reporting across the organization's extensive network in over 100 countries. This role is integral to upholding Catholic Relief Services' stringent standards for efficiency, accountability, and transparency in all financial dealings. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in ensuring that financial resources are effectively allocated to programs that benefit the poor overseas, supporting the agency's mission to alleviate suffering. Bongono's contributions help maintain the fiscal integrity necessary for the organization's humanitarian work. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's focus on operational financial support reinforces the agency's commitment to impactful and responsible aid delivery.

    Danusia Dzierzbinski - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Danusia Dzierzbinski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, holds a dual leadership role encompassing executive oversight and comprehensive financial management. Dzierzbinski directs the strategic financial direction of the agency, ensuring robust fiscal health and accountability across its international humanitarian programs in over 100 countries. This position is paramount in maintaining the organization's commitment to efficiency and transparency, ensuring that a significant majority of revenues directly support those in need. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include guiding financial policy, managing investments, and overseeing all aspects of financial reporting to stakeholders. Dzierzbinski's leadership ensures that financial resources are optimally utilized to alleviate suffering and provide essential assistance globally. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives financial excellence, reinforcing the agency's mission and impact.

    Gregoire Jibikilay - Chief Operating Officer

    Gregoire Jibikilay, the Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Relief Services, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the agency's extensive global programs. Jibikilay oversees the implementation of humanitarian assistance in over 100 countries, ensuring that aid reaches vulnerable populations efficiently and effectively, irrespective of race, belief, or nationality. This role is critical in maintaining the high standards of operational efficiency and accountability that define Catholic Relief Services. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include optimizing resource allocation and program delivery mechanisms to maximize impact. Jibikilay's leadership ensures that the organization's commitment to transparency is upheld across all international activities, directly contributing to the more than 92 percent of revenues spent on programs benefiting the poor overseas. The Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence, enabling the agency to respond to crises and support long-term development initiatives.

    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, leads a critical program focused on combating malaria in affected regions. Shamamba directs the implementation and strategic execution of the PMI REACH Malaria project, ensuring its objectives align with the broader goals of alleviating suffering and providing targeted assistance. This role demands rigorous oversight of program operations, resource management, and stakeholder engagement to maximize impact and uphold the agency's standards of efficiency and accountability. The Chief of Party's leadership is essential for coordinating efforts, driving progress, and ensuring that program outcomes directly benefit vulnerable populations. Shamamba's expertise guides the project's success in addressing a major global health challenge, reinforcing Catholic Relief Services' commitment to impactful humanitarian work. The Chief of Party ensures the effective delivery of malaria prevention and treatment initiatives.

    Karl Lowe - Chief Information Officer

    Karl Lowe, the Chief Information Officer at Catholic Relief Services, architects and manages the technological infrastructure that supports the agency's global humanitarian operations. Lowe directs the implementation of innovative IT solutions to enhance program delivery, streamline internal processes, and ensure robust data security across more than 100 countries. This critical role ensures that Catholic Relief Services maintains its commitment to efficiency and transparency through advanced technological capabilities. The Chief Information Officer's oversight extends to managing information systems that facilitate communication, reporting, and resource management, directly supporting the effective distribution of aid to those in need. Lowe's strategic vision for technology empowers the organization to operate with greater agility and accountability, reinforcing the agency's mission to alleviate suffering worldwide. The Chief Information Officer's leadership ensures that technology serves as a powerful enabler for the organization's humanitarian goals.

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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 Sean Callahan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michel Tankoano (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 Sean Callahan (Chief Executive Officer), Michel Tankoano (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 7 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, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.