Catholic Relief Services Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Catholic Relief Services has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, and global health initiatives.

Dedicated to alleviating suffering across 100 countries, Catholic Relief Services maintains rigorous standards of accountability while delivering essential humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations regardless of race, belief, or nationality.

Leadership Roles at Catholic Relief Services

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sean Callahan
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Danusia Dzierzbinski
  • 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 overarching humanitarian mission across more than 100 countries. Callahan architects the strategic vision for international aid delivery, ensuring that resources reach the most vulnerable populations with maximum efficiency. By overseeing global operations, the Chief Executive Officer maintains alignment between the agency's core values and the practical execution of relief programs. This leadership role involves constant engagement with international partners and the Board to uphold the highest standards of transparency. Sean Callahan drives the organization toward sustainable growth, focusing on long-term impact for the poor overseas. Through the optimization of internal processes, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health necessary to support expansive humanitarian efforts. Ultimately, Callahan ensures that the agency remains a reliable force for good in the global landscape, consistently meeting the complex needs of diverse communities worldwide.

    Danusia Dzierzbinski - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Danusia Dzierzbinski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, oversees the fiscal integrity and resource management of the entire humanitarian agency. Dzierzbinski architects financial strategies that ensure over 92 percent of revenues reach overseas programs directly. By overseeing the budgeting and audit processes, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains the strict standards of accountability required for international aid. This leadership role involves coordinating with global stakeholders to optimize funding streams and ensure long-term financial stability. Danusia Dzierzbinski drives efficiency across all departments, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the mission of helping those in need. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and supports the expansion of relief efforts. Ultimately, Dzierzbinski secures the economic foundation that allows the organization to respond rapidly to crises in more than 100 countries.

    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 large-scale health interventions aimed at eradicating malaria in high-burden regions. Shamamba architects complex public health programs that integrate medical supplies and community education to save lives. By overseeing the implementation of the PMI REACH Malaria initiative, the Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria ensures that health outcomes align with international humanitarian goals. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with government agencies and local health providers to maximize the reach of malaria prevention efforts. Leonardo Shamamba drives operational excellence in the field, ensuring that resources are deployed effectively to combat disease. Through the coordination of regional health strategies, the Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria significantly reduces mortality rates. Ultimately, Shamamba strengthens global health systems to protect vulnerable populations from preventable illness.

    Karl Lowe - Chief Information Officer

    Karl Lowe, the Chief Information Officer at Catholic Relief Services, manages the digital infrastructure supporting humanitarian operations across diverse global regions. Lowe architects secure data systems that enable field teams to track aid distribution and measure program effectiveness with precision. By overseeing the technological framework, the Chief Information Officer ensures that information flows seamlessly between headquarters and remote locations. This leadership role involves implementing advanced analytics to improve decision-making regarding resource allocation for the poor. Karl Lowe drives digital transformation initiatives that enhance organizational accountability and transparency. Through the integration of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive data while maintaining operational continuity in challenging environments. Ultimately, Lowe provides the technical foundation required for the agency to scale its impact, ensuring that digital tools directly support the mission of alleviating suffering on a massive international scale.

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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 Danusia Dzierzbinski (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Leonardo Shamamba (Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria).
    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), Danusia Dzierzbinski (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Leonardo Shamamba (Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Catholic Relief Services have?
    Catholic Relief Services has 4 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, Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria, Chief Information Officer.