Catholic Relief Services Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

Leadership Roles at Catholic Relief Services

  • Chief Executive Officer - Carolyn Woo
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michel Tankoano
  • 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
  • Chief of Staff & Executive VP, Strategy & Organizational Development - Annemarie Reilly
  • Carolyn Woo - Chief Executive Officer

    Carolyn Woo, the Chief Executive Officer at Catholic Relief Services, directs the organization's global humanitarian mission. Overseeing all strategic initiatives, Woo ensures the agency effectively alleviates suffering and provides critical assistance to individuals in over 100 countries, irrespective of their race, belief, or nationality. This leadership role involves maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, accountability, and transparency across all operations, directly impacting the organization's ability to serve the poor overseas. Carolyn Woo's guidance ensures that more than 92 percent of revenues are channeled directly into programs that benefit those in need, solidifying the agency's commitment to impactful and responsible aid delivery.

    Michel Tankoano - Chief Financial Officer

    Michel Tankoano, the Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, oversees the financial health and resource management of the international humanitarian agency. Tankoano directs all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting activities, ensuring strict adherence to standards of efficiency, accountability, and transparency. This critical function guarantees that a significant majority of revenues are allocated directly to programs benefiting the poor overseas. Michel Tankoano's financial stewardship ensures the sustainable operation of aid initiatives in over 100 countries, supporting the agency's commitment to serving all people in need, regardless of their background. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is fundamental to maintaining donor confidence and operational integrity.
    Michel Tankoano

    Saa Bongono - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Saa Bongono, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Relief Services, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the organization's financial operations and ensuring fiscal integrity. Bongono assists in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures that uphold strict standards of efficiency, accountability, and transparency. This role is crucial for overseeing financial reporting and compliance, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to programs benefiting those in need across more than 100 countries. Saa Bongono's contributions are integral to maintaining the financial health of Catholic Relief Services and maximizing the direct impact of revenues on overseas programs.

    Gregoire Jibikilay - Chief Operating Officer

    Gregoire Jibikilay, the Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Relief Services, drives the execution of the agency's global operational strategies. Jibikilay manages the day-to-day activities that enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries, ensuring seamless coordination across diverse regions. This leadership position focuses on optimizing resource deployment and operational workflows to maximize impact for beneficiaries. Gregoire Jibikilay's oversight ensures that programs adhere to strict standards of efficiency and accountability, directly supporting the mission to alleviate suffering without regard to race, belief, or nationality. The Chief Operating Officer's role is vital for translating strategic goals into tangible results on the ground.

    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 critical initiatives focused on combating malaria. Shamamba directs the implementation of programs funded by the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, ensuring effective strategies are deployed to reduce malaria transmission and mortality. This leadership role involves managing complex project operations, coordinating with local and international partners, and ensuring adherence to program goals and reporting requirements. Leonardo Shamamba's expertise drives tangible progress in public health efforts, directly supporting Catholic Relief Services' broader mission to alleviate suffering and improve lives in affected regions.

    Karl Lowe - Chief Information Officer

    Karl Lowe, the Chief Information Officer at Catholic Relief Services, architects the technological infrastructure supporting global aid delivery. Lowe manages the deployment and maintenance of information systems essential for coordinating relief efforts in more than 100 countries. This role demands a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring data security for sensitive program information. Karl Lowe's leadership ensures that technology facilitates seamless communication and resource allocation, directly supporting the agency's mission to alleviate suffering without regard to race, belief, or nationality. The Chief Information Officer's efforts are critical for maintaining the high standards of accountability and transparency that define Catholic Relief Services' operations.

    Annemarie Reilly - Chief of Staff & Executive VP, Strategy & Organizational Development

    Annemarie Reilly, the Chief of Staff & Executive VP, Strategy & Organizational Development at Catholic Relief Services, shapes and advances the organization's strategic direction and internal capacity. Reilly collaborates closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders to refine organizational development initiatives and ensure strategic alignment across all departments. This role is pivotal in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, supporting the agency's mission to provide aid in over 100 countries. Annemarie Reilly's focus on strategy and development enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of programs that alleviate suffering globally, upholding the highest standards of efficiency and transparency.

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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 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 Carolyn Woo (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, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Party - U. S. President's Malaria Initiative - PMI REACH Malaria.