 Colonno began his career with the county Department of Social Services in 1974, and he served for more than 37 years in positions of increasing responsibility in Albany County's social services delivery system. He returned to the department as Commissioner after serving as Commissioner of the Albany County Department for Aging since 2000. In these 37 years of progressively responsible positions in these agencies, he oversaw planning, implementing, directing, and evaluating the delivery of community and human services programs.
Catholic Charities is a highly regarded nonprofit agency that delivers a wide array of human services to more than 123,500 people annually. The CEO oversees a $44 million budget and some 1,100 employees and serves 14 counties in northeastern New York. The agency is a visible advocate for the poor and vulnerable in the community and the public policy arena.
The Chief Executive Officer provides overall leadership and administration of this agency under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities.
"Vince Colonno recognizes that the need for robust services does not shrink when the economy falters, and he has shown the ability and commitment to make difficult decisions and the creative adjustments we need to continue delivering services in an era of ongoing challenges to our resources," said John Murray, chairman, president and CEO of Rose & Kiernan Insurance Agency and president of the board of Catholic Charities.
The CEO's specific responsibilities include planning, development, compliance, advocacy, oversight and stewardship of the organization's resources, in accordance with agency policies and procedures and consistent with the mission of Catholic Charities. The CEO fulfills these responsibilities in collaboration with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany in a manner that is consistent with Catholic social teaching.
Colonno will succeed Sister Charla Commins CSJ, who has served as interim CEO for the last year after the death of Sister Maureen Joyce RSM, the longtime CEO of the agency.
"I am excited about the selection of Vince Colonno and know that his leadership will continue, uninterrupted, the vision, mission, and service of Catholic Charities that Sister Maureen instilled in all of us," Sister Charla said.
Sister Maureen, a Sister of Mercy from the Albany Regional Community, became CEO of Catholic Charities in 1990. She was a widely known and admired for her passion, vision, and energy in advocating for area children, families, seniors, the poor, mentally ill, abused, homeless, displaced, and minority populations. In 1971, she founded and directed Community Maternity Services, an agency of Catholic Charities serving pregnant and parenting adolescents, foster care and adoptive families. She also established a rural human service delivery system in eight surrounding counties and an Albany residential program for families and children with special needs including HIV/AIDS.
Catholic Charities is committed to active witness on behalf of the Scriptural values of mercy and justice. It recognizes human need at all stages of life, responds to all persons regardless of race, creed, or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the economically poor and the vulnerable.
Catholic Charities serves and empowers persons in need, advocates for a just society, calls forth and collaborates with women and men of good will in fulfillment of its mission. |
