Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, named new CEO of Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities Board of Trustees, following an extensive search, has named Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, as Catholic Charities’ next chief executive officer on March 30. 

Sister Betsy, who for the last nine years has served as Catholic Charities’ director of Community Partnerships, will succeed Vincent W. Colonno, who is retiring in July after 11 years as CEO. 

“Sister Betsy is a living, breathing embodiment of Catholic Charities’ mission of service and support to people in need,” said Ken Raymond, Catholic Charities Board of Trustees president. “She treats every person with dignity, respect, caring and love, and is an incredibly powerful advocate for our good work. Her distinguished career in leadership and service to our neighbors make her an excellent fit for the role. It’s an honor to appoint Sister Betsy as our next CEO.” 

Catholic Charities is one of the region’s most essential human service organizations, with 85 programs across the 14-county Albany Diocese serving some 100,000 people over 10,000 square miles every year. Its services include Community Maternity Services, which supports expectant and new mothers; housing; food pantries and food insecurity; services for people with developmental disabilities; senior and caregiver support; immigration services; emergency financial support and disaster-case management. 

“We congratulate Sister Betsy on her appointment. Catholic Charities plays a vital role in meeting critical human needs throughout our Diocese,” said Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger of the Diocese of Albany. “Through her servant leadership, commitment to Catholic social teaching, and compassion for others, Sister Betsy is well suited to see that Catholic Charities continues to be a refuge for our neighbors in need. I wish her the best in her new role and offer sincere gratitude to Vince for his dedicated service to Catholic Charities.”  

She will be the fourth Catholic sister to serve as Catholic Charities’ CEO, succeeding Sister Serena Branson, DC, (1974-90), Sister Maureen Joyce, RSM, (1990-2010) and Sister Charla Commins, CSJ, who served as interim CEO for one year after Sister Maureen Joyce’s death in 2010. Sister Charla continues to serve as executive director of Catholic Charities’ regional agency in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. 

“It is a privilege to be called to serve Catholic Charities and to follow in its long line of caring, compassionate and extraordinary leaders,” Sister Betsy said. “Our effectiveness comes from more than leaders, though. It’s our staff, volunteers, donors, community and government partners, and the broader faith community who make it possible for Catholic Charities to be an instrument of compassion, support and healing.” 

Colonno added that “Sister Betsy’s efforts have been crucial to our ability to fulfill our mission and support people where they are with what they need. Her vocation is a blessing to our work and I’m confident she’ll grow and strengthen our impact in the years to come.”