Catholic Charities welcomes three new trustees

Catholic Charities of Albany helps support vulnerable individuals and families throughout the 14-county, 10,000 square-mile Diocese.

ALBANY — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany has strengthened its Board of Trustees by electing three new members — Deborah Seifert, Mary Louise Mallick and Nathaniel Bette — who bring deep experience in public policy, business, education and nonprofit leadership to the organization.

The board also has re-elected Robert J. Bellafiore as president, Christine Cary as secretary and Matthew Young as treasurer. Trustee Nanda O’Leary was elected as the board’s new vice president. Officer’s terms are one year.

The new trustees join the board at a time when Catholic Charities continues to respond to the growing needs of vulnerable individuals and families throughout the 14-county, 10,000 square-mile Diocese. Their professional backgrounds add perspectives that will support the organization’s work in strengthening families, assisting people in need and addressing challenges facing communities throughout the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Deb, Mary Louise and Nate to our Board of Trustees,” said Catholic Charities CEO Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ. “They each bring a unique combination of professional expertise, community perspective and a commitment to helping others. Their experience will strengthen our board as we continue to look for new and effective ways to serve the people and families who rely on Catholic Charities.”

“Catholic Charities is one of the most impactful social service nonprofits in the region,” Bellafiore said. “That’s a tribute to the tremendous work done by Sister Betsy and the caring, loving and smart professionals who help people every day in our 85 programs.”

Rooted in the Catholic tradition of mercy, justice and the dignity of every person and founded in 1917, Catholic Charities serves people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or lifestyle, with particular attention to people who are poor or vulnerable. Its 85 programs include food and basic needs, emergency assistance, housing, disabilities support, behavioral health, domestic violence and crisis support, and help for children, families and the elderly.

Seifert is an educator whose work has focused on literacy and children with disabilities.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Clarkson University and a master’s degree from Sage College in Troy. Her professional focus on education and supporting children with disabilities brings an important perspective to Catholic Charities’ mission of serving individuals and families and responding to the needs of vulnerable members of the community. Her husband, Charles “Chuck” Seifert, is President of Siena University.

Mallick brings decades of high-level experience in New York State government, public finance, policy development and medical ethics. She has served as deputy budget director for the New York State Division of the Budget, senior policy adviser and first deputy comptroller in the Office of the New York State Comptroller, and secretary to the New York State Senate Finance Committee. Mallick holds a doctorate in medical ethics from Albany Medical College, as well as advanced degrees in bioethics and economics.

Bette is CEO of Empire Construction Group in Albany. A Siena graduate, he earned his MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Through his leadership in the construction industry, Bette adds business and organizational experience to the Catholic Charities board, as well as a deep connection to the Capital Region business community.