Chuck Fernandez: New CEO of Catholic Charities of East Bay

Chuck Fernandez:
New CEO of Catholic Charities of East Bay

May 24, 2014 – Catholic Charities of the East Bay (CCEB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chuck Fernandez as Chief Executive Officer. Fernandez begins his role as CEO on May 27th and be based at the agency’s headquarters in Oakland.

Following an extensive national search for proven leadership to expand services within the large and highly diverse service areas of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, Mr. Fernandez was found to have the needed experience and well- honed skill set to lead the organization’s 8th decade of service. Most recently, Fernandez was the executive director of Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. During his tenure in Santa Rosa, Chuck grew the agency’s programs, expanded staff, put the organization on solid financial footing and attained national recognition for his work in the agency’s social services accreditation.

Fernandez has moved to Oakland. He said. “I am very excited to be here. The people, the board and the staff have been so gracious. I sense a real energy and hope in wanting to be part of the community and in wanting to help.” Mary Fair, chairman of the board of CCEB said, “we are fortunate to have Chuck join us at this critical time in our agency’s growth, a time when we will be implementing our new strategic plan, expanding our reach into more communities including opening the new West County Service Center in Richmond, and building our donor base so that we might better advance the mission of Catholic Charities to the poor and disadvantaged”.

Fernandez’s solid experience in the not-for-profit field is enhanced by several graduate level degrees including, including a Masters in Organizational Development. He is married and has two grown children.

Catholic Charities of the East Bay serves as the social service arm of the Diocese of Oakland. While rooted in Catholic values, the service is delivered to meet critical human needs within the community without any religious filter. The clients represent a cross section of each community’s individuals and families in need. Catholic Charities cares for the poor and disadvantaged with programs and services that promote Education and Workforce Development; provide a path to citizenship through Immigration and Naturalization Services; prevent violence and provide trauma support to the victims of violent crime through Mental Health Services; and support the poor with Safety Net Services such as housing, utility assistance, child care, job training and nutrition.

As CCEB approaches its 80th year of service it is poised for its next major expansion to meet ever growing needs in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties with a population in excess of 2 million people.