Catholic Charities CEO Dr. Scher Announces Retirement

GOSHEN – On behalf of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, Board Chair Tom Urtz announced that the agency’s long-time CEO, Dr. Dean Scher, has submitted his intent to retire in early 2021.

“Catholic Charities has been fortunate to have Dr. Scher at the helm for the past 15 years,” said Mr. Urtz. “Under his leadership, the agency has grown from serving 3,000 people a year in Orange County to serving 40,000 people in Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. The growth in programs and services has been tremendous. Dr. Scher has built a strong leadership team that will continue to serve the most marginalized and vulnerable in our community.”

Shannon Kelly has been named Deputy CEO and will oversee the agency’s daily operations effective immediately. Ms. Kelly will assume the role of CEO upon Dr. Scher’s retirement.
“Shannon joined our Catholic Charities team as COO three years ago bringing with her a wealth of experience and strong management skills. She has capably fulfilled that role and is well-suited to take on the challenges of the agency’s top leadership position,” said Mr. Urtz. “The board and I look forward to working with Shannon in her new role.”

Over the next few months, Dr. Scher will focus his attention on Catholic Charities’ substance use treatment and recovery programs, which include eight outpatient locations, as well as residential and crisis services.

“My years at Catholic Charities have been incredibly gratifying. I have been fortunate to work for an organization that has allowed me to fulfill my purpose in life and be surrounded by a strong, talented team. I look forward to working more closely with our clinical staff,” said Dr. Scher. “The pandemic has been especially challenging for those in recovery. More work needs to be done as we are witnessing a significant surge in substance use and overdoses,” added Dr. Scher.

Chairman Urtz also announced that Jeff Skaar will assume the role of Chief Utilization and Quality Assurance Officer.

“Please join me in congratulating Dr. Scher on his impending retirement, and Ms. Kelly and Mr. Skaar on their new roles. We wish them much success,” said Mr. Urtz.

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, as one of the human service agencies of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, is committed to building a compassionate and just society. Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster serves the homeless, the hungry, the emotionally and physically challenged, as well as immigrants and the marginalized and vulnerable of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties.

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