Senior Staff

Chris Brancato
Chief Development Officer
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Chris Brancato serves as the Chief Development Officer at Catholic Guardian Services, a role he has held since January 2025.

Chris brings over 20 years of experience in human services, faith-based nonprofit leadership, and fundraising. He began his career at age 19 as a direct support professional supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—a formative role that shaped his lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and meaningful community impact.

For more than 13 years, he led the development operations for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Paterson, where he strengthened donor relationships, expanded giving programs, and advanced critical services across New Jersey. He later joined Church World Service (CWS), helping to build and scale the organization’s individual giving program nationally.

Chris is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. His contributions to the nonprofit and human services sectors have been recognized with several honors, including a Congressional Award from the late Congressman Bill Pascrell (2024), Person of the Year by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson (2024), the Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Mary’s High School (2019), and the Vivere Christus Award from the Diocese of Paterson (2013). He has also served on the boards of DASI (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services) and the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

As Chief Development Officer at Catholic Guardian Services, he is committed to listening deeply to donors’ philanthropic priorities, fostering meaningful relationships, and advancing a mission that has transformed the lives of countless children and families across New York City.

Chris lives in northern New Jersey with his wife, Dr. Jaclyn Brancato, and their four children—Christopher, Brandon, Leila, and Scarlett—and is actively involved in the local community, youth programs, and his parish, Our Lady of the Magnificat.