CGS Board of Directors

J. Antonio Fernández
President and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York

J. Antonio Fernández currently serves as President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, one of the nation’s largest and most impactful networks of social services. In this role, he leads programs that support hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the region, addressing critical needs with compassion, dignity, and efficiency.

Prior to his leadership in New York, Mr. Fernández served from 2013 as President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. There, he oversaw a period of significant growth, expanding the number of programs from 17 to more than 50 and quadrupling the organization’s annual budget. His leadership also encompassed affiliated agencies, including the Guadalupe Community Center, Seton Home, St. PJ’s Children’s Home, and San Antonio Birth Doulas, making Catholic Charities the largest Catholic social services agency in the city.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Fernández held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the largest Catholic Charities organization in the country. He was responsible for the leadership and operations of a wide range of social service programs, including oversight of facilities and infrastructure.

Mr. Fernández’s national leadership includes service on the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities USA, where he currently chairs the Latino Advisory Council and serves on the Development Committee. He is also active with several other organizations, including serving on the Finance and Development Committees of Legatus, the Knights of Columbus, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and the CVS Health Faith-Based and Business Leaders Advisory Council. He also participates in Cabinet Meetings convened by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Mr. Fernández holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is a certified nonprofit executive and a licensed Professional Counselor.

He is married to Tanya Fernández, and they have a daughter, Elis Fernández, who attends Dominican Academy.