The board of directors of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Buffalo has named Mark Zirnheld as the society's chief executive officer. Zirnheld has been executive director of the society since 1989. Now as CEO and executive director, Zirnheld leads the entire St. Vincent de Paul organization, which includes retail stores, a central warehouse, and a dining room that is the largest single meal provider in Erie County. The society's scope encompasses all of Western New York, and it is the oldest continuing charitable organization active in the region, with more than 1,100 active members.

Larry Brooks was also elected as the new St. Vincent de Paul president by the board. Brooks first volunteered with the society in 1988 at St. Margaret Parish in North Buffalo, where he is a member and, in addition, he is treasurer of the Timon conference. Brooks has also served on the program review committee of the society's Central Council. He worked for 30 years in industrial construction and recently retired from the real estate industry.