Catholic Charities of Buffalo announces the recent election of three new members to its board of trustees and one appointment and two promotions to its leadership team within the organization.

Named to three-year terms on the board were Patricia Fogarty, Faren Gault Wilson and Sister Regina Murphy, SSMN.

Fogarty previously served as a Catholic Charities Trustee from 2007 to 2016 and is a longtime volunteer for the annual appeal. An Allegany County assistant public defender, she graduated from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she earned a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor degree. She began the practice of law in Belmont in 1974 and remained in general trial practice until 2008. A longtime resident of Allegany County, she has a long history of civic activity and service on the boards of Allegany County United Way and Southern Tier Traveling Teachers.

Gault Wilson is an Equal Employment Opportunity specialist in the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the University at Buffalo. She holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Medaille College and was awarded Professional in Human Resources certification from Cornell University: NYS School of Industrial and Labor Relations. She is an experienced human resources director and skilled in employee relations, recruitment and performance management.

Sister Regina is the director of the Research and Planning Department for the Diocese of Buffalo and was recently appointed as interim chancellor. Prior to joining the diocese in 1988, she was a high school teacher and administrator. She holds a master's degree in modern European history from Marquette University and a master's degree in theology from Christ the King Seminary.

Dennis C. Walczyk, Catholic Charities chief executive officer, said, "We are excited to add Faren, Pat and Sister Regina to our board of trustees, as they bring with them a significant amount of experience in leadership, commitment and service."

Julie Lulek, MPH, has been named director of School-Based Services, Tracey Miers, LCSW-R, has been named Director of Performance Quality Improvement and Mary Krypel has been named WIC program coordinator in the Family and Community Services Department.

Lulek comes to Catholic Charities from Catholic Health where she was the maternal-child health Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program lead.

Lulek oversees Catholic Charities' services that are directly involved in supporting students, staff and families in many Catholic, public and charter schools across WNY, and is responsible for identifying and pursuing opportunities for program growth in these areas.

She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master's degree in public health from Hunter College, City University of New York. 

Before being named PQI director, Miers served since 2001 as the supervisor of FACS Department fee-based counseling services program. She has also been instrumental in FACS PQI initiatives.  

In her new role, Miers will oversee all agency PQI activities, as well as the accreditation process for Council on Accreditation.

She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and community mental health and a master's in social work from the University at Buffalo. Additionally, Miers holds certifications in Eye Movement Integration and Level 1 EMDR Training, is a licensed clinical social worker-R and a certified Lean Six Sigma green belt.

Krypel has worked for the WIC nutrition program since joining Catholic Charities in 2013. She served in the capacity of WIC nutrition assistant, WIC nutritionist and WIC site leader before her most recent promotion to WIC coordinator.

In her new role, Krypel will oversee all functions and services of WIC sites on Harlem Road, Cheektowaga and Genesee Street, Buffalo.

She holds a bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition from Buffalo State College.

As the most comprehensive human service provider in Western New York, Catholic Charities makes a difference for people of every faith and ethnicity. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.

Catholic Charities is an excellent steward of the contributions it receives. For six years, Catholic Charities attained the highest-possible rating (four stars) from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management. Catholic Charities also receives the highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service.

For more information about the organization and its programs and services, contact Catholic Charities at 716-218-1400 or go to ccwny.org.