Our People

Lori VanAuken has over 32 years of leadership, policy, advocacy and fundraising experience in the non-profit sector. In March 2013 she assumed the role of Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services, which served people with developmental disabilities, individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries and those living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. She assumed the role of President and CEO of Catholic Charities Family and Community Services on January 1, 2022.

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services brings together the services and programs of Catholic Family Center and Catholic Charities Community Services, serving over 28,000 clients annually with an operating budget of nearly $50M.

Before joining Catholic Charities, she served as the Deputy Executive Director of Children’s Institute, affiliated with University of Rochester, where she managed government, corporate and foundation relation, board development, strategic planning and agency communications and fundraising. Prior to her employment with Children’s Institute, Lori spent nearly a decade with the Rochester Area Community Foundation where she oversaw grantmaking in the areas of early childhood. She also advocated for child care subsidies and influenced policy decisions in the field of early care and education.

Lori has been recognized by the Rochester Business Journal as a recipient of the Forty Under 40 Award, and the Women of Excellence Award in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo and her master’s in public administration from SUNY Brockport, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. During her career she has served on a variety of state and local boards of directors, and has chaired or co-chaired several community-wide collaboratives and community task forces. Lori provides input into statewide policies and practices that are established by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Originally from Queens, NY, Lori lives in Hilton with her husband, Eric, and two sons, Tommy and Michael. She enjoys spending time with her family, and volunteering at her church. Her hobbies include taking long walks, running, Jazzercise classes and retail therapy.