Michael D. Hansen
President & Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Announced September 2026
“For years, I have held Catholic Charities in high regard, and I’m delighted to now be part of an organization that has been integral to the fabric of Galveston-Houston for more than 80 years. My hope is to continue building on the legacy of service, helping people in need find stability, dignity, and renewed hope.” – Mike Hansen
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael D. Hansen as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Begins a New Chapter of Leadership as We Continue Serving Families in the Greater Galveston-Houston Community
After a thorough and prayerful search, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has appointed Michael D. Hansen as the new president and CEO with the approval of The Most Reverend Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez. Mike’s first day on the job is September 15, 2026.
“On behalf of Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, I express my gratitude and congratulations to Michael for his willingness to serve as the President and CEO of Catholic Charities,” said The Most Reverend Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez. “I ask the faithful of the Archdiocese to join me and Bishop Italo in praying for Michael and Catholic Charities. Under his leadership, may this agency continue to help our most vulnerable brothers and sisters achieve self-sufficiency and live with dignity.”
Mike brings decades of nonprofit and executive leadership experience to the agency, including serving as president of the school board at St. Vincent de Paul, where he is a parishioner, and the Downtown YMCA, where he served as board chair during the capital campaign that funded a new building. He’s also served as compliance director for West University Little League and is active in the Georgetown Alumni Association & Club of Houston and Strake Jesuit.
He joins Catholic Charities after a career that spanned investment banking, business, and law, most recently at Buffalo Jump Energy Corp, which he founded and led as principal. His prior experience includes work at two of Houston’s well-known firms, Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP, and Credit Suisse First Boston. He has also held executive and leadership roles at Financial Services Capital LLP, Discover Financial Services, Ignite Solar LLC, and Superior Renewable Energy.
Michael is a respected attorney who earned a joint Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Georgetown University.
“Mike’s technology-forward, metrics-driven approach will strengthen our programs, storytelling, and impact reporting, and we look forward to his leadership in advancing our vision and bolstering our governance, compliance, and fiscal stewardship to safeguard donor trust,” said David Doherty, board chair. “As his community involvement and experience demonstrate, Michael has a natural ability to connect with people at every level, which positions him well to help fulfill our mission.”
Hansen refers to his decision to join Catholic Charities as a calling.
“For years, I have held Catholic Charities in high regard, and I’m delighted to now be part of an organization that has been integral to the fabric of Galveston-Houston for more than 80 years,” said Hansen. “My hope is to continue building on the legacy of service, helping people in need find stability, dignity, and renewed hope.”
Hansen succeeds Cynthia Nunes Colbert, who served as president and CEO for 13 years and led the agency through countless challenges and changes, never straying from the vision as people of hope helping people in need achieve self-sufficiency and live with dignity.