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Christopher Brancato
Upon earning his college degree, Chris assumed the role of Director at Fitzpatrick House group home in Pompton Lakes, where he served from 2006 to 2010. During this period, he obtained a Master's Degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University and worked as a therapist before joining the Department for Persons with Disabilities Executive Team in 2010.
In 2010, following Roy DeFranco's retirement, Chris took on the role of Director of Development and Public Relations for the Department for Persons with Disabilities. Over the next eight years, Chris successfully raised funds and awareness for DPD through various events, appeals, donor relations, and media efforts.
In 2018, Chris was appointed as the first Development Director for the newly formed Catholic Charities entity, overseeing development for Department for Persons with Disabilities, Catholic Family of Community Services, and Straight and Narrow. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson, stands as one of the largest Catholic Charities agencies in the United States.
During his tenure, Chris, supported by the leadership team and board of trustees, built, streamlined and merged development functions for Catholic Charities, surpassing fundraising goals annually. He played a pivotal role in securing funds for COVID-19 relief, Straight and Narrow fire relief, and expanding the organization's presence in special events, including, with the support of David Pearson and the Catholic Charities Veterans Team, the merger with the Knights of Columbus in 2020 for the New Jersey Army Tank Pull.
After two decades of dedicated service, Chris transitioned to Church World Service (CWS) in October, assuming the role of their first Director of Individual Giving. As part of the funds development leadership team, he contributes to raising funds for relief and sustainability programs spanning all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide.
Chris has been recognized with the Diocese of Paterson Vivere Christus awards in 2013, Paterson Federation New Jersey Knights of Columbus Knight of the Year in 2017, and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019 from St. Mary’s High School. A 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus (#14493), Rotarian, and a member of the New Jersey Association of Fundraising Professionals, Chris is dedicated to community service, having served on the boards of the Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce and DASI (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Service in Sussex County).
Together with the Murray family, Chris has helped lead 13 Murray House Dinner Dances, including the 2019 event attended by 1,000 guests. He resides in Kinnelon, New Jersey, with his wife, Dr. Jaclyn Brancato, their four children, Christopher (9), Brandon (7), Leila (4), Scarlett (1), and his grandparents-in-law, Luis (94) and Sonia (92).
“The significance of the Murray House Dinner Dance transcends its celebratory nature—it embodies the profound impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities make in our communities, the overwhelming kindness extended by both our Diocesan and extended community, and the enduring legacy forged by a family that, over 60 years and across multiple generations, has indelibly shaped our world. I pray that, in time, my own family may mirror the Murray family's exemplary legacy, becoming dedicated stewards of love and kindness,” Chris said.
Chris embarked on his journey with Catholic Charities, starting at Murray House in 2003 while a 19-year-old student at Montclair State University. Engaging in the university's cooperative education program, he received a scholarship for his work with Murray House, later addressing the university at his convocation in 2006, where he spoke about the ministry of the Department for Persons with Disabilities.