Press Releases

BUFFALO, NEW YORK (September 26, 2025)  —

Today, the Buffalo City Mission announced that Mark R. Jentsch has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, following the conclusion of a comprehensive board-led search. Jentsch brings over four decades of experience in executive leadership, organizational strategy, and business transformation to the Mission’s top role. In conjunction with Jentsch’s appointment, the Mission announced the promotion of Marilyn Forcucci, Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO, to Executive Director.

As part of a strategic restructuring, the Mission’s Board of Directors made the decision to separate the Executive Director and CEO responsibilities — roles that had historically been combined. This new model allows the CEO to focus on strategic vision, partnerships, and organizational growth, while the Executive Director leads day-to-day operations and programmatic excellence. The change reflects the Mission’s commitment to strengthening its governance and ensuring long-term sustainability.

“This is a defining moment for The Buffalo City Mission as Mark’s heart for service and depth of executive experience mark an exciting new chapter for the Buffalo City Mission,” said Dr. Grace Huff, President of the Buffalo City Mission Board of Directors. “Together with Marilyn’s proven leadership and historical knowledge, we have assembled a team that will inspire our staff, volunteers, and donors — and ensure we continue to meet the urgent needs of Buffalo’s most vulnerable neighbors.”

In addition to ongoing consultative roles since 2007, Jentsch most recently served as Director of Golf Cart Operations and Logistics for the PGA TOUR, leading the successful integration of Golf Car Express operations into the TOUR. Prior to that, he served as President of Golf Car Express, where he spearheaded a turnaround that grew the company from $2 million to $7.5 million in sales, expanded its customer base, and led it through a successful acquisition. Earlier in his career, Jentsch held senior leadership roles with Quality Inspection Services, Osmose Utilities Services, and HSBC/Marine Midland Bank, where he drove growth, financial performance, and workforce development initiatives.

“It is an honor to join an organization with such a profound legacy of service to our community,” said Mark Jentsch, CEO of the Buffalo City Mission. “I am committed to building on this foundation and working alongside Marilyn, our staff, and our supporters to ensure that every person who turns to the Mission finds hope, dignity, and a path forward.”

About the Buffalo City Mission:

Founded in 1917, the Buffalo City Mission is a nonprofit organization providing preventative, emergency, and transitional housing programs to thousands of people experiencing homelessness and poverty every year. The Mission now includes the Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise, a Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor), and the Dick Road Thrift Store, all of which serve the Western New York community. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org or call (716) 854-8181.

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