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Leadership Partners. Strategic Advisors. Mission-Driven.

Catholic Leadership Solutions collaborates with organizations in the Catholic community - including schools, dioceses, religious communities, foundations, and social ministries - to develop their leaders’ ability to lead effectively. The organization also assists with the transition from one leader to another, as well as with long-term planning and governance. Their work involves an integrative approach using four different types of consulting: executive search; strategic advisory; organizational assessment; and leadership development. These four elements all use a Catholic framework to assist organizations in leading with clarity, confidence, and fidelity to their mission in an increasingly complex landscape.

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Our Mission

Who We Serve & What We Do

Catholic Leadership Solutions supports Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, nonprofit foundations, and social ministries in the United States. In working with boards, bishops, pastors, presidents, superintendents, executive directors, and senior leadership groups, we provide consulting support during times of leadership change, when faced with organizational challenges, or when seeing significant change in strategy or direction.

What We Do

Catholic Leadership Solutions provides four major types of consulting services: executive search, partnered leadership counsel, strategic planning, and organizational assessments. Each of the four service categories are customized to take into account the institutional context and and grounded in deep respect for Catholic governance, culture, and mission.

Who We Serve

We work collaboratively with Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, foundations, and ministries to develop their leaders’ ability to lead effectively by providing a high degree of customized services to meet organizational needs.

Our Approach

We work with leaders to clearly define their priorities as well as create and implement organizational capacity that supports long-term effectiveness and stability of their organization within a mission-focused framework.

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

Supporting Leadership Across the Catholic Ecosystem

Catholic leaders are faced with complex leadership issues created by existing governance structures, pastoral responsibilities, changing expectations of the communities they serve, etc. ACELA provides support to leaders at every level—from boards to executive leadership to operational staff. We will support leaders by helping them clarify their role in their leadership as well as help them make sound decisions. We improve their ability to work collaboratively with one another, and develop alignment between their strategic priorities and organizational mission. We provide this national perspective through our decades of experience working with Catholic organizations nationwide and assist them in leading with confidence, clarity, and fidelity to mission.

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Leadership Transitions

Assisting leaders in making smooth transitions through effective communication so that continuity, confidence, and mission alignment are maintained throughout the period of transition.

Governance & Decision-Making

Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of board members and executives to strengthen effectiveness.

Executive & Senior Leadership

Providing support to senior leaders so they can navigate through complexity, prioritize goals, and lead collaboratively.

Organizational Alignment

Enhancing effective collaboration between and among teams, while ensuring that the organization's structure, strategy, and culture are aligned with the organizational mission.

System-Level Leadership

Providing assistance to diocesan leaders and network leaders in achieving a shared vision, developing long-term sustainability, and creating a long-term impact.

Mission-Centered Change

Assisting organizations in effectively managing change while remaining faithful to their Catholic identity.

Our Impact

Our National PK–12 Catholic Leadership Experience

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Catholic School Campuses Served
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of U.S. Dioceses Partnered
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School Strategic Plans Facilitated
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Leadership Placements Supported
Testimonials

Our Work Advances Catholic Leadership Nationwide

From boardrooms to classrooms, ACELA shows up where Catholic leadership matters most. Leaders nationwide trust us to guide pivotal moments in Catholic education and ministry. Their reflections reveal how our work advances mission, strengthens institutions, and inspires transformative leadership.

"Mike Furey leads with sharp intuition, strategic clarity, and deep integrity. I trust him—and ACELA—completely."

Dr. Pattie Davis
Dr. Pattie Davis
Superintendent of Catholic Schools

"Mike and Steven guided me through pivotal discernment and now inspire me to join ACELA, contributing my leadership to its mission."

Dr. W. Paul Harrington
Dr. W. Paul Harrington
Head of School

"ACELA leads with clarity, compassion, and uncommon attentiveness—especially when serving under-resourced Catholic schools and communities."

Jocelyn Smith
Jocelyn Smith
Ed.D.

"Mike’s professionalism and strategic insight delivered strong leaders who met the evolving needs of Catholic school communities."

Todd R. Sweda
Todd R. Sweda
Ed.D.

"Katie, Mike, Steven and their team brought strategic clarity, mission-driven insight, and governance support that continues to transform our board and school community."

Ricci Ososkie
Ricci Ososkie
Board Chair

"Mike Furey’s experience, personalized engagements, and heart for service make him a blessing to Catholic education."

Dr. Marco Clark
Dr. Marco Clark
President

"Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph & Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Detroit, MI)."

Lindsey Meyer
Lindsey Meyer
Director of Corporate Relations

"Stephen’s steady counsel, in partnership with our board, helped guide a pivotal season of leadership and mission renewal."

Ken Willers-Former President
Ken Willers-Former President
Notre Dame Academy (Duluth, GA)

"No other firm, at any price, matches Mike’s relational depth, strategic clarity, and mission-driven stewardship."

Tim Cullen
Tim Cullen
President at St. Dominic Savio High School and Holy Family School (Austin, TX)

"A Mother Seton Award winner and lifelong servant of Catholic education, Steven Virgadamo unites mission, leadership, and strategy—guiding Catholic schools toward faithful, sustainable, mission-driven vitality."

Steve Hammond
Steve Hammond
Former Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Insights & Resources

Leadership Support Across the Catholic Ecosystem

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Trusted
Nationwide
Our Team's Experience

Mission-Driven
Leadership Partners

Catholic schools partner with us because we understand their mission, complexity, and culture. Our expertise in nationwide PK–12 systems coupled with our profound respect for their local character, history, and culture help us to guide them through transition and rebuilding. 

  • Decades of experience leading Catholic schools
  • Deep understanding of mission and culture
  • Guided schools through transition and rebuilding
  • National PK–12 expertise with local respect
  • Strong alignment across leadership and parents
Learn More About Our Approach →

Strengthen Your School's
Leadership, Culture, and
Mission

Get support from trusted Catholic school experts who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing PK–12 Catholic education today.

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