hero-school-leadership-DxX0oVC9

icon Powered by ACELA Solutions

Catholic School Leadership Solutions

Catholic Leadership Solutions partners with Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, foundations, and social ministries to strengthen leadership capacity and organizational vitality. We support institutions navigating leadership transition, operational complexity, governance challenges, and long-term planning. Our work integrates executive search, strategic advisory, organizational assessment, and leadership support grounded in Catholic identity, stewardship, and service. Powered by ACELA Solutions, we bring national experience and a deeply relational approach to help Catholic institutions lead with clarity, confidence, and mission fidelity in an increasingly complex landscape.

Start the Conversation Explore Our Services
Our Mission

Who We Serve & What We Do

Catholic Leadership Solutions serves Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, nonprofit foundations, and social ministries across the United States. We partner with boards, bishops, pastors, presidents, superintendents, executive directors, and senior leadership teams facing leadership decisions, organizational challenges, or strategic inflection points.

What We Do

Our services span executive search, partnered leadership counsel, strategic planning, and organizational assessments. Each engagement is tailored to institutional context and grounded in deep respect for Catholic governance, culture, and mission.

Who We Serve

We work with Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, foundations, and ministries, partnering closely with governing bodies and senior leaders navigating complex leadership environments.

Our Approach

We help leaders clarify priorities, strengthen alignment, and build organizational capacity that supports long-term mission effectiveness and stability.

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

Supporting Leadership Across the Catholic Ecosystem

Catholic institutions navigate complex leadership realities shaped by governance structures, pastoral responsibilities, and evolving community expectations. ACELA supports leaders at every level—from boards and senior executives to administrative teams and system-wide leaders. We help clarify leadership roles, strengthen decision-making, improve collaboration, and align strategy with mission. Whether guiding leadership transitions, advising senior leaders, or supporting organizational change, we bring a national perspective grounded in deep Catholic experience—helping leaders lead with confidence, clarity, and fidelity to mission.

View All Challenges

Leadership Transitions

Guiding smooth transitions that ensure continuity, confidence, and mission alignment during times of change.

Governance & Decision-Making

Clarifying roles, responsibilities, and authority to strengthen board and executive effectiveness.

Executive & Senior Leadership

Advising senior leaders to navigate complexity, set priorities, and lead collaboratively.

Organizational Alignment

Improving collaboration across teams and aligning structures, strategy, and culture with mission.

System-Level Leadership

Supporting diocesan and network leaders in advancing shared vision, sustainability, and impact.

Mission-Centered Change

Helping institutions manage change thoughtfully while remaining faithful to Catholic identity.

Our Impact

Our National PK–12 Catholic Leadership Experience

0
Catholic School Campuses Served
0
of U.S. Dioceses Partnered
0
School Strategic Plans Facilitated
0
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

View All Articles →
school-campus-Dqr0dyo-
Trusted
Nationwide
Our Team's Experience

Mission-Driven
Leadership Partners

Catholic schools choose us because we understand their mission, complexity, and culture. We combine national PK–12 expertise with deep respect for the local character, history, and culture.

  • 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.

Start the Conversation → Explore Our Services
Powered by acela-logo