Michael Furey, Founder
Founding with Purpose
ACELA Solutions was founded by Michael Furey, a lifelong Catholic and mission-driven leader whose career has been shaped by faith, intuition, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its genesis was not spontaneous—it was the fruit of conviction, discernment, and decades of mission-driven service to the Church and its ministries.
With more than 30 years of experience in business management, institutional and organizational advancement, leadership development, and Catholic education, Michael has built a reputation for walking closely with leaders—especially in times of transition, complexity, and opportunity. His approach is both strategic and relational, shaped by a robust family and parish life and 16 years of formal Catholic education. That formation included the influence of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, diocesan clergy, and the Jesuit educators and mentors at the University of Scranton, whose Ignatian charism left a lasting imprint on his faith and leadership. This foundation, along with decades of professional service, reflects Michael’s deep belief in the transformative power of mission-aligned leadership. He holds that when exceptional, inspirational leadership permeates a culture, schools excel, communities and organizations flourish, and the mission thrives.
For the past decade, Michael partnered with his brother, Larry Furey, and a talented group of practice leaders in growing Partners in Mission—the firm Larry founded in 2008—into a nationally respected organization serving Catholic schools, dioceses, and ministries across the nation. Together, they helped shape an organization defined not only by its impact, but by a hallmark culture and ethos centered on mission, relationships, and stewardship. The work was marked by meaningful collaboration, enduring relationships, and a shared commitment to advancing the mission of Catholic education, leadership, and service to the Church and its ministries.
In early 2024, the firm was sold to a managing partner group, supported by angel investors, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Michael remained actively engaged throughout the transition and was grateful to continue partnering with fellow practitioners whose shared commitment had defined a meaningful chapter of ministry and service. The mission-driven work and enduring relationships continued to shape his perspective. Over time, through thoughtful discernment, he began to envision a new path—one that honored his prior work while opening fresh opportunities to serve the Church and its ministries with renewed clarity and purpose.
What followed was a prolonged season of prayerful discernment and intentional listening. Michael engaged with Catholic leaders across the nation—those who teach, lead, govern, advise, and advance the Church’s ministries. The dialogue centered around a vision for delivering differentiated solutions—serving the needs of Catholic institutions with greater mission alignment. The need was evident. The vision resonated. And a growing circle of support began to emerge.
On May 1, 2025—the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker—Michael decided to step away from his former role and launched ACELA Solutions. He chose the date purposefully: to honor the dignity of work, the quiet strength of Catholic leadership, and the responsibility we all share to build something enduring in service to the Church.
ACELA was created to walk with Catholic leaders—with both strategy and heart—through seasons of growth, challenge, and change. While the firm is new, its foundation is forged from years of trusted leadership and lived experience. The ACELA team brings a rich history of service in Catholic education, mission-driven leadership, and the life of the Church—forming a collective deeply committed to advancing the mission of Catholic institutions. More than that, they are united by a shared commitment to faithful leadership, responsible stewardship, and the belief that relationships must always come before transactions—and mission must always come before margin.
