Leadership Partners.
Strategic Advisors.
Mission-Driven.
Across the nation, ACELA Solutions secures exceptional leaders, strengthens teams, and provides strategic guidance to help Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, and social ministries thrive in mission and impact.
Catholic Education
Leadership & Advancement
Advocates for Catholic Education, Leadership and Advancement
ACELA (uh-SELL-uh) was founded on a promise — to carry forward our legacies of service to Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, and social ministries with renewed vision, deeper relationships, and a bold commitment to the future.
We believe that when exceptional, inspirational leadership permeates a culture—schools excel, communities flourish, organizations align with purpose, and the mission endures.
Inspired by the Spirit, rooted in Gospel-values, Catholic teachings, and servant leadership, we strengthen institutions, foster thriving cultures and communities, and advance the Church’s mission—all for the greater glory of God.
The ACELA Difference
At ACELA, we know that strong relationships are the engine of sustainable leadership and lasting mission impact. That’s why we prioritize listening, trust, and collaboration in every engagement—whether it’s a leadership search, operational vitality assessment, strategic plan, or school-system strategy, structure, and design initiative.
We honor the unique culture, charism, and identity of every Catholic institution we serve. Because real impact comes not from transactions, but from relationships rooted in purpose.
We believe that authentic leadership is born from authentic relationships—and that culture building begins not with programs, but with people. Our insight-driven strategies help Catholic leaders foster clarity, alignment, and long-term vitality.
With ACELA, you gain more than a service—you gain a mission-driven partner who leads with heart, strategy, and deep respect for what matters most.
Relationships over Transactions. Mission over Margin. Stewardship Always.
Advancing Catholic Mission Through Leadership & Strategy
Retained Search & Talent Acquisition
We guide Catholic institutions through high-trust executive search processes that elevate leadership, strengthen mission, and ensure cultural alignment. Explore Our Proven Process
Partnered Leadership & Counsel
We offer adaptive leadership solutions and ongoing counsel to help Catholic organizations navigate complexity with confidence. Discover Adaptive Leadership
Leadership, Team & Culture Development
We strengthen Catholic leadership teams through coaching, culture building, and professional development rooted in mission, trust, and impact. Invest in Your Leaders
Strategic Planning & Organizational Assessments
We equip Catholic institutions with insight-driven assessments and strategies that align mission, leadership, and operational vitality for sustainable growth. Clarify Your Path Forward
School System Strategy, Structure & Design
We guide dioceses, networks, and school systems in structuring teams, strategies, and models to support mission and future readiness. Design for the Future
Workshops, Retreats & Keynotes
We deliver high-impact Catholic workshops, retreats, and keynotes tailored to leadership formation, culture, identity, advancement, and renewal. See Our Formats & TopicsOur Work Advances Catholic Leadership Nationwide
Mike Furey leads with sharp intuition, strategic clarity, and deep integrity. I trust him—and ACELA—completely.
Dr. Pattie Davis, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Baton Rouge
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, Head of School
Pope Francis Preparatory School Springfield, MA (Testimonial shared prior to Paul’s formal involvement with ACELA Solutions, where he now serves on our practitioner team.)
ACELA leads with clarity, compassion, and uncommon attentiveness—especially when serving under-resourced Catholic schools and communities.
Jocelyn Smith, Ed.D.
Assistant Clinical Teaching Professor; Coordinator, Latino Enrollment Institute; Coordinator, Latino Educator; and Administrator Development Program, ALMA Initiative - University of Notre Dame
Mike’s professionalism and strategic insight delivered strong leaders who met the evolving needs of Catholic school communities.
Todd R. Sweda, Ed.D.
Leadership Team - Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education at The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)
"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, Board Chair
Regina High School (Warren, MI)
Mike Furey’s experience, personalized engagements, and heart for service make him a blessing to Catholic education.
Dr. Marco Clark, President
Holy Cross College (Notre Dame, IN)
Katie listened deeply, understood my strengths, and helped me find mission-driven work that truly fits who I am.
Lindsey Meyer - Director of Corporate Relations
Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph & Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Detroit, MI)
Stephen’s steady counsel, in partnership with our board, helped guide a pivotal season of leadership and mission renewal.
Ken Willers-Former President, Notre Dame Academy (Duluth, GA)
(Now as a Partner and Strategic Advisor at ACELA Solutions, Ken brings that same spirit of strategic leadership to our shared mission.)
No other firm, at any price, matches Mike’s relational depth, strategic clarity, and mission-driven stewardship.
Tim Cullen, President at St. Dominic Savio High School and Holy Family School (Austin, TX)
(Testimonial shared prior to Tim’s formal involvement with ACELA Solutions, where he now serves on our practitioner team.)
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, Former Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Knoxville and Diocese of Nashville
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