LARRY FUREY, CFRE, CPA

Larry Furey, Partner, brings senior level management experience and over seventeen years of development knowledge to The Advancement Counsel. Larry provides strategic direction in all areas of advancement with a proven record of success in on-site capital campaign management, major gift solicitation, planned giving and endowment programs, annual giving, boards and volunteers, enrollment management, communications, and advancement operations. Larry brings a sense of confidence and stability to the Catholic schools, dioceses and religious communities he works with, helping them set high goals and giving them the tools to achieve them. Larry is currently providing comprehensive advancement services to Catholic schools, dioceses and religious organizations throughout the United States. Previously, Larry served as Assistant Headmaster for Advancement at Xaverian Brothers High School, a Catholic all-boys college preparatory school located in Westwood, MA. At Xaverian, Larry was responsible for managing a team of eight and recently completed a $12.1 million capital campaign in which the school received five gifts in excess of $1 million each, involved more than 200 campaign volunteers and experienced significant growth in their Annual Fund during the campaign. It was under Larry’s leadership that the school successfully increased their annual giving program from $120,000 in 1995 to over $1,200,000 this past year. Prior to his responsibilities at Xaverian, Larry served as Vice-President for Institutional Advancement at Catholic Charities, the social service agency of the Archdiocese of Boston. During his time at Catholic Charities, Larry set new records in total annual giving. He also was responsible for a record setting special event, The Cardinal’s Garden Party, in which they raised in excess of $1 million dollars during one event located at the Cardinal’s Residence in Boston. A seasoned consultant in Blackbaud “Raiser’s Edge”, Larry was chosen by attendees as a Blackbaud Premier Presenter at the Blackbaud Symposium on Philanthropy. Larry began his career in advancement in 1990 when he left public accounting to become the first Director of Development at his alma mater, Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua, PA. Larry is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and is both a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Larry is the Treasurer and Board Member of the Association of Catholic Admissions and Advancement Professionals of New England (ACAAP), formerly known as NEACDO. Larry also serves as a Eucharistic Minister and on the Advancement Committee for his parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Needham, MA.  Larry also served for three years as a Regional Associate for the Secondary Schools Department of the National Catholic Educational Association. Larry and his wife Jan reside in Westwood, Massachusetts with their children Kathleen (age 8) and Timothy (age 4).

JAY GOULD

Jay Gould, Partner, is a strategic thinker and mission-centered leader with a demonstrated passion for the ministry of Catholic education. As a seasoned advancement consultant, Jay inspires teamwork, accountability and results with the Catholic schools, diocese and religious communities he works with throughout the United States. As a persuasive communicator and strategist at heart, Jay has an established reputation among the clients he has worked as a proven solution provider who understands the complexity of challenges facing Catholic organizations today. By embracing a collaborative approach with institutional leaders and advancement team members, Jay encourages a spirit of possibility rooted in creative, verified and time sensitive solutions to the integrated non-revenue and revenue components of advancement. Specializing in capital campaign management, comprehensive enrollment management, board and volunteer leadership, annual fund segmentation, major gift solicitation, communications and constituent relations, Jay empowers clients with the resources necessary to achieve new found success. Prior to establishing The Advancement Counsel, Jay served as Director of Development at his alma mater, St. John’s Preparatory School, a Catholic all-boys college-preparatory school founded in 1907 by the Xaverian Brothers in Danvers, MA. During Jay’s tenure, the Prep realized record growth in alumni participation, volunteer involvement, capital campaign success and annual giving, which increased five-fold from in a five year period. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Jay served as First Vice-President of the University’s National Alumni Association and recently received the University’s Young Alumni Achievement Award. Jay serves on the Board of Catholic Charities North in Massachusetts, has been a consistent and highlighted presenter at regional and national NCEA, CASE, and NAIS conferences, and also remains active in a variety of professional and service organizations. 

TIM BRESLIN

Tim Breslin serves as an full time Associate of The Advancement Counsel team. Prior to joining the firm full-time, Tim served as Director of Advancement at Malden Catholic High School, an all boy’s Catholic preparatory school in Malden, Massachusetts. Prior to his time at Malden Catholic, Tim was the first Director for Development at his alma mater, Salesianum School, an all-male private catholic high school with an enrollment of over 1,000 located in Wilmington, Delaware. In his role at Salesianum, he nearly tripled the annual fund to over $600,000 in five years while also helping to lead an $8 million capital campaign, Ensuring Gentlemen for Tomorrow, for seven campus projects and endowment. Tim also grew alumni participation from 13% to 21% and initiated parent participation in the fund, growing in two years to nearly 60% participation. At Malden Catholic, Tim led a team of professionals to overhaul the advancement office in preparation of a capital campaign. Working with the Board of Trustees and Headmaster in strategic planning, he also spearheaded the growth of the annual fund from $440,000 to $800,000. Tim was responsible for managing a comprehensive advancement program inclusive of capital, major and annual giving, as well as alumni relations, special event planning, volunteer management and institutional marketing.  Tim has been a featured presenter at NCEA and NEACDO conferences. After graduating from the University of Delaware, Tim worked for a number of years for professional sports teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Flyers, and 76ers in public relations and video productions. Tim’s wife Tanya was a teacher in the Diocese of Wilmington. Tim and Tanya have three children, Jackson, Kathryn and Carolyn and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

TOM BRODNICKI

Tom Brodnicki serves as an adjunct member of The Advancement Counsel. Team. After nine years of seminary study with the Augustinians concluding with a Master’s Degree from Villanova University, Tom Brodnicki began thirty-five highly successful years of work in advancing the Mission of Catholic education among scores of parish elementary schools, religiously sponsored and diocesan secondary schools, and Catholic colleges and universities.  While teaching at St. Rita High School on Chicago’s notorious south side during a time of serious enrollment decline in the early 1970s, Tom took charge of student recruitment. After meeting the challenge with enrollment growing back from 1,200 back to 1,800 the principal asked Tom to take on the task of raising money. Modeling a program after the local Jesuit High School, St. Rita became well known for its development program and Tom, in a consultant role, then helped some twenty other Catholic High Schools and several parish elementary schools establish enrollment and fund raising programs to advance their Mission. Today Brodnicki is recognized as the “Grandfather” of Catholic School Advancement in Chicago where he is credited as the founder of the sixty school member Archdiocesan Development Council. 

In addition to his work with Catholic elementary and secondary schools, Tom is highly regarded for his creativity and enthusiasm for Catholic Education while establishing and building successful advancement programs as the Vice President for University Advancement at Lewis University (Christian Brothers) and at the University of St. Francis (Franciscans) – both in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. After relocating to Boston in 2001 to establish the first professional advancement program at Curry College in Milton – an independent college that, today, is widely recognized among New England’s best liberal arts colleges, Tom decided to work as an independent consultant. In the capacity, most recently Tom was invited back to Lewis University to serve as the Interim Vice President for University Advancement to manage their twenty-five person advancement team, sustain the momentum of a capital campaign and assist with the search for a new Vice President. With these assignments complete, Tom has enthusiastically accepted an invitation to team with The Advancement Counsel.

Beyond his professional advancement work in support of Catholic education, Tom served as the first Chair of the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Diocese of Joliet from 1990 – 1995 while serving as President of the Parish Council at St. Dennis Parish in Lockport, IL for twelve years where he led two highly successful capital campaigns for new facilities and renovations. Today, Tom chairs the Stewardship Commission at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Canton, Massachusetts. Working with The Advancement Counsel provides Tom with an opportunity to achieve a lifetime goal of sharing his thirty-five years of experience with today’s advancement professionals to further advance the Mission of Catholic Education and, thereby, build the Body of Christ. 

Tom and his wife, Nancy, a program manager for the Yawkey Foundation, live in Canton, Massachusetts. Their two grown children, both graduates of Catholic education, live in Illinois and Florida. 
 

CHRIS HAGERTY

Chris Hagerty brings his entrepreneurial spirit and development skills to The Advancement Counsel as an Associate, while also serving as Director of Advancement at Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Pennsylvania. Before entering the advancement profession, Chris was the Founder, President and General Manager of Heart Broadcasting, Inc., which owned radio stations WFLP and WEYZ. Upon the successful operation and sale of these radio properties, Chris returned to his alma mater in hopes of lending his sales and marketing abilities to lead the school’s advancement program. In his role at Cathedral Prep, Chris turned a two person office into a team of five, quadrupled the Annual Fund to over $600,000 (while tripling alumni participation), doubled the Cathedral Prep Scholarship Fund to over $500,000 per year, and implemented and executed the school’s first multi-million dollar capital campaign, “Share The Vision”/The Campaign for Cathedral Preparatory School, exceeding the stated goal of $3 million. “Share The Vision” raised funds for the renovation of the classrooms and corridors of Prep’s 65 year old building and also paved the way for Prep’s ground breaking wireless/Tablet PC technology program which furnishes students with their own tablet/laptop computers with the ability to access the internet anywhere/anytime. The end result was a 30% increase in enrollment for the inner-city Diocesan all male school. In addition to helping improve the financial condition of the school, Chris worked with the Headmaster in repositioning and re-messaging Cathedral Prep’s internal and external communications, including an overhaul of the school’s website, marketing, and public relations. Chris has been instrumental in helping Cathedral Prep develop a strategic plan that allows the school to stay true to its mission of developing men of vision in spirit, mind, and body. Upon graduation from Mercyhurst College, Chris worked for a number of years as an educator in the Diocese of Erie, thus his current relationship with Cathedral Prep brings him full circle in his lifelong commitment to Catholic Education. Chris resides in Erie with his wife Jennie, who serves as Director of Advancement at Our Lady’s Christian School, and his children Dan, Meghan, Kevin, and John.

LORI HUFFMAN

Lori Huffman serves as an adjunct member of The Advancement Counsel team. She is a proven professional, who believes in fostering team ideas, motivating others to succeed, and setting the organizational tone for communication, cooperation, integrity and honesty. Recognized as a skilled fundraiser, Lori has a proven track record in the areas of advancement team management, alumni relations, annual fund, and special events. She is a graduate of the University of Dayton where she received her degree in elementary education. Lori began her professional career as an educator in Catholic schools, and then decided to return to her alma mater, St. Agnes Academy in Houston, Texas in 2004 as their Director of Alumnae Relations and Annual Fund. During Lori’s tenure at St. Agnes, the school realized record growth in philanthropic giving and under her leadership the school’s annual fund increased from $475,000 to in excess of $750,000 in three years. Recognized as a trusted advisor, Lori provides strategic and impact oriented advice and counsel for the clients she serves. Lori relocated to Boston in 2006 and served as interim Director of Advancement at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA from October 2006 to March 2007.  Lori and her husband Bobby and their daughter Etta reside in Westwood, Massachusetts.

WILLIAM A. MACNEILL

William A. MacNeill serves as a senior member of The Advancement Counsel team bringing a lifetime of development experience in his ministry of advancing the mission of Catholic education. For nearly 50 years, the name Bill MacNeill has been synonymous with advancement excellence on the regional and national level. It was during his 35-year tenure as a teacher, administrator and Vice President for Development at Boston College High School, one of New England’s premier college preparatory schools, that Bill MacNeill earned the singular reputation among his colleagues as “the godfather” of Catholic school advancement. In 1991, Bill established William A. MacNeill and Associates to serve schools and non-profit organizations in the fields of financial planning and fund raising development. During the past 14 years, he has acted as a counsel to a wide variety of Catholic schools and organizations throughout the country. Most recently he has served as Director of Development for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia and the 33 Catholic elementary and high schools of West Virginia. During this seven-year tenure Bill established development programs in each school in the diocese resulting in significantly enhanced philanthropic support for Catholic education in the diocese. A seasoned campaign consultant, Bill has directed or provided counsel in helping transform schools in the areas of athletics, the arts, the sciences, classrooms, auditoriums, technology centers and endowment growth. Specializing in advancement assessments, feasibility studies, campaign counsel, and securing foundation grants, Bill prides himself on creating or strengthening advancement programs nationally.

An educator at heart, Bill taught for ten years as an adjunct professor in the nationally recognized Catholic Leadership Program at Boston College as well as in the graduate education programs at Emmanuel College in Boston and Loyola College in Baltimore. In 1996 Bill was presented with the Distinguished Service Award at the National Catholic Educational Association conference in Philadelphia, PA for outstanding contributions to Catholic education in the field of development. Dear to his heart, Bill founded, served as president and is currently a member of the Board of the New England Association of Catholic Development Officers. An all volunteer organization, NEACDO serves more than 500 Catholic schools in New England providing workshops, mentoring programs and other advancement related support for aspiring advancement directors. In 2003, NEACDO established the William A. MacNeill Award, the highest honor the organization can bestow, recognizing an individual’s outstanding contribution to the ministry of Catholic school advancement in New England. The greatest legacy of Bill MacNeill may be the dozens of advancement professionals he has mentored, guided and stewarded during his distinguished career.

FR. MICHAEL MARTIN  OFM, CONV.

Fr. Michael Martin, O.F.M. Conv. serves as an adjunct member of The Advancement Counsel team sharing his personal, strategic and leadership skills as gifts in his calling to advance the mission of Catholic education. Having served as President since 2001 and formerly Principal of his alma mater, Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, MD, he has witnessed first hand the emerging importance of advancement in the life of Catholic schools today. In his role, Fr. Michael has been the catalyst for transformational growth during challenging times by providing direction and commitment to the mission of Archbishop Curley High School in all facets of school leadership, advancement, enrollment, finances, personnel and facility planning. Centered on recruiting a quality and qualified team of professionals who embrace his dedication and leadership, Fr. Michael has collaborated with team members in establishing strategic objectives and benchmarks that have provided the framework for accountability and accomplishment. A lifelong educator and student at heart, Fr. Michael searches for solutions in ways that inspire others to a common vision and shared responsibility. Catholic educated his entire life, a graduate of Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, MD, Fr. Michael holds an S.T.B. degree in Theology from the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure-The Seraphicum in Rome, Italy as well as M.Ed. In Catholic Education Administration from Boston College among other graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificates. As a member of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, he has held a variety of teaching, coaching and administrative positions at the high school and college level since his ordination in 1989. He serves as a Regional Associate of the National Catholic Educational Association and as President of the Baltimore Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and a is a former member of the Archdiocesan Budget Review Board. He also has served on a number of boards and commissions and is a highlighted presenter on strategic issues facing Catholic schools today and the important role of advancement in sustaining the mission of Catholic education.

SISTER RITA O’LEARY, IHM

Sister Rita O’Leary, IHM, serves as an adjunct member of The Advancement Counsel team bringing an experienced insight in her ministry of advancing the mission of Catholic education. In addition to her role with The Advancement Counsel, Sister Rita currently serves as the Director of Planned Giving and Stewardship at Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. Specializing in planned giving, major gift solicitation and donor stewardship activities, Sister is an affirming presence with the clients she serves. Recognized as a skilled fundraiser, Sister Rita has a proven track record in the areas of advancement team management, board relations, alumni programming, and leadership giving. For 35 years, Sister Rita has served in leadership positions in all facets of advancement and school administration.  Sister holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Immaculata University, a Master in Music Education from West Chester University, and a Master of Arts in Administration from The Catholic University of America. From 1990 to 2002 Sister Rita was Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School in Coal Township, Pennsylvania. In 2002 she returned to her alma mater, Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where she served as Director of Advancement until 2006. Sister Rita remains committed to advancing the mission of Catholic education and is a frequent presenter at a variety of regional and national workshops and conferences.

SHANA RUFFNER

Shana Ruffner serves as an adjunct member of The Advancement Counsel team in addition to serving as Director of Admissions and Communications at Padua Academy in Wilmington, Delaware. An energetic and engaging communicator, Shana remains committed to ensuring the viability and sustainability of Catholic schools today by providing strategic direction in the area of enrollment management with the clients she serves. During her tenure at Padua Academy Shana was responsible for a 30% increase in enrollment. Shana initiated an identity and branding audit at Padua resulting in an integrated standard for school messaging and communications. Prior to serving in her current role Shana was a member of the faculty at Padua Academy and taught English for six years while serving as Student Council Advisor during four of her years as a teacher. In July 2002 Shana was appointed Director of Advancement at Padua and in July 2005 assumed her current position. Shana holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware and a Masters in Education from Wilmington College. Recognized as a rising star among her peers, Shana brings a wealth of creative and proven strategies to the clients she serves in all aspects of enrollment management.

BROTHER DANIEL E. SKALA, C.F.X., PH. D.

Brother Daniel E. Skala, C.F.X serves as an adjunct member of The Advancement Counsel team bringing a wealth of strategic leadership skills and insights toward the ministry of Catholic education. He has served as Headmaster of Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA since July 1, 1991. Under Brother Dan’s leadership, Xaverian has been transformed at all levels into a model Catholic secondary school for young men. With a fully engaged Board of Trustees, an administrative and advancement team that embraces his vision and commitment to the mission of Catholic education, Brother Dan has led during a period of transformational growth in the history of Xaverian Brothers High School: record enrollment, $25 million in philanthropic giving, outstanding college placement, enhanced facilities, and a rededication to the mission of a Xaverian education. Brother Dan is a lifelong educator at heart who understands and embraces the complexities of Catholic school management. Catholic educated his entire life, a graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA, Brother Dan holds a Ph. D. from Boston College in Educational Leadership among a variety of other undergraduate and graduate degrees. As a member of the Xaverian Brothers Congregation, a teaching order of brothers, he has held a variety of teaching and administrative positions at the high school and college level for the past twenty-five years. He serves on a number of regional and national boards including as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut. Brother Dan is a frequent presenter on institutional strategic planning, school leadership, and mission integration and has lectured on the challenges facing the future of Catholic education in America.

JAMES WELBY

A product of Catholic Education, Jim Welby serves as an adjunct member of The Advancement Counsel team. Jim also serves as the Director of Advancement at his alma mater Bishop DuBourg High School in St. Louis, Missouri. Jim’s attended St. Stephen the Protomartyr School, before attending Bishop DuBourg. Jim then attended Quincy University in Quincy, IL on an athletic scholarship, before returning to St. Louis University where he graduated cum-laude with dual degrees in Business Management and History. Jim has been at Bishop DuBourg High School since January 2001, and worked in private business prior to returning home to his alma mater. Jim has led the Advancement Team from a fundraiser-centered office to one that truly advances the mission of his school. A member of the Administrative Team, Jim has grown parent participation to new heights, and has actively reengaged a massive alumni base of over 28,000 strong. Jim grew the Annual Fund to five times its size in a single year, and has since shown large growth annually, all the while completing and building a new athletic and fine arts renovation through a Capital Campaign. Moving admissions into the Advancement Program, he grew incoming enrollment by 35% in year one. Jim brings a strong reputation for his expertise in the non-revenue and revenue components of a comprehensive advancement program. Professionally Jim serves on the Board of Directors of three prominent non-profit organizations, including The Maggie Welby Foundation, founded and developed by he and his wife, Jamie, to honor their late daughter, Maggie. Jamie and Jim live in St. Louis with their two children Cati Beth, and Kelly James, where Jamie teaches first grade at the Christ Light of the Nations Catholic School.