CEO of Catholic Charities to step down after 30 years

After three decades as its leader, Monsignor Michael M. Boland will step down as administrator and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago on Friday, Aug. 16.

Kathleen Donahue, current director of programs and a nearly 40-year veteran of the agency, will serve as acting administrator and chief executive officer during a search for a permanent replacement. Cardinal Blase Cupich has asked Boland to serve as a consultant during the search, until he begins a sabbatical in November.

"Leading Catholic Charities in the service of the poor and vulnerable has been an honor and privilege," Boland said in a written statement. "I have been blessed to work with our able and wonderfully dedicated staff and volunteers to provide competent and compassionate care to those in need. While my heart will always be with Catholic Charities, it is time for me to step back, rest and transition to a new phase of my priestly ministry."

Cupich thanked Boland for his willingness to help find a successor.

"I am grateful that Monsignor Boland has agreed to assist us in this time of transition," Cupich said.

Founded in 1917, Catholic Charities Chicago now has an annual budget of more than $200 million. It delivers services at more than 174 locations in Cook and Lake counties with a staff of 3,000 and the help of more than 15,000 volunteers. As the largest Catholic Charities organization in the country, and one of the largest social service providers in the Midwest, it assists more than 1 million people each year.