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Partners in Mission was created out of a deep belief in Catholic education and a desire to help it thrive in a changing world. From day one, we’ve worked to develop practical, effective solutions that support mission-driven Catholic institutions.
"Partners in Mission gave us more than strategy - they gave us hope." – Catholic School Client
Behind every great mission is a story of partnership. This is ours. Our story is one of unwavering commitment, responsive evolution, and a deep-seated belief in the missions we serve. It’s a story rooted in a clear need, one that drives us to continually develop effective solutions to help Catholic organizations thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In 2008, Larry Furey founded Partners in Mission on a simple but powerful premise: Catholic schools, dioceses, and religious orders deserved a consulting partner who was as invested in their mission as they were.
A Certified Public Accountant who found his true calling in advancement, Larry leveraged his record-breaking success as an advancement leader to create a national resource built on proven success. His unique blend of financial discipline and frontline fundraising expertise gave him the vision to build a firm that would serve and strengthen Catholic education nationwide.
The early years were marked by a pioneering spirit, with the establishment of much-needed national conferences and the provision of essential counsel in advancement and enrollment management.
Larry was joined by a small, faith-filled team equally committed to the mission. Key figures, such as Chris Hagerty, an early client who became a cornerstone of the firm, and Tom Brodnicki, often referred to as the "grandfather of Catholic school advancement," helped shape the collaborative, hands-on approach that has defined the firm from its inception.
Together with Shana Rossi, Lori Huffman, Tim Breslin, Tom DeAngelis, the late Sister Rita O'Leary, IHM, and the late Bill MacNeill, they quickly brought Partners in Mission to life.
Launching on the cusp of the Great Recession posed an immediate challenge, but it only sharpened the firm's focus, proving the immense need for its mission-focused guidance as schools navigated unprecedented economic pressure.
The early years were marked by a pioneering spirit. The firm launched national conferences and offered essential counsel in advancement and enrollment management, filling a critical gap in Catholic education.
By assembling a team of active practitioners from Catholic schools, Partners in Mission ensured strategies that were not just theoretical but practical, proven, and immediately applicable. This model enabled the firm to grow rapidly from a handful of associates to a national team, establishing a reputation for excellence and delivering tangible results.
As the landscape of Catholic education evolved, so did we. Responding to the growing needs of our clients, we expanded our services to include comprehensive Strategic Planning and a now thriving leadership search division.
We have had the privilege of serving more than 1,000 Catholic institutions, helping them navigate complex challenges, exceed ambitious goals, and secure the exceptional leaders needed to thrive for generations to come.
Our greatest strength has always been our people. That core team of skilled practitioners remains intact today. It continues to grow, forming a national group of gifted, faith-filled partners dedicated to advancing the mission-critical work of Catholic education. Their collaborative spirit and real-world expertise are the bedrock of our success and the reason clients trust us with their most important goals.
In January 2024, when Larry decided to sell the firm, Partners in Mission began an exciting new chapter. Building on the firm's strong foundation, a Catholic group, including former private equity investor and Catholic consultant Jim McGibbon, longtime Partners in Mission Partner Lauren Fredette, and several Catholic philanthropists, acquired the business from Larry.
This leadership transition marked a seamless continuation of our core mission, blending the firm's deep institutional knowledge with new energy and expanded expertise.
Lauren, a partner with the firm since 2011, brings a visionary perspective honed by a dual role; she simultaneously led a rewarding and successful career building high-performing teams and advancement programs that made a transformational difference for schools, while her consulting work provided her with unparalleled insight into the evolving needs of Catholic education nationwide.
Jim brought a powerful dimension of strategic and financial acumen, drawing on his 25-year track record in Catholic consulting, finance, and business development.
Together, their leadership has strengthened the firm and sparked meaningful growth, guided by a renewed vision that remains firmly rooted in our founding values.
We remain true to the principles that inspired our founding: partnership, service, and a deep commitment to Catholic education. Today, more than ever, we are ready to walk with you and help your mission thrive.
Your mission is our mission. Let's build the future together.
