In 1997, a small yet visionary group of Catholic leaders gathered with a shared mission—to create a space where Catholic apostolate leaders could collaborate, exchange ideas, and support one another in strengthening the Church. This pivotal meeting marked the birth of the Catholic Leadership Conference (CLC), an organization dedicated to fostering unity, innovation, and collective action among Catholic leaders.
From its inception, the CLC has been a driving force for building alliances between Catholic apostolates, enabling organizations to work together on shared challenges, amplify their impact, and create a unified Catholic voice in legislative and cultural discussions.
In 1998, the CLC hosted its inaugural conference in Philadelphia, a one-day event themed "Imagining and Implementing Collaboration." The keynote speaker, Senator Rick Santorum, set the stage for deep discussions on how Catholic organizations could join forces to strengthen their missions. This gathering marked the beginning of an annual tradition—bringing together the brightest Catholic minds for strategic networking, faith-filled discussions, and leadership development.
Over the years, the Catholic Leadership Conference grew into a premier gathering of presidents and founders of Catholic apostolates, Catholic college presidents, influential authors, and leading Catholic entrepreneurs. Conferences have been hosted in cities across the country, each serving as a catalyst for deeper collaboration among Catholic leaders. Many initiatives and partnerships that have strengthened the Church’s mission in the modern world were born from these conferences.
Like many organizations, the Catholic Leadership Conference faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a temporary pause in annual gatherings. However, the mission of CLC remained strong, and the spirit of collaboration never faded.
Now, in 2025, under the leadership of longtime board president Gail Buckley Barringer, the Catholic Leadership Conference is experiencing an exciting revival. This year’s event will reunite longtime CLC participants and welcome a new generation of Catholic leaders—passionate individuals dedicated to working together in faith to meet the challenges of the future.
With its rich legacy and renewed momentum, the Catholic Leadership Conference continues to serve as a beacon of unity, collaboration, and leadership for the Church.
Current CLC Board Members include: Gail Buckley Barringer, President, Patrick Novecosky, Vice President, Michael Hernon, Secretary, Rose Sweet, Treasurer, Elizabeth Westhoff, and Mary Beth Bonacci.
