Meitler recently announced that Tom Heding was stepping down as the head of our company and that I was selected to become the third Director of this 50 year-old institution. For those who have not had the opportunity to work with me personally, I want to share some of my thoughts about the importance of Catholic schools and parishes and my vision for sustaining these pillars of the Catholic Church for the next generation. Meitler always starts its work with a new client by articulating the client’s vision for the institution, so it is only appropriate that I share my vision for Meitler under my leadership.
I’ve had the privilege of spending time with our firm’s founder, Neil Meitler; I’ve always been impressed with his deep spirituality, his concern for the future of our schools and parishes and his wisdom, particularly as it related to the foundational aspects of his company. I want to reaffirm the commitment Neil initiated and Tom Heding maintained in providing clients with a data-based rationale for strategic goals and access to consultants who have worked in their respective fields, whether that be schools or parishes. There is no substitution for real world experience when working with a school or parish on real world problems.
Meitler is blessed to be part of a larger group of companies under the Collegium banner, where BIG thinking – that is, Bold, Interdependent, and Generative thinking – is valued. While Meitler has always helped schools and parishes achieve the goals they set, I want us to challenge our clients to look at their future in a more transformational way. I want them to think BIG, with a plan that is Bold, Interdependent with complementary ministries and Generative as it positions the institution to support and strengthen the Church. We can’t lose sight of planning for the immediate needs of a school or parish, but let’s also look further into the future and ask what more could we be doing.
One Collegium company in particular, Ruotolo Associates Inc., is the perfect complement to Meitler’s work. While we focus on planning and strategies to achieve goals, Ruotolo Associates helps institutions advance their mission through annual and campaign fundraising, leadership development and executive search for both faith-based and secular nonprofits. Together, we intend to combine the skills and resources of Meitler and Ruotolo to provide a comprehensive approach for our clients, from planning to promise. You will hear more about this exciting new partnership in the coming weeks.
I may be the new Director for this respected firm, but I am only one spoke in our overall wheel. I am so gratified that Tom Heding has decided to remain as one of our valued consultants and that Jackie Lichter and Rick Pendergast will also continue as full-time consultants. Our adjuncts, such as Alan Meitler, Mark Mogilka, Mark Kemmeter, Br. Tom Long and Annette Parsons have agreed to continue to bring their unique skills and perspectives to our clients. And our highly skilled group of Project Coordinators, Diane Leon, Tina Heding and Amanda Diaz will continue to keep all of our projects organized and on time! I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this talented and dedicated group of people in support of the Church.
