Posted March 24, 2025
The below was published in the March 25, 2025 issue of Northeast Ohio Catholic.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Jim Mullen takes over as Catholic Charities’ president, CEO
By Carol Kovach
As he settles into his role as the seventh president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, James (Jim) Mullen feels at home — in part because he’s in familiar territory. His father, the late Tom Mullen, led Catholic Charities for 16 years until his death in 2010 from a rare skin cancer at age 66. “I grew up with Catholic Charities,” Jim said, fondly recalling the time he spent shadowing his father and volunteering at various sites throughout the diocese. That experience likely sowed the seeds for his future career in the nonprofit realm. He also worked at Camp Happiness, a summer program of Catholic Charities’ Disabilities Services and Ministries.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland is one of the largest and most successful Catholic Charities organizations in the country. As its new leader, Jim oversees more than 150 services at 60 locations serving more than 400,000 individuals each year, providing help and creating hope for people of every race and religion throughout the eight-county diocese. Catholic Charities has filled this role for more than a century.
“I am pleased that we found our next president and CEO of Catholic Charities from among the faithful of the diocese. I know Jim will be an effective and transformative executive who will serve the needs of our community with the heart of a shepherd,” said Bishop Edward Malesic.
Jim praised his predecessor, Patrick Gareau, who retired in January after three decades of service in the diocese, including the last 14 years at the Catholic Charities’ helm. He credited Patrick for his many accomplishments in expanding Catholic Charities’ vital network of services.
“We have strong partnerships and supporters. It’s the people who make Catholic Charities so special. We have a deep and beautiful story to tell,” Jim said.
He brings a background in nonprofit leadership to his new position, most recently as president and CEO of United Way of Summit and Medina counties. Under his direction, the organization grew to become one of the largest United Way chapters in the state and a Top 50 United Way nationally. Before that, Jim owned and operated small businesses in Lakewood, worked briefly in banking and served as executive director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Cleveland. But he said nonprofit work was his first love.
He grew up in Lakewood, where he attended St. James School and graduated from St. Edward High School. Jim also earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and received a mini-master’s degree in business administration from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
He began his new position in February, just as the 2025 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal launched. This year’s theme is “Make me a Channel of Your Peace.” The appeal has a $15.3 million goal.
“I plan to engage all stakeholders, visit each Catholic Charities location and get to know the people working in the ministries. It’s exciting to connect with people where they are,” Jim said. “This faith-based organization means a lot to me. I love the faith component, the ability to talk freely about the teachings of Christ and what they mean to people.”
Jim and his wife Beth have three children, Toby, Neve, and Jack, and they live in Akron. The Mullens are members of St. Victor Parish in Richfield.
“It’s a bit surreal taking on this position,” Jim admitted. “I hope I’m half as impactful as my dad was in his years here. He left big shoes to fill, since he wore a size 16, and I only wear a size 13,” he quipped.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
