James (Jim) Mullen began his tenure as the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland this week. He succeeds Patrick Gareau, who served the diocese for three decades in various capacities, including 17 years as president and CEO of St. Augustine Health Ministries, before being named to lead Catholic Charities.
Mullen, who most recently served as president and CEO of United Way of Summit and Medina Counties, is no stranger to Catholic Charities. In fact, his late father, Thomas (Tom) Mullen led the ministry for about 16 years until his death in 2010.
“I grew up with Catholic Charities,” Mullen said, recalling spending time with his father at various Catholic Charities sites. He also worked at Camp Happiness, a summer program of Disabilities Services and Ministries. “I have many fond memories.”
Mullen said his father leaves big shoes to fill. “He wore a size 16 … I only wear a 13,” he quipped.
He began work Feb. 3, joining Catholic Charities as it prepares to launch its 2025 appeal. The appeal, which begins the weekend of Feb. 15-16, has a goal of $15.3 million. This year’s theme is “Make me a Channel of Your Peace.”
Funds are used to serve nearly 400,000 people each year throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland. Catholic Charities has more than 150 programs at 60 locations. Among its services are providing food security, safe shelter, job training, mental health counseling and compassionate care for those in need.
Mullen praised his predecessor Gareau, noting his many accomplishments in expanding the vital network of services provided by Catholic Charities.
He said his first priority will be engaging all stakeholders and visiting each Catholic Charities location. Mullen said he wants to spend time getting to know the people throughout Catholic Charities’ ministries.
“We have strong partnerships and supporters. It’s the people who make Catholic Charities so special,” Mullen said. “We have a deep and beautiful story to tell.”
Mullen said nonprofit work, to which he devoted most of his career, is his life’s calling. After spending a brief time in banking, he returned to nonprofit work with the United Way and never looked back.
“I loved my work at United Way, but I am excited for the opportunity to work at Catholic Charities. This faith-based organization means a lot to me. I love the faith component, the ability to freely talk about the teachings of Christ and what they mean to people,” Mullen said.
He said he looks forward to connecting with the people who make Catholic Charities work. “It’s exciting to connect with people where they are.”
Mullen hit the ground running, spending time at three programs during the past week at which the 2025 Appeal was unveiled to pastors and parish leaders. He also had an opportunity to get a quick look at three parish sites that offer a variety of Catholic Charities programs: St. Bridget of Kildare in Parma (Head Start), Blessed Trinity in Akron (food pantry and other emergency services) and St. John of the Cross in Euclid (Good Shepherd Family Center).
“It was never my plan to follow in my father’s footsteps and run Catholic Charities,” Mullen said. “But I’m a firm believer that my plan is not the plan. I am really excited to be here.”
Mullen grew up in Lakewood at St. James Parish. He is a graduate of St. Edward High School in Lakewood and earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He also has a mini-master of business administration from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mullen and his wife Beth are members of St. Victor Parish in Richfield. They have three children.