Mary Longon has been a supporter of Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) for over five years. Her contributions of time, talent and treasure have been instrumental in helping Catholic Leadership Institute advance its mission of building happy, healthy and holy Catholic leaders.
As Executive Recruiter for one of the largest executive search firms in the world, Mary manages the legal and property practice for Banister International, in Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of Villanova University, she has also completed post-graduate studies in real estate, finance and accounting programs at the Wharton School of Business. In addition to her work with CLI, Mary is the Chair of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Stewards Alliance as well as a Committee Member for the Union League of Philadelphia. Mary and her fiancé Dave will be married in May 2009.
How did you learn about Catholic Leadership Institute and what inspired you to get involved with the mission?
I’ve been fortunate to find an introduction to CLI by way of my parents, Jim and Ann Longon. I’ve seen them serve on numerous boards and be involved in countless charities, but none have compared to the works delivered by CLI. Being able to observe how CLI effectively supports the Church has restored belief that a small number of people can effect change.
What do you find most exciting about working with CLI?
Catholic Leadership Institute’s board has probably the best Catholic brand that I know of. Their Board of Directors, employees and associates cannot speak highly enough of the caliber of work, especially with regards to the efficiency with which CLI operates. In business, we value people with six sigma and lean environment experience because they know how to employ the most efficient planning, eliminate waste and leverage models that increase productivity. In every one of my experiences with CLI, I’ve witnessed the same commitment to responsible leadership in the family, workplace, community and Church.
Why do you feel it is important for each of us to use our gifts and talents in service to the
Church?
We spend a lot of time talking about accountability and responsibility in our families, workplace and communities. Why should the Church be any different? The Church gives us so much and yet we, myself included, fail to respond in kind. There’s truth to the notion that most don’t give unless asked. The Church, priests especially, rarely ask for our involvement, but every time we attend Mass, we should hear the call to use our gifts and talents.
What does it mean to you to be a Catholic leader?
I firmly believe that all Catholics are called to be leaders both in and out of the Church. It’s easy to take for granted how fundamental leadership is to support a successful organization or institution. With ill prepared leaders, we all suffer from a loss of direction, enthusiasm and resources.
In your lifetime, who has been the most influential Catholic leader?
It goes without saying that most people identify John Paul II or Mother Theresa as the most influential Catholic leaders. But I think we underestimate the number of Catholic leaders we encounter in our own region. These individuals aren’t always the ones being recognized for their outstanding works; but these are men and women who have clearly made Christ a priority in their lives. I look to the Managing Partner at my firm, who refuses to alter his daily mass schedule, no matter how big the deal he’s trying to close. His team knows to keep things off his calendar from 11:45-1pm every day, and he’ll tell CEOs of companies that he has to call them back because he’s headed to church. His example clearly buttresses the notion that we are all able to be Catholic leaders.
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