BRAINTREE- Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley announced Jan. 30 that James P. McDonough will be leaving his post as Chancellor effective March 2nd. Mr. McDonough has served as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Boston for almost six years. During that time he has been responsible for reorganizing the financial management of the Archdiocese, including budget and financial reporting as well as the structure and functioning of the organization.

Cardinal O'Malley praised Mr. McDonough for his unwavering dedication and commitment and the superior management skill that allowed the Archdiocese to reestablish a sound financial foundation. "Over the past six years Jim has served the Church with distinction. He faced our most challenging issues with the willingness to develop solutions that addressed the problems and respected the people we serve. With the benefit of his leadership, the Archdiocese of Boston is better able to serve our parishes, schools and ministries. We are grateful for all that he has done for us and look forward to his continued participation in the mission of the Church."



In addition, Cardinal Seán named John E. Straub, a former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and former Associate Dean at Harvard University as Interim Chancellor. Currently Mr. Straub serves as Executive Director of Finance and Operations for Central Ministries with the Archdiocese.

"I am very grateful to the countless individuals who have impacted me so profoundly during my nearly six years as the Chancellor of the Archdiocese," said Mr. McDonough. "It has been a privilege and I've been humbled to work so closely with so many who love the Church including Cardinal Seán, our pastors, and the faithful laity who give so much time and talent to the Archdiocese. Throughout my career I have sought opportunities to participate in significant organizational restructuring and I feel blessed to have been able to offer my experience in service to the Church for which I care so deeply. I'm very confident to be leaving the affairs of the Archdiocese in the capable hands of my colleague John Straub."

Rev. Monsignor Robert P. Deeley, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Boston, said, "Jim has been instrumental in bringing about positive change across the Archdiocese. His work has led to the transformation of our systems, policies and improved support for our priests and parishes. We are blessed by the service he has given to the Archdiocese during this important period in our history. We also look forward to working with John Straub, a dedicated and accomplished member of the Cardinal's leadership team, whom we are confident will continue the great advancements made under Jim's leadership."

Mr. McDonough, the fifth lay Chancellor in the Archdiocese, achieved Cardinal Seán's goal of a balanced Central Ministries budget and has led an effort to focus on the financial health of the parishes. During his tenure he has addressed the clergy pension funding and recommended the creation of an independent board to oversee this important priority. He also oversaw the move of the Archdiocese's central administration from the former Brighton campus to the Pastoral Center in Braintree in 2008.

"Jim's tenure has built trust and confidence in the Chancellor's office and created a culture of service I'm looking to continue," said Mr. Straub. "I'm grateful to have the opportunity to serve both Cardinal Seán and the Catholic faithful. It is my privilege to serve the Church at this important time and I look forward to continuing our work with our priests, deacons, religious and laity. We share a commitment to assist the Cardinal in the continued healing and rebuilding of the Archdiocese."

Mr. Straub was most recently part of the senior management team at Kane is Able, a logistics firm headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he oversaw the operations of multi-site teams and was integral in the firm's expansion in six states. He previously worked at The White House under President George W. Bush serving as Director of Administration, Chief Financial Officer, and Acting Chief Information Officer. Straub has held other operational roles at Harvard University and the United States House of Representatives.

Chancellor McDonough is working with Mr. Straub on the transition and has agreed to make himself available as needed over the next few months.