Our New Business & Ecclesial Management Advisory Board

Catholic International University is pleased to recognize the distinguished members of its Business and Ecclesial Management Advisory Board, a key component of the University’s newly established Academic Department Advisory Boards initiative. This Advisory Board brings together leaders from business, the Church, nonprofit organizations, and higher education to ensure that academic programs remain connected to real-world leadership challenges and opportunities while supporting the development of leaders who combine professional competence with ethical judgment, stewardship, and a commitment to serving the common good.

With members serving in international, ecclesial, academic, and corporate contexts, the Board provides insights that support the university’s global mission and growing international reach. The Board also helps identify emerging trends, workforce needs, and educational opportunities, ensuring that curricula remain relevant, practical, and forward-looking.

 

BOARD MEMBERS

H.E. William Shawn McKnight

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Archbishop McKnight previously served as Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri. He has held leadership roles within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and has contributed to initiatives in stewardship, evangelization, clergy formation, and pastoral planning. His experience spans ecclesial leadership, governance, and strategic administration.

Fabio Gasperini

Fabio Gasperini serves as Director of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), the institution responsible for managing the Holy See’s financial and real estate assets. Prior to joining APSA, he held senior leadership positions at EY, advising major financial institutions and public organizations. His expertise includes financial governance, asset management, strategy, and organizational transformation.

Cynthia Colbert

Cynthia Colbert recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston–Houston, one of the largest Catholic Charities organizations in the United States. During her leadership, she oversaw a broad network of social service programs serving vulnerable individuals and families. Her experience includes nonprofit leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, and mission-driven organizational management.

Thomas Reidy

Thomas Reidy is a technology executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience in the technology sector. He serves on the Catholic Foundation Advisory Council and has advised Catholic educational initiatives, including the development of Mother Teresa Catholic School. His professional experience includes corporate leadership, governance, philanthropy, and service on nonprofit and educational boards.

Scott M. Hamberger

Scott M. Hamberger is an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and member of the Board of Directors of Catholic International University. Throughout his career, he has supported business ventures and initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, and community development. His experience includes business leadership, private investment, organizational growth, and mission-driven innovation.

Gary Thome

Gary Thome is a former corporate vice president and technology executive who helped build and lead multiple large-scale technology businesses. He is the founder of Loving Stones and previously served on the Board of Directors of Heartbeat International. His background combines business leadership, entrepreneurship, nonprofit governance, and service to Catholic ministries and charitable organizations.

Prof. Msgr. Martin Schlag

Prof. Msgr. Martin Schlag is Professor of Business Ethics and Co-director of the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law, and Business at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He is also Director of the Markets, Ethics, Culture (MCE) Research Centre and founder of the Program of Church Management at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. His scholarship focuses on business ethics, leadership, Catholic social thought, and Church administration.

“The establishment of the Business & Ecclesial Management Advisory Board marks an important milestone in the growth of our department. The Board brings together distinguished leaders from the Church, nonprofit organizations, business, finance, technology, and higher education who share a commitment to forming leaders capable of advancing organizational excellence in service of the common good. Their guidance will help ensure that our programs remain academically rigorous, professionally relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of the Church and society. “