An expert in international social justice, Catholic social teaching, global solidarity and pastoral leadership, Ms. Neal’s consulting practice specializes in leadership development and strategic planning for non-profit organizations, particularly faith-based groups. As Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Baltimore, MD, she led CRS’ mission of serving Catholics in the United States and directed all aspects of the agency’s domestic advocacy, education and engagement. Ms. Neal established partnerships with dioceses, parishes, universities and other faith-based organizations to mobilize a grassroots movement to address global issues of justice, peace and solidarity. Prior to joining CRS, Ms. Neal was President of JF Neal & Associates, Inc., served as Associate Director of Leadership Greater Chicago, a leadership development program and network and held a variety of executive management positions for multinational banks.

Ms. Neal has chaired and served on numerous boards and committees, including as Chair of the National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company, Catholic Theological Union, the United Way/Crusade of Mercy (Chicago), Leadership Greater Chicago and the Donors Forum of Chicago. She currently serves as a Trustee of Cabrini College in Pennsylvania, Catholic Charities-Baltimore, and Jesuit Refugee Services/USA in Washington, DC.

She holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and a Certificate in Biblical Spirituality from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago as well as a BA in English from Loyola University, Chicago.