On this episode of the Catholic Leaders Podcast, we welcome Michael Steele, political leader and commentator who is host of MS Now’s the Weeknight. From his early days in the seminary with the Order of Saint Augustine at Villanova University to his political career at the state and national levels, faith and public service have shaped his life. With hosts Kim Smolik and Kerry Alys Robinson, Michael explores how his private faith informs his public life. Plus, learn more about how Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington serves those in need in our capital — compassionately, comprehensively and collaboratively.
In this episode, Michael Steele shares a personal and thought-provoking conversation on faith, leadership and public service. Reflecting on his formation with the Order of Saint Augustine and his career in politics, Steele reflects on the “constant process of formation” in his life, the moral responsibilities of leadership and our obligation to care for the poor and vulnerable.
Join hosts Kim Smolik and Kerry Alys Robinson as they welcome Michael and share lessons on faith and leadership with our listeners.
Special Spotlight: The episode also highlights the leadership of Jim Malloy, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, who shares how service organizations are responding to growing need with collaboration, compassion and hope.
Host, MS Now’s the Weeknight
Michael Steele is a political leader and commentator who made history in 2003 as the first African American elected to state office in Maryland as Lieutenant Governor. In 2009, he became Chairman of the Republican National Committee, leading record fundraising efforts and significant Republican electoral gains nationwide.
Steele is a political analyst and co-host on MS Now’s the Weeknight. He holds the Gwendolyn S. & Colbert L. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University.
Steele has written extensively on law, business and politics and serves on numerous advisory boards in the areas of business and election reform.
Education: B.A. from Johns Hopkins University | J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center
Connect with Michael: LinkedIn | X | Instagram
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President and CEO, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington
A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, Jim Malloy’s connection to the greater Washington, D.C. community runs deep. The youngest of four, he completed elementary school at St. John the Baptist and is a proud 1981 graduate of St. John’s College High School.
Jim proudly served our country as an Officer in the United States Navy, at home, at sea, and abroad, commanding two ships, a squadron, and culminating in command of the United States Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. Jim’s distinguished career in the U.S. Navy helped instill in him a deep commitment to servant leadership — a deeply held belief that for any organization to thrive, leaders must empower those they lead. He retired from active-duty service in October 2022 as a Vice Admiral and joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington as president and CEO in 2023.
Jim serves on the Board of Directors at Naval Sea Cadets and has been an active mentor for NJROTC students at high schools in locations he has served. Additionally, he has been an active volunteer through Helping Hands at VA hospitals in the Tampa area. Across his naval career, Jim was a Catholic Lay leader aboard various Navy ships on which he served.
Education: United States Naval Academy
Connect with Jim: LinkedIn
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