John J. Obrien

Background

About John J. Obrien

The third generation of his family to be involved in working for the Roman Catholic Church, John was recently appointed as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines, Ontario. He continues to operate a consulting practice, O'Brien Strategic Services which provides services to religious organizations in Canada and the United States. He worked over 34 years for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, as Director of Catholic Cemeteries, Business Administrator, and Episcopal Delegate for Cemeteries and Insurance. Coupled with his in-depth knowledge of Canon Law, his areas of expertise include the development and operation of Catholic Cemeteries, Property and Liability Insurance programs, Volunteer Screening and Risk Management. Has extensive knowledge of Catholic Diocesan structures and understanding of all facets of Diocesan administration. He has demonstrated history of working across several religious institutions and faith groups. In August of 2022 he completed six years a member of the Board of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario in Toronto. In September of 2022 he was named Chair of the Board of Carpenter Hospice in Burlington. He is also a member of the Board of Burlington Golf & Country Club. Past member of various Boards of Directors and Legislative Committees. Skilled in Non-profit Organizations, Investment strategies, Church finance, Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Cemetery & Crematorium Design and Construction, Sales, Marketing and Project Management. Special focus on staff development and mentoring in a religious organizational milieu. Received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and Economics from Western University. Has completed numerous consulting assignments for Catholic Dioceses in the United States and Canada. He successfully summited two of the seven summits, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in 2011 and Mount Aconcagua, Argentina in January of 2019. To begin a conversation, please contact John at john@obrienstrategicservices.ca or 289-259-0795.