Our Work

The Catholic Schools Foundation’s Young Leader Committee aims to support our mission and scholars through volunteerism, awareness, and fundraising. 

Meet CSF’s 2024 Young Leader Gala Chairs, Brennan Howley and Colin Howley. Along with the other members of the committee, they have been going the extra mile and working to drive attendance and awareness for this year’s 34th Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala within their respective networks.

Brennan Howley - Investor, VU Venture Partners

Brennan Howley went to high school at St. John’s Prep (Danvers, MA) and graduated from Villanova University with a mechanical engineering degree. Brennan works as a Venture Capitalist at VU Venture Partners and spends most of his time performing due diligence on innovative Health-tech startups that aim to fix the inefficiencies of today’s healthcare systems while also providing better outcomes for patients and insurers.

Brennan enjoys backcountry skiing, cycling, reading, painting, and has a deep passion for music.

1. Why did you decide to get involved with CSF?

My parents, Mike and Fran, invited me to the 2019 annual dinner celebration. At the event, I spoke to some of the kids and was immediately impressed by how thankful and excited they were about their education.

I believe the key to closing the inequality gap starts by providing better education and a safer learning environment to those who ask. Life is a series of experiences, influences, and decisions. I cannot think of a more efficient way to drive socioeconomic change than by positively impacting and influencing the Boston youth through education. After confirming the track record of this charity organization, I knew I had to get involved!

2. What is your favorite thing about CSF?

The best aspects of CSF are the method in which they enact lasting change and the results. 100% of CSF scholars graduate high school, and 98% of them go on to graduate college!

3. What do you like about the Young Leader Committee?

The CSF Young Leader Committee consists entirely of smart, vibrant, and caring people. We work together to better the lives of families in the Greater Boston Area. What is not to love!

4. Why do you think people should consider getting involved with the Young Leader Committee?

If you are a charitable individual who is looking to give back to your community and become friends with other like-minded individuals, this organization is for you!

One does not need to be Catholic, Christian, or even religious to donate and become involved in this charity. In my opinion, this is about leveraging the private sector to help bridge the wealth inequality gap through education. This is a truly bipartisan goal that transcends religious views.

5. What is your favorite thing about CSF’s annual gala?

My favorite part of the gala is talking with the bright young scholars who welcome us in the halls and excitingly display their school projects. Their excitement about their education is truly heartwarming.

Colin Howley - Product Sales Specialist, GE Healthcare

Colin Howley works at GE HealthCare as a Cardiovascular Ultrasound Product Sales Specialist. Prior to his role at GE HealthCare, Colin attended St. John’s Prep and graduated from Villanova University as a Double Major in Marketing and Analytics. In his free, time Colin likes to golf, ski, play pickleball, watch Villanova basketball, and watch Auburn football.

1. Why did you decide to get involved with CSF?

In high school and in college, I was heavily involved in a variety of service organizations. When I graduated college, I entered a two year rotational program that bounced me from city to city to gain experience in the medical sales industry. Over this two year period, I would call my brother frequently and he talked about the work of CSF. When I learned more about the significant impact the foundation had on the youth of Boston, I knew when I finally got settled back in Boston that I would join this organization.

2. What is your favorite thing about CSF?

My favorite thing about CSF is the tangible impact it has on the Boston youth. The numbers don’t lie. 100% high school graduation rate among CSF scholars and a 98% college matriculation rate. It’s an organization where you truly see the fruits of your labor.

3. What do you like about the Young Leader Committee?

I like being part of a group of like-minded individuals who strive to make the world a better place. We work together as a team to fundraise in fun and creative ways for the kids.

4. Why do you think people should consider getting involved with the Young Leader Committee?

If you want to give back to the community in an effective way, then come join the Boston Catholic Schools Foundation. You do not have to be a Catholic to join. The mission is breaking the cycle of poverty through education. I think that most people can recognize the inequality gap this nation faces today. This organization is a great way to contribute to closing that gap.

5. What is your favorite thing about CSF’s annual gala?

I enjoy connecting with the scholars at the gala. I enjoy getting to know each and every one of their stories. Being a very results-driven person, I love the big fundraising thermometer that is displayed throughout the night of the gala. It’s the ultimate motivator for the attendees to donate more to reach the goal.