Christendom College alumnus Mark Rohlena ’00 has been appointed the new president of the Napa Institute. Succeeding Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., Rohlena brings a wealth of experience to the role, after previously serving as Executive Vice President at Christendom. In his new position, Rohlena will aim to further the institute’s mission, expanding its conferences and events and supporting apostolates nationwide.
Rohlena was named the organization’s Executive Director last year after over five years of service to Christendom as its Executive Vice President. During his time at Christendom, Rohlena was instrumental in helping the college achieve records in recruitment and fundraising, along with helping the college finish and dedicate its new Christ the King Chapel in 2023.
Since arriving at the Napa Institute, Rohlena has helped raise the organization’s flagship summer conference to new heights, expanded their New York City conference, grown the organization’s famed Eucharistic Procession in Manhattan, opened a new D.C. office, and started young professional nights in D.C. and New York City.
“I am grateful for the confidence and constant support of [Napa Institute Chairman] Tim [Busch] and our Board, and am humbled to be asked to serve as Napa’s 2nd President,” said Rohlena in a press release issued by the organization. “Leading Napa Institute, given the foundation set by so many these past 14+ years, is one of my most precious gifts. Please pray for all of us to build well upon that foundation in the days ahead.”
Rohlena double-majored in history and political science and economics at Christendom before earning his law degree in the inaugural class of the Ave Maria School of Law. He practiced law for nearly a decade for the large Colorado-based law firm of Holland and Hart, LLP, specializing in legal ethics and risk management, as well as litigation.
Feeling a strong call to serve the poor, Rohlena left his successful law career to become the President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, where he served until taking on a senior post with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as the Director of the Office of Domestic Social Development. Rohlena has also served on numerous educational, legal, and nonprofit boards, including Christendom’s previous A Call to Greatness Campaign Committee and Alumni Association Advisory Council.