Catholic business and nonprofit leaders gathered Sept. 16 at the University Club of Washington, D.C., for the Catholic Business Network of Washington D.C.’s Executive Luncheon, where panelists examined the region’s economic strengths and challenges, the rapidly changing workforce, and the growing needs of vulnerable residents.
The discussion featured Jack McDougle, president and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade; Kristen Hohman, co-founder of the artificial intelligence startup CodeCargo; and Jim Malloy, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. The panel was moderated by Dave DiLuigi, head of U.S. Markets for Wilmington Trust Wealth Management and board chair at Catholic Charities.
Economic outlook
McDougle described Greater Washington as one of the strongest metropolitan economies in the country, with a highly educated workforce, major research universities, and a fast-growing technology sector. “If we were a country, we’d have the fifth-largest GDP in the world,” he said. “We also have a workforce that is very mission-driven, whether they came here to work for government or for nonprofits. That is a unique strategic asset.”
Yet he warned that the region has slipped from seventh to 47th in overall economic growth among peer metropolitan areas over the last decade, and ranked near the bottom nationally on racial inclusion. “One in five of our residents is food insecure,” McDougle said. “That’s not just about delivering social services. It goes to our ability to remain competitive.”
He said the disparities facing the region represent “generational challenges” that are now “coming to a head.” “It’s about building an economy that serves all so the region can really grow from a strong base,” McDougle said, noting that while much good work is underway, more remains to be done.
Workforce pressures and AI
Hohman spoke about the uncertainty young professionals face as career paths change and artificial intelligence reshapes the job market. “Two things we used to take for granted were that a college degree meant stable career prospects, and that government-related jobs meant security. Both have felt like they’ve fallen apart in the last few years,” she said.
She urged employers and families to embrace AI as a tool that can augment rather than replace work. “AI is going to free us from lower-level tasks and make us more efficient, but only if we learn to use it,” Hohman said. “If you ignore it, someone with AI as their partner may take the edge.”
Hohman added that Washington has advantages as a hub for technology but lacks a clear brand. “D.C.’s brand is still ‘government,’ and that changes every four years,” she said. “We need an identity that reflects our strength in technology and innovation.”
Catholic Charities under strain
After retiring as a vice admiral from the Navy in 2022, Malloy was appointed the following year by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, to lead Catholic Charities. He described a “perfect storm” of pressures facing social service agencies, pointing to strained government budgets in the District and Maryland, uncertain federal benefits, and cautious private donors amid economic anxiety.
“We see a cadre of people, our neighbors, who deal with uncertainty on a daily basis,” Malloy said. “They don’t know where their next meal is coming from anyway, and now we don’t know how we’re going to serve them in the future.”
Catholic Charities, the largest social service provider in the region, served more than 158,000 people last year. Malloy emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among nonprofits. “At the tactical level, we share resources,” he said. “At the strategic level, we’ve been competing with each other, and that’s got to stop.”
He pointed to an upcoming citywide food summit as a model for coordination. “If a partner feeds somebody, that’s a win for all of us,” Malloy said. “We need to synchronize our efforts so donors know their support is effective and efficient.”
Business, faith, and service
The luncheon closed with a call for Catholic leaders to continue supporting education and social services that strengthen the region’s communities. DiLuigi reminded attendees that Catholic institutions play a role not only in the economy but also in transforming lives through schools, parishes, and charities.
“This conversation is about more than business metrics,” he said. “It’s about how we serve the common good.”
