Release Date: October 23, 2026
Archdiocese of Cincinnati Announces New Leadership Roles and Personnel
Archbishop Robert G. Casey is pleased to announce new leadership personnel for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, inclusive of a newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy.
Archbishop Robert G. Casey has appointed Clarissa Niese as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Pastoral Center, effective, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Ms. Niese will serve as the first COO of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The COO will oversee the administrative offices in the Pastoral Center, leading efforts to streamline archdiocesan operations to further assist the parishes, schools, and agencies of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in the mission of the Church.
“This appointment is both a professional privilege and a personal calling. I look forward to serving the archdiocese and bringing my leadership experience to the mission of the Church,” said Ms. Niese.
Ms. Niese joins the archdiocese following more than 25 years of experience in the areas of strategic planning, operations, and change management. An alumna of The University of Cincinnati, and executive leader at Procter & Gamble and Tire Discounters, Ms. Niese has received such recognitions as 40 under 40 and the University of Cincinnati Outstanding Alumni Award from the Lindner College of Business. Originally from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Ms. Niese and her husband Brent have been married for 21 years and have two daughters, Eliana and Greta. They are members of St. Clement Parish in St. Bernard.
“My faith has been a constant thread through every chapter of my life. Even during my years in the for-profit world, my love for my neighbor has been at the source of all I do. I deeply believe in the mission of the Catholic Church – of service, of community, of sanctuary,” said Ms. Niese.
Working alongside Ms. Niese at the Pastoral Center, Archbishop Robert G. Casey has appointed Fr. Jason Williams, J.C.L., as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, effective Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Fr. Williams has served as the Chancellor of the archdiocese for the last four years and Master of Ceremonies to the Archbishop since 2018. The position of Vicar General is canonically required, with responsibilities of assisting the archbishop in his governance of the archdiocese. Fr. Williams holds a licentiate in canon law from the Catholic University of America. This announcement is accompanied by sincere gratitude to Fr. Steve Angi, who has served as the Vicar General of the archdiocese since 2012.
In their leadership at the Pastoral Center, Fr. Williams and Ms. Niese will work together to assist the departments of the archdiocese to strive for best practices in living out the mission of the Church. Fr. Williams will primarily oversee the pastoral work of the archdiocese, while Ms. Niese will oversee the administrative work.
In addition to continuing in his assignment as pastor of St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes, Fr. Steve Angi will take on new leadership at the Pastoral Center. Archbishop Robert G. Casey has appointed Fr. Angi as Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. In his new role, Fr. Angi will spearhead the creation of a new department of pastoral and professional support that will be an immediate benefit to the clergy of the archdiocese.
Archbishop Casey offers the following comment:
“The strategic planning that began with Beacons of Light and continues as we engage in Synod 2027, has helped us to recognize that a structural change at the Pastoral Center is needed at this time. I believe this leadership arrangement will improve our operations and better allow us to support our parishes, schools, and agencies to carry out the mission of the Church in our day-to-day work.
In addition, I want to express my profound gratitude to Fr. Angi for his years of service as Vicar General. For me personally, his commitment and contributions in assisting me during my transition into governance of this archdiocese, have been invaluable. I also want to express my gratitude to Fr. Williams for accepting the appointment of Vicar General. I have great trust in him and his commitment to leadership while respecting the need for the teaching and sanctifying of the people of God in this archdiocese.”
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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with more than 440,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 42,000 students. The 19-county territory includes 183 canonical parishes organized into 59 Families of Parishes, and 111 Catholic primary and secondary schools.
Jennifer Schack
Director of Communications & Media Relations
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Office | 513.263.6618
Cell | 859.512.5626
