Archbishop McKnight announces the appointment of new executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Shawn McKnight announces the appointment of Mr. Paul Malley as the new Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference (KCC). The KCC serves as the voice of the Catholic bishops of Kansas in the arena of public policy. Mr. Malley will begin his tenure on September 8, 2026.

Mr. Malley brings nearly three decades of executive leadership, public policy, and advocacy experience to his new role as executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. Most recently, he served as president of Aging with Dignity and Five Wishes, a national organization inspired by the life and work of St. Teresa of Calcutta, where he advanced policies and initiatives that uphold the dignity of all people. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with Church leaders, legislators, and community partners to advance the Church’s mission in the public square.

The Kansas Bishops, serving the dioceses of Wichita, Salina, Dodge City, and Kansas City in Kansas, conducted a nationwide search for the next executive director of the KCC. They sought a faithful and forward-thinking leader with a strong grounding in Catholic social teaching and the prudence to engage effectively in the public arena.

“The Catholic Bishops of Kansas are delighted that Paul has accepted our invitation to serve as the next Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference,” said Archbishop Shawn McKnight. “His deep faith and extensive professional experience will not only be a resource for us in our capital city, but also for the formation of our clergy and laity in the rich tradition of Catholic social doctrine.”

Over nearly 30 years, Mr. Malley has built a national reputation as a principled advocate and trusted leader at the intersection of faith, healthcare, and public policy. He has testified before Congress and state legislatures, helped shape national aging policy through an appointment to the White House Conference on Aging, and served as a leading voice on issues affecting vulnerable populations. A respected communicator, he has been featured in the national media, including on CNN, NBC News, and ABC News, and his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today. Mr. Malley holds a master’s degree in communications from Florida State University. He and his wife, Almira, are the parents of six children.

As he prepares to begin his tenure as the new executive director of the KCC, Mr. Malley expressed his deep gratitude to the Kansas bishops for his appointment and his enthusiasm for representing the Church in the public arena, furthering the common good, and protecting the inherent human dignity of each person.

“I am deeply grateful to the bishops of Kansas for their trust and for this incredible opportunity to serve as Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. Leaving the Sunshine State is a big change, but my family and I could not be more excited to call the Sunflower State our new home, “ said Mr. Paul Malley. “I am eager to get to know the vibrant communities, parishes and people of Kansas. Together, we will continue to be a strong voice in the public square, championing the common good and protecting the inherent God-given human dignity of every person.”

The Kansas Catholic Conference serves as the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops of Kansas, advocating for policies rooted in Catholic teaching. Guided by the dignity of every human person, the Conference works to protect human life, defend religious freedom and promote the well-being of families and communities through engagement with lawmakers and public officials.

About the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, under the pastoral leadership of Archbishop Shawn McKnight, encompasses 12,500 square miles in the northeast quarter of Kansas and serves more than 180,000 Catholics across 21 counties. The Archdiocese was established in 1850 as the Vicariate Apostolic of Indian Territory East of the Rocky Mountains. It became the Diocese of Leavenworth in 1877, was transferred to Kansas City in Kansas, in 1947, and was elevated to an Archdiocese in 1952.

About the Kansas Catholic Conference:

The Kansas Catholic Conference (KCC) serves as the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops of the four dioceses of Kansas, which include Dodge City, Kansas City in Kansas, Salina, and Wichita. Guided by Catholic teaching and the dignity of every human person, the Conference works with lawmakers and public officials to promote the common good by advocating for policies that protect human life, defend religious freedom and strengthen families and communities across the state.