Our Team
MEET OUR TEAM
Our Leaders in Faith-Driven Leadership Search
Michael Furey, Founder
Practice Leader
Visionary Leader
Executive Search & Strategy Expert
Organization & Culture Builder
for Catholic institutions, during which he experienced a growing interest from faith-filled,
mission-driven leaders serving Christian and ministries outside the Catholic faith. Recognizing
this need, he now extends the same passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence to a
broader Christian community. Michael believes that exceptional, inspirational leadership is
fundamental to thriving schools, vibrant communities, and enduring missions. His approach
emphasizes cultivating visionary leaders who ignite passion, inspire eaningful change, and leave
a lasting impact on the organizations they serve. With over 30 years of success in sales and marketing, executive leadership, and business
development, Michael Furey has catalyzed transformation in schools and organizations by
securing mission-driven leaders who build culture, enhance organizational effectiveness, and
inspire stakeholder support. Michael deeply understands that Christian organizations require
leaders who do more than manage—they must inspire, strategize, and foster environments where
mission, culture, and operational vitality flourish. Michael has successfully secured and developed executive leaders, administrators, and mission-
focused professionals across a diverse spectrum of Christian institutions, including schools,
central offices, faith communities, and nonprofit ministries. His experience encompasses church-
affiliated, and independent faith-based schools in urban, suburban, and rural settings;
distinguished preparatory and high schools; and under-resourced and emerging educational
institutions. Additionally, he has placed effective leaders in diocesan and central office
leadership roles, religious congregations, and social ministries, ensuring strong governance,
financial stewardship, and mission-driven organizational growth. Michael has held leadership roles in executive search and leadership consulting dedicated to
Christian organizations, where he built a reputation for servant leadership, strategic vision, and a
relational approach to stakeholder engagement and organizational advancement. His work
centers on forming authentic, mission-driven leaders who inspire communities, foster strong
organizational cultures, and sustain educational and social ministries for future generations. Michael holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Scranton and remains actively
involved in education, nonprofit, and leadership networks. Michael resides in East Dennis, MA
and at his second home in Pennsylvania, allowing extended times visiting his son and daughter-
in-law.
Katie Shubnell
Senior Search Counsel
Executive Search Expert
Nonprofit & Advancement Leader
Mission-Driven Connector
deep passion for helping faith-based institutions thrive through strong leadership. With a
background in executive search, nonprofit leadership, and mission engagement, Katie brings a
wealth of expertise in identifying and developing leaders who can advance the mission of
Christian schools, dioceses, religious communities, and social ministries. A Michigan native, Katie began her career in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, working
within a major health system in Southeast Michigan. This experience led her to pursue a
Master’s in Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Leadership from the
University of Michigan, following her undergraduate studies at Madonna University. Katie’s roots in executive search run deep. She worked alongside her father, Paul Daudlin, in his
nationally recognized healthcare recruiting firm before stepping into leadership and establishing
Daudlin Search, expanding its focus to include education and nonprofit placements. She has
spent over a decade helping mission-driven organizations secure transformational leaders,
ensuring alignment with their values, culture, and strategic goals. Beyond executive search, Katie is actively involved in supporting faith-based and nonprofit
mission engagement initiatives. She plays a key role in development efforts for Kids On The Go,
a nonprofit serving children and teens with special needs. Her favorite aspect of her work is
helping individuals and organizations flourish, ensuring that Christian schools and ministries
have the leadership they need to sustain and grow their impact. Katie and her husband, Kevin, reside in suburban Detroit, where they stay busy raising their five
children, always embracing the beauty of family, faith, and service.
Patrick Furey
Director of Data and Systems
Data-Driven Strategist
Operations & Talent Specialist
Market Intelligence Leader
financial services, and sales management. Holding a B.S. in Accounting from St. Bonaventure
University, he applies a strategic, data-driven approach to talent acquisition, financial oversight,
and leadership development, significantly enhancing The Search Counsel’s capacity to serve
Christian institutions with operational excellence and mission-aligned leadership. Throughout his career, Patrick has been fascinated by data and analytics, believing strongly that
“data drives strategy.” His expertise in strategic data application allows him to efficiently address
complex organizational challenges, optimize executive search processes, and deliver informed,
mission-driven leadership solutions. Patrick’s passion for integrating analytics and strategic
insight positions him as an invaluable asset to The Search Counsel, ensuring client organizations
are equipped with exceptional leaders to sustain growth and long-term success. As Director of Data and Systems, Patrick manages our Talent Intelligence Platform providing
advanced analytics and technology-driven strategies to enhance executive search efficiency,
improve candidate engagement, and support informed decision-making processes. His proven
capabilities in business development, financial strategy, and organizational leadership enable The
Search Counsel to deliver tailored, best-in-class recruitment solutions uniquely suited to faith-
based institutions. Patrick’s core expertise includes talent engagement and acquisition management, recruitment
support and process optimization, market intelligence and data analytics, client and candidate
relationship management, business development and growth strategy, as well as financial and
operational oversight. Patrick resides in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley with his wife and two daughters.
Michael Furey, Founder
Practice Leader
Visionary Leader Executive Search & Strategy Expert Organization & Culture Builder
Michael founded The Search Counsel after a decade of successfully leading executive searches
for Catholic institutions, during which he experienced a growing interest from faith-filled,
mission-driven leaders serving Christian and ministries outside the Catholic faith. Recognizing
this need, he now extends the same passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence to a
broader Christian community. Michael believes that exceptional, inspirational leadership is
fundamental to thriving schools, vibrant communities, and enduring missions. His approach
emphasizes cultivating visionary leaders who ignite passion, inspire eaningful change, and leave
a lasting impact on the organizations they serve.
With over 30 years of success in sales and marketing, executive leadership, and business
development, Michael Furey has catalyzed transformation in schools and organizations by
securing mission-driven leaders who build culture, enhance organizational effectiveness, and
inspire stakeholder support. Michael deeply understands that Christian organizations require
leaders who do more than manage—they must inspire, strategize, and foster environments where
mission, culture, and operational vitality flourish.
Michael has successfully secured and developed executive leaders, administrators, and mission-
focused professionals across a diverse spectrum of Christian institutions, including schools,
central offices, faith communities, and nonprofit ministries. His experience encompasses church-
affiliated, and independent faith-based schools in urban, suburban, and rural settings;
distinguished preparatory and high schools; and under-resourced and emerging educational
institutions. Additionally, he has placed effective leaders in diocesan and central office
leadership roles, religious congregations, and social ministries, ensuring strong governance,
financial stewardship, and mission-driven organizational growth.
Michael has held leadership roles in executive search and leadership consulting dedicated to
Christian organizations, where he built a reputation for servant leadership, strategic vision, and a
relational approach to stakeholder engagement and organizational advancement. His work
centers on forming authentic, mission-driven leaders who inspire communities, foster strong
organizational cultures, and sustain educational and social ministries for future generations.
Michael holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Scranton and remains actively
involved in education, nonprofit, and leadership networks. Michael resides in East Dennis, MA
and at his second home in Pennsylvania, allowing extended times visiting his son and daughter-
in-law.
Katie Shubnell
Senior Search Counsel
Executive Search Expert Nonprofit & Advancement Leader Mission-Driven Connector
Katie Shubnell is a mission-driven leader and experienced executive search consultant with a
deep passion for helping faith-based institutions thrive through strong leadership. With a
background in executive search, nonprofit leadership, and mission engagement, Katie brings a
wealth of expertise in identifying and developing leaders who can advance the mission of
Christian schools, dioceses, religious communities, and social ministries.
A Michigan native, Katie began her career in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, working
within a major health system in Southeast Michigan. This experience led her to pursue a
Master’s in Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Leadership from the
University of Michigan, following her undergraduate studies at Madonna University.
Katie’s roots in executive search run deep. She worked alongside her father, Paul Daudlin, in his
nationally recognized healthcare recruiting firm before stepping into leadership and establishing
Daudlin Search, expanding its focus to include education and nonprofit placements. She has
spent over a decade helping mission-driven organizations secure transformational leaders,
ensuring alignment with their values, culture, and strategic goals.
Beyond executive search, Katie is actively involved in supporting faith-based and nonprofit
mission engagement initiatives. She plays a key role in development efforts for Kids On The Go,
a nonprofit serving children and teens with special needs. Her favorite aspect of her work is
helping individuals and organizations flourish, ensuring that Christian schools and ministries
have the leadership they need to sustain and grow their impact.
Katie and her husband, Kevin, reside in suburban Detroit, where they stay busy raising their five
children, always embracing the beauty of family, faith, and service.
Patrick Furey
Director of Data and Systems
Data-Driven Strategist Operations & Talent Acquisition Specialist Market Intelligence Leader
financial services, and sales management. Holding a B.S. in Accounting from St. Bonaventure
University, he applies a strategic, data-driven approach to talent acquisition, financial oversight,
and leadership development, significantly enhancing The Search Counsel’s capacity to serve
Christian institutions with operational excellence and mission-aligned leadership. Throughout his career, Patrick has been fascinated by data and analytics, believing strongly that
“data drives strategy.” His expertise in strategic data application allows him to efficiently address
complex organizational challenges, optimize executive search processes, and deliver informed,
mission-driven leadership solutions. Patrick’s passion for integrating analytics and strategic
insight positions him as an invaluable asset to The Search Counsel, ensuring client organizations
are equipped with exceptional leaders to sustain growth and long-term success. As Director of Data and Systems, Patrick manages our Talent Intelligence Platform providing
advanced analytics and technology-driven strategies to enhance executive search efficiency,
improve candidate engagement, and support informed decision-making processes. His proven
capabilities in business development, financial strategy, and organizational leadership enable The
Search Counsel to deliver tailored, best-in-class recruitment solutions uniquely suited to faith-
based institutions. Patrick’s core expertise includes talent engagement and acquisition management, recruitment
support and process optimization, market intelligence and data analytics, client and candidate
relationship management, business development and growth strategy, as well as financial and
operational oversight. Patrick resides in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley with his wife and two daughters.
What Sets Our Team Apart
- Christian-Centered Expertise
Our team is deeply connected to the values and missions of Christian organizations. Every search we conduct is tailored to align with the spiritual, cultural, and operational goals of our clients. - Proprietary Network
With existing relationships and immediate access to an expansive nationwide network of mission-driven professionals, our team identifies and engages leaders who are uniquely positioned to succeed in faith-based roles. - Cutting-Edge Recruitment Tools
We leverage advanced technology and innovative tools built into our Talent Intelligence Platform ensuring efficient and effective candidate sourcing, screening, presentation, and onboarding while maintaining a human-centered approach. - Collaborative and Personalized Approach
We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs, aligning every search with their organizational culture, values, and resources. - Commitment to Excellence
Our team is dedicated to exceeding expectations, ensuring that every secured leader strengthens the organization and contributes to its long-term success. - Cost-Conscious
We understand the financial realities of Christian communities and nonprofit organizations, which is why we are committed to delivering premier executive search services that respect your budget. Securing exceptional leadership should not come at an overwhelming cost, and our efficient, cost-effective, and on-time approach ensures you get the right leaders without compromising your financial resources.
Join Us on the Journey
At The Search Counsel, we believe that great leadership transforms communities. Whether you’re a client seeking a leader or a candidate pursuing your next opportunity, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll connect purpose with leadership, faith with action, and vision with results.