HEADSHOT

BIOGRAPHY

FULL VERSION:

Jason Shanks is a nationally recognized Catholic leader, entrepreneur, and innovator whose mission-driven work over the last two decades has focused on renewing apostolates, strengthening Catholic institutions, and leading people to a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.

He currently serves as President of the National Eucharistic Congress, where he previously was a founding board member and treasurer. Jason also served as President of the OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation, where he launched the first-ever Catholic “shark-tank” style competition and Catholic TED-style talks to ignite creativity, entrepreneurship, and new apostolic initiatives across the Church. His conviction that the Church is evergreen—and must be continually re-presented to every generation—has shaped his strategic leadership and vision for renewal.

Prior to OSV, Jason was the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, where he successfully merged and reorganized five county-based social service agencies into one regional organization. His leadership earned him a Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40 Award. Earlier in his career, he served as Secretariat Leader for Evangelization and Parish Life for the Diocese of Toledo and was the founder of Catholic Youth Summer Camp.

Jason’s academic background includes a BA in Education from Miami University of Ohio, an MA in Theology from the Pontifical College Josephinum with a concentration in the New Evangelization, and an MA in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.

In 2020, Jason experienced a life-threatening battle with COVID-19, spending six weeks intubated and in sedation. Through the prayers of thousands, he made a remarkable recovery. In recognition of their witness during this time of suffering, Jason and his wife, Melissa, were named 2021 Catholics of the Year by Our Sunday Visitor. Jason was again honored—this time individually—in 2024 as “Catholic of the Year” for his contribution in the National Eucharistic Revival and Congress. In 2025 he was honored by Legatus with the Bowie Award for Evangelization.

Jason lives in northern Indiana with Melissa and their five children, where his greatest joy remains family life and witnessing the transforming power of the Eucharist in the Church today.

SHORT VERSION:

Married for 20 years and father of 5, Jason Shanks is a Catholic convert, President of the National Eucharistic Congress, and former President of the OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation. A sought-after speaker and strategic leader, he brings deep experience in founding and renewing Catholic apostolates, supported by advanced degrees in the New Evangelization and nonprofit leadership.

Jason’s witness has been recognized nationally. After surviving a six-week intubation from COVID-19, he and his wife Melissa were named “Catholics of the Year” in 2021. He was again honored individually as “Catholic of the Year” in 2024 for his leadership in the Eucharistic Revival..