Napa Legal Institute Names Mark Rohlena as President, Announces Strengthened Partnership with Napa Institute

The Board of Directors of the Napa Legal Institute (NLI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Rohlena as the organization’s new president. He succeeds Mary Margaret Bush who served as Napa Legal’s Vice President and Executive Director before her appointment as Director of the White House Religious Liberty Commission earlier this summer.

Rohlena, who will also continue serving as President of the Napa Institute, brings to the Napa Legal role nearly a decade of notable legal experience in litigation, legal ethics, and law firm administration at the Denver-based law firm, Holland & Hart, LLP. Since that time, he has provided dedicated executive leadership in the faith-based charitable, policy, and education sectors. He has served with distinction at the helm of the Napa Institute over the past 18 months.

The Board’s decision concludes a national search for a new leader for the Napa Legal Institute. The governing bodies of each organization approved a closer structural alignment between Napa Legal Institute and Napa Institute, enabling greater efficiencies in back-office administration, event coordination, and fundraising support—ultimately strengthening the reach and impact of both organizations. Both Napa Institute and Napa Legal will retain separate governing boards.

In addition, the Board has appointed John Peiffer as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors. Peiffer, who co-founded the organization with Tim Busch and has served with distinction as President of Napa Legal Institute since its beginning, will continue to play a critical role in shaping the organization’s future through his leadership and strategic guidance.

“Under Mark’s leadership, and with John’s continued wisdom, Napa Legal Institute is poised to build on its extraordinary foundation,” said Tim Busch, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “This is a wise and timely decision that will accelerate Napa Legal’s growth, strengthen its partnership with Napa Institute, and amplify its mission, particularly to apostolates. Mark is a leader of conviction and vision who understands the opportunities before both organizations. We are grateful to Mary Margaret Bush for her leadership and the remarkable foundation she and those who came before her laid.”

Reflecting on his new role, Mark Rohlena said, “I am deeply honored to serve as President of Napa Legal Institute while continuing my work with the Napa Institute. The synergy between these organizations is vital in advancing our shared mission to defend faith, strengthen institutions, and equip leaders. We have an amazing mission, excellent staff, and a wonderful board at Napa Legal. I approach this responsibility with seriousness and tremendous gratitude for the chance to build upon the amazing work already underway.”

With strong leadership, a clear mission, and innovative programs, Napa Legal Institute enters this new chapter with renewed momentum to serve faith-based nonprofits and civil society. The organization’s signature initiatives include:

• All Access AI – which equips ministries and religious organizations with legal and regulatory tools (soon to be enhanced by artificial intelligence), so they can navigate challenges in areas such as nonprofit law, governance, and tax issues.
• Good Counselor Project Fellowship – that offers early-career attorneys mentorship, training, and formation rooted in Catholic social teaching and professional excellence. Fellows are prepared for service and leadership that can help strengthen the Church and civil society
• Faith and Freedom Index – an annual study launched in 2023 that evaluates how favorable—or burdensome—each U.S. state’s laws are toward faith-based, tax-exempt nonprofits. It spotlights areas needing reform, supporting state-level advocacy for better protections and fewer regulatory hurdles in key areas of society.