The Catholic Business Network of Washington, D.C. (CBN-DC) hosted its December Executive Luncheon at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Dec. 3. The event featured keynote speaker Stephanie Linnartz, former CEO of Under Armour and the former president of Marriott International, in a discussion moderated by Susan Lacz, CEO of Ridgewells Catering and a CBN-DC board member.
Linnartz shared insights about her path toward leadership, offering thoughts on innovation, teamwork, and purpose-driven business practices. The discussion, moderated by Lacz, highlighted how Linnartz's Catholic education shaped her career and values.
With 168 attendees, the gathering emphasized the intersection of faith, business, and community leadership. Msgr. John Enzler, former CEO of Catholic Charities DC, delivered the invocation. CBN-DC President Justin E. Silvers welcomed the audience, underscoring the organization's commitment to fostering Catholic education and professional networking opportunities.
A career rooted in hospitality and faith
During the discussion, Linnartz reflected on her career journey, which began with her family's boutique hotel and restaurant business on Capitol Hill. Their ventures included The Dubliner, a beloved Irish restaurant and pub that has been a Washington institution for five decades.
"I grew up working every job in the family business, from cleaning rooms to checking in guests," Linnartz said. "That experience taught me the value of hard work and service, and my Catholic education reinforced the importance of values in leadership."
Raised in McLean, Virginia, Linnartz attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and the College of the Holy Cross, a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she earned a degree in political science. She also holds an MBA from William & Mary.
Linnartz shared the story of how she decided to attend Holy Cross over the University of Virginia, recalling her father's advice: "Holy Cross won't prepare you for your first job in life, but it will prepare you for your last." Linnartz reflected on how her Catholic upbringing and education influenced her career, emphasizing the importance of service, diversity, and moral judgment as guiding principles throughout her professional journey.
Lessons in leadership and service
Linnartz also shared valuable lessons in leadership and service, particularly her decision to leave Marriott International after 25 years. She explained, "I had to follow my own advice to 'take risks.' You can't grow without stepping outside your comfort zone." She emphasized the importance of betting on oneself when making tough decisions. "Don't be afraid to weigh the pros and cons and make the leap.” Should the decision turn out to be a bad one, “mistakes happen, but that doesn't mean you have to stick with a bad decision," she said.
She openly discussed her experience navigating corporate leadership, where women, particularly those from minority backgrounds, are underrepresented, stressing the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive teams for effective creative problem-solving.
Linnartz reflected on how her Catholic upbringing and education prepared her for leadership roles that required strategic thinking and moral judgment. "At the time, I didn't fully understand what my father meant about Holy Cross preparing me," she said. "But I understand now. He meant that my last job would find me in a leadership role, and I'd have bigger responsibilities where people would be depending on me."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marriott International faced unprecedented challenges, including significant staff reductions. Linnartz highlighted two examples of innovative problem-solving implemented by her team during this challenging period.
The first example involved Linnartz reaching out to Craig Menear, the former chairman and CEO of Home Depot, where she serves on the board. Home Depot experienced remarkable growth during the pandemic due to the surge in home improvement projects. The two leaders collaborated to create microsites that facilitated the transition of Marriott employees into available roles at Home Depot, which needed additional staff.
Linnartz also shared how a team member's idea led to Marriott partnering with the New York State Department of Labor to establish a call center for processing unemployment claims. These initiatives provided vital assistance to both the state and displaced workers.
Linnartz said her Catholic education "taught me to think critically and ask the right questions. My faith gave me principles."
Linnartz also serves on the Teach the World Foundation board, which uses gamification to improve literacy for children overseas in nations like Pakistan, and Journey to Lead, an organization that connects women in leadership with emerging female talent. Addressing the challenges of balancing career and family, she said, "No one accomplishes anything alone," crediting her husband and extended family for their support.
When asked if she thought chores were a good way for children to learn about responsibility, she said, "Chores build character, but so does working outside the home—whether through a job or volunteer work."
To date, CBN-DC has raised more than $2 million in scholarships for Catholic schools in the District of Columbia. These funds support merit- and need-based scholarships, ensuring that Catholic education remains accessible to families across the region. CBN-DC fosters community and professional growth through monthly networking events, quarterly receptions, and an annual gala.
