New York, NY / St. Petersburg, FL — The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS) in the United States are pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas E. Culp, Jr., as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Culp, who begins on June 30, brings nearly two decades of diocesan leadership experience, most recently serving as Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer of the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky.
“We are excited to welcome Doug at this historic time for The Pontifical Mission Societies,” said Monsignor Roger J. Landry, National Director of TPMS USA. “Doug’s deep theological formation, operational expertise, and missionary spirit will be a great blessing as we continue to try to mobilize Catholic faithful in our country to play a leading role in the Church’s evangelizing mission. His arrival comes as Pope Leo XIV, the first missionary pope in modern times and the first from the United States, has been spurring the Church with renewed urgency to bring Christ and his offer of salvation to everyone. Doug’s leadership will be essential in helping us respond to that call.”
Mr. Culp began his service to the Diocese of Lexington in 2006, when he was appointed Director of Religious Education and Adult Faith Formation under then-Bishop Ronald W. Gainer. In 2011, he was named Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary of Pastoral Life. In 2023, while retaining the duties attached to these positions, Bishop John Stowe, O.F.M. Conv. named him chancellor. Over the years, Mr. Culp’s portfolio has included leadership of Human Resources, Communications, Information and Technology, Pastoral Life, Safe Environment, Catholic Cemeteries, and Chancery Administrative Operations.
“Joining The Pontifical Mission Societies is both a great honor and a providential opportunity,” said Mr. Culp. “This is a moment of renewal and growth for the Church’s missionary outreach, and I’m humbled to support Msgr. Landry and the whole TPMS team. I believe strongly in the mission Christ has given to the Church and in its power to inspire, connect, and transform the Church and the world. I look forward to helping the organization bring hope to the young, poor, and often persecuted Catholic communities throughout the world.”
Mr. Culp also brings extensive experience in Catholic formation, having taught Evangelization, Catechesis, and Theology in permanent diaconate formation programs for more than a dozen dioceses. He is a certified bioethicist and Organizational Development Certified Professional known for his strategic mind, pastoral heart, and commitment to Catholic values.
Originally from Kentucky, Mr. Culp and his family are relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida, where TPMS maintains one of its two national offices.
The Pontifical Mission Societies are the official mission arm of Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church he leads. They support 1,124 mission territories worldwide through prayer and financial assistance and, here in the United States, by forming a missionary spirit among the faithful.
