Character: Author Robert L. Dilenschneider in conversation with John P. Cahill

Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. Headquartered in New York, Miami, and Chicago, the Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs, and international media. Prior to forming his own firm, Dilenschneider served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. from 1986 to 1991, tripling that Firm’s revenues to nearly $200 million and delivering more than $30 million in profit. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an MA in journalism from The Ohio State University and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. Website: robertldilenschneider.com

John P. Cahill was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York by Cardinal Timothy Dolan in October 2019. He is the first layperson to hold the position. As Chancellor, John oversees the temporal matters of the Archdiocese on behalf of the Cardinal.

Prior to his service for the Archdiocese, John served as senior counsel at the law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright, where his focus was on energy and environmental law, and he was recognized as one of the nation's top utility lawyers. Before entering private practice, John held numerous positions in Governor Pataki's administration, including Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation and Secretary to the Governor, the highest appointed position in the State. As Secretary, John headed the State's effort to rebuild Lower Manhattan after the terrorist attack of September 11th.

John earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Fordham University. He received his Juris Doctor degree and a Master's in environmental law from Pace University School of Law.

Mr. Cahill serves on several charitable boards, including The National September 11th Memorial Museum, Archbishop Stepinac High School-White Plains, and the Open Space Institute.

Numerous organizations have recognized Mr. Cahill for his commitment to serving others. Most notably, Pope Benedict XVI appointed John to Knighthood in the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great, the highest honor awarded by the Pope to a Layperson. John is also a recipient of the Congressional Ellis Island Medal of Honor, awarded annually to celebrate the contributions of American citizens who have made a difference in the country.

John has been competing in triathlons for 40 years. He is a nationally ranked competitor and will be representing the United States in the World Championship later this year.

John and his wife, Kim, are the parents of four children.