Diocese Announces Communications Department, Personnel Appointments

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of Youngstown, has established a new department of communications for the Diocese of Youngstown, effective July 1.

The new department integrates all communications and publishing operations, including internal and external communications as well as operations and personnel of The Catholic Exponent and the Catholic Telecommunications Network of Youngstown.

Concurrent with the establishment of the department, Bonnar announces the appointment of department personnel:

Justin Huyck as director of communications. Huyck has served as the diocese’s coordinator of media relations since September 2021, and before that as pastoral associate and director of adult faith formation at St. Michael the Archangel in Canton. He holds a B.A. in government from Cornell University, and an M.A. in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. oint of contact with journalists.

Katie Wagner as publications editor and associate director of communications. Wagner joins the diocese of Youngstown with broad experience in publishing, strategic communications, and marketing. From 2015 to 2022, she was the content creator and later the senior online editor for Mt. Lebanon Magazine in Pittsburgh.

Cindee Case continues as social media minister for the diocese. In her role, she develops creative content on various social media platforms, accompanies those who engage with the diocese on social media, and provides social media formation for leaders in parishes and schools. She is a graduate of Kent State University, holds a master of pastoral studies from Loyola University of New Orleans

Robert Gavalier joins the department of communications as the diocese’s senior multimedia production specialist, after having served the Catholic Telecommunications Network of Youngstown for over 25 years, most recently as general manager. Gavalier received his B.A. in telecommunications from Kent State University and, in addition to his work for the Church, is an active sports broadcaster.

Meagen Farrell joins the diocese as communications specialist. Farrell is a publisher, author and editor, and a national trainer in adult education and instructional design. She holds a B.A. in religion from Oberlin College, an M.A. in theology from John Carroll University, a certificate in distance education from Penn State University, and is doctoral student in educational technology at Kent State University.

Rev. James Korda will continue as host of the radio program Wineskins, after retiring as president of CTNY . Wineskins is streamed online at DOY.org and is also available on WKBN-AM 570 and WILB-FM 89.5 (Youngstown), WILB-AM 1060 and WILB-FM 94.5 (Canton), and WRQX-AM 600 (Salem).

Brother Dominic Calabro, SSP will continue to serve as productions assistant for various diocesan initiatives and event coverage. He also served CTNY for over 25 years, in addition to contributing to the media efforts of his religious community, the Society of St. Paul.

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