Catholic Media Association welcomes newly elected board members to advance mission
Catholic Media Association welcomes newly elected board members to advance mission
Board brings leadership, vision and faith-driven expertise to support Catholic media professionals across North America
CHICAGO (March 26, 2025) — The Catholic Media Association today announced the election of six members to its Board of Directors, the association’s governing body. Board members represent various membership categories and reflect the diversity of Catholic media professionals across North America.
Elected members will begin their three-year terms on June 28, following the conclusion of the Catholic Media Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Directors may serve up to three consecutive terms.
“Our Board of Directors embodies the strength and diversity of Catholic media today,” said Rob DeFrancesco, executive director of the Catholic Media Association. “With their guidance, we’re building a future where Catholic voices remain vibrant, credible and essential.”
Elizabeth Wong Barnstead joins the board as the Newspaper Editorial Staff Member, Newspaper position. She is editor of The Western Kentucky Catholic, the newspaper of the Diocese of Owensboro.
Kerry Weber was reelected to the Editorial Staff Member, Magazine position. Weber is an executive editor for America, where she has worked since 2009.
Gretchen R. Crowe, who serves as board president, was reelected to represent the General Publisher board position. Crowe is editor-in-chief of OSV News.
Paula Gwynn Grant was reelected to the Diocesan Communications Director board position. She is board vice president and Secretary for Communications for The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington (D.C.), home of the Catholic Standard and El Pregonero archdiocesan newspapers.
Michael Stechschulte was reelected Midwest Region Representative. He is editor-in-chief of Detroit Catholic, the official digital news service of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit.
Carol Zimmermann, board secretary, was reelected Eastern Region Representative. Zimmermann, a longtime Catholic journalist, is the news editor at National Catholic Reporter.
The CMA Nominating Committee will now identify candidates for president, vice president and secretary. CMA members will vote for officer positions in May. Officer terms are for two years.
About the Catholic Media Association
The Catholic Media Association is committed to its mission of helping members share the Good News through Catholic media. The CMA provides professional development, networking, inspiration and support for the faith formation of Catholic media professionals. The CMA includes 355 member organizations and nearly 900 mission-driven professionals across North America.