A Pennsylvania native, Joelle Santolla has worked for the diocese
for a little more than two years. (GRETCHEN R. CROWE | CATHOLIC
HERALD)
Joelle Santolla knows what it’s like to grow professionally within
an organization.
On the staff of the diocesan communications office since January 2006, Santolla
has moved up in the ranks from communications associate to assistant director
to, as of March, communications director. She takes over for Soren Johnson, who
in January left the position he had held since 2003.
Following her appointment, Santolla, a graduate of Catholic and Georgetown Universities, “hit
the ground running.” She became acclimated to her new responsibilities
during Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to Washington and the unveiling of a redesigned
diocesan Web site.
“It was a fast-paced time,” she said — and things haven’t
slowed much since. “I’m learning that there is no such thing as a
typical day.”
As director of communications, Santolla is the official spokeswoman for the diocese.
She keeps on top of the news; she answers questions from media; she oversees
the Web site; and she helps research information for Arlington Bishop Paul S.
Loverde and other Chancery supervisors. Her position includes a twofold aspect
of evangelization — communicating the Faith to the public and communicating
one-on-one with members of the media, she said.
These duties are challenging, but exciting.
“It’s a gift to be able to communicate to a wider audience the good
news we have,” she said.
Before she was named director, Santolla worked closely with several diocesan
offices, including the Office of Catholic Schools.
Diocesan Chancellor Mark Herrmann said this work helped distinguish her as a
natural fit for the position of director.
“We had a great opportunity to see the skills that she has, in particular
through her work on projects with the Schools Office and the new high school,” Herrmann
said. “She showed great talent, great enthusiasm, a solid knowledge of
the Faith and a real ability to connect with people.”
Santolla said something “clicked” when she first saw a job opening
in the Communications Office more than two years ago, and said her experiences
have afforded her a “wonderful intersection” of her faith, education
and professional experience.
“I feel so blessed to be able to work at this diocese,” she said. “To
keep on top of all these events, initiatives and focuses … it’s
a great story and you get to help tell it. How could you not like that?”
The Office of Communications is funded through the annual Bishop’s Lenten
Appeal. The Catholic Communication Campaign collection will be taken up the weekend
of June 7-8.
Gretchen R. Crowe can be reached at gcrowe@catholcherald.com.
