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YOUNGSTOWN -- The Diocese of Youngstown has named Dennis Biviano as the new public relations and media specialist.
Bishop David Bonnar has said there have been personnel and structural updates to the Diocese of Youngstown's Department of Communications, which was established in July 2022.
He said the changes will help innovate the diocese's print, digital, television and radio presence.
Biviano brings 20 years of television news reporting experience to the communications department. He is a graduate of John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Warren and Kent State University, with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.
He will serve as the diocese's chief point of contact with journalists.
Biviano lives with his wife, Jessica, and son in Niles, where they are members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.
Effective Jan. 15, Bonnar also expanded the responsibilities of the Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, vicar for missionary discipleship, to include oversight for the Department of Communications, while continuing his oversight of the Department of Missionary Discipleship, the Office of Stewardship and Development and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Lavelle is pastor of St. Michael Parish in Canfield.
Lavelle's expanded appointment will include an alignment of the communications and missionary discipleship teams, with current personnel also taking on additional responsibilities.
Meagen Farrell, communications specialist, has been appointed communications manager. Michael Houy, a development specialist, has been named social media and development specialist. Robert Gavalier continues as multimedia specialist and Katie Wagner as editor of The Catholic Echo.
In accepting oversight of the communications department, Lavelle takes over for Justin Huyck, who completed his service as director of communications in order to accept a position as editor for pastoral and parish resources with Liturgical Press, a Catholic and ecumenical publisher.
Cindee Case, who has served as diocesan social media minister since 2021, has been appointed by Bonnar as consultant for the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
"Since my installation as bishop in January 2021, I have placed an emphasis on communications, as I believe it is essential for missionary discipleship. I am confident that Father Lavelle and the entire team will continue to build on the success of the past few years, so that the church's voice can echo to all people," Bonnar said.
Biviano said, "It's a humbling experience to return to my roots in the Mahoning Valley, where most of my immediate family still resides. I am proud to begin this next chapter of my career and excited to work with a hard-working and dedicated communications team."