Catholic Media Association Announces Finalists for 2026 Individual Excellence Awards
CHICAGO (May 6, 2026) — The Catholic Media Association has named the finalists for the 2026 Individual Excellence Awards. These honors recognize professionals whose talent and dedication drive the success of Catholic journalism, communications and marketing initiatives across North America.
The Individual Excellence Awards are a premier component of the Catholic Media Awards program. This year’s winners will be revealed during the final evening of the Catholic Media Conference in Atlantic City.
The event, which celebrates the Catholic Media Awards and the 60th Annual Gabriel Awards, takes place Friday, June 19, 2026, at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 7 p.m. followed by a dinner and the awards program. Results also will be shared on the CMA website and published in the annual Awards Issue of The Catholic Journalist.
2026 CMA Individual Excellence Award Finalists
Advertising Business/Marketing Professional of the Year
- Maxim Almenas, Senior Marketing and Communications Leader, Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of Newark
- Elizabeth Belsky, Marketing Manager, ONE Magazine
- Ionut Gitan, Senior Manager, Catholic Charities of New York
- Kelly Martin, Associate Editor/Advertising Coordinator, The Catholic Missourian
- Jessie Wiegand, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, The Marriage Group
Communications Director of the Year
- Liz Chandler, Communications Director, Diocese of Charlotte
- Tom Halden, Director of Communications, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
- Patrick Higgins, Executive Director of Communications, Missionaries of the Precious Blood
- Helen McClenahan, Chief Communications Officer, Archdiocese of Seattle
- Brett Meister, Director of Communications, Diocese of Phoenix
Editor of the Year (English Language)
- André Escaleira, Jr., Managing Editor, Denver Catholic
- Laura Ieraci, Editor, ONE Magazine
- Pablo Kay, Editor in Chief, Angelus
- Jennifer Mauro, Managing Editor, Diocese of Camden
- Emily Sanna, Managing Editor, U.S. Catholic Magazine
Editor of the Year (Spanish Language)
- André Escaleira, Jr., Managing Editor, Denver Catholic
- Fernanda Pierorazio, Spanish Editor, The Good Newsroom
- Giovana Soria, Staff Writer, Maryknoll
Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year
- Brooke Armistead, Graphic Designer, Archdiocese of Hartford
- Chad DeBoard, Creative Manager, Missionaries of the Precious Blood
- Michelle Hildebrandt, Graphic Artist, Diocese of Lansing
- Gabriella Ferraro O'Brien, Art Director, The Catholic Review
- Filippo Piccone, Graphic Design Artist, Denver Catholic
Multimedia Journalist of the Year
- Gina Capellazzi, Digital Content Producer, Catholic Courier
- Paul Jeffrey, Photojournalist, Maryknoll
- Kevin J. Parks, Visual Journalist, The Catholic Review
- Dianne Towalski, Digital Media Manager, The Central Minnesota Catholic
Photographer of the Year
- Joe Gigli, Photographer, Diocese of Paterson
- Juan Guajardo, Photographer, Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
- Daniel Ibáñez, Photojournalist, EWTN Global Catholic Network
- Bob Roller, Photo Editor, OSV News
- Scott Warden, Editor in Chief, Today’s Catholic
Social Media Professional of the Year
- Paige Brooks, Social Media Coordinator, Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
- Debbie Cowden, Senior Manager of Social Media, EWTN Global Catholic Network
- Francisca Enemuo, Social Media Specialist, ONE Magazine
- Corbin Hubbell, Social Media Manager, Diocese of Lincoln
- Michael Pytleski, Digital and Social Media Specialist, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Writer of the Year (English Language)
- Camillo Barone, Staff Reporter, National Catholic Reporter
- Wes Cipolla, Reporter, The Pilot
- Colleen Dulle, Vatican Correspondent, America Media
- Brian Fraga, Staff Reporter, National Catholic Reporter
- Brian Roewe, Environmental Journalist, National Catholic Reporter
Writer of the Year (Spanish Language)
- Silvio Cuellar, Journalist, El Católico de Rhode Island
- Rocio Madera, Writer, Denver Catholic
Videographer/Video Producer of the Year – Diocesan and National News Organizations
- Michael Back, Videographer, Diocese of Lansing
- Juan Guajardo, Photographer, Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
- Yvette Pratdesaba, Communications Coordinator, Diocese of Orlando
- Zach Wehner, Videographer, Archdiocese of Hartford
- Jeff Witherow, Videographer, Catholic Courier
Podcaster of the Year
- Sissel Anderson, Podcast Host, Diocese of Fort Worth
- Joe Cronauer, Podcaster, Diocese of Cleveland
- Christopher Gunty, Associate Publisher and Editor, The Catholic Review
- Rich Howick, Host and Co-Producer, Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
- Mike Jordan Laskey, Director of Communications, Jesuit Conference
Conference and Registration Details
The 2026 Catholic Media Conference will be held June 16-19 at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City.
- Registration: Best rates available through May 31: Registration Link
- Hotel Reservations: Room block rates of $159 per night (plus tax and fees) are guaranteed until May 26: Hotel Reservation Link
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 serves professionals across North America, providing resources, education and networking opportunities to foster excellence in Catholic journalism and communications. The CMA includes 365+ member organizations and more than 900 mission-driven professionals.