CMA elects new board member in special election
Mary Kate Polanin to represent Digital-Only Publications
CHICAGO (Sept. 23, 2026) — The Catholic Media Association announced today that Mary Kate Polanin has been elected to its Board of Directors for the newly established Digital-Only Publications position.
Polanin is the Executive Editor of The Good Newsroom, the digital publication for the Archdiocese of New York, which serves 2.5 million Catholics, with content published in English and Spanish. Before that, she was Digital Content Editor for Busted Halo, a ministry of the Paulist Fathers.
"Mary Kate already has made great contributions to the CMA through her work on the Catholic Media Conference planning committee, and we look forward to her continued insights and enthusiasm as a board member," said Kerry Weber, CMA president.
The new board seat represents the growing number of online publications and digital communicators who are members of the Catholic Media Association.
"I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me to occupy this newly created position. The CMA has been a genuine source of support, insights, and camaraderie throughout my career in Catholic media, and I'm grateful for the chance to pay it forward in this way," said Polanin, whose background also includes work in multicultural public relations in New York City.
Polanin begins her three-year term immediately. Directors may serve up to three consecutive terms. Director positions are based on categories of membership, including publishers, magazine and newspaper representatives, as well as regional representatives, diocesan directors of communications, and members at large.
"Between the election of Pope Leo XIV and the rise of 'Gen Z Catholics,' digital secular media's fascination with the Catholic Church might feel like it's at an all-time high. This moment is our opportunity to cut through the noise, step up as subject-matter experts on all things Church, and to fulfill our duty to our communities by providing accurate, well-formed journalism faithful to its teachings," she said.
"Mary Kate brings valuable journalism and leadership experience to the Catholic Media Association," said Rob DeFrancesco, executive director of the Catholic Media Association. "Her contributions will enrich the work of the Church and our members across North America."
About the Catholic Media Association
The mission of the Catholic Media Association is to build and strengthen the value, effectiveness and identity of Catholic media by facilitating the professional development and spiritual growth of our members. We contribute to the Church's mission of communicating the Good News and evangelizing the modern world.