After an extensive search, Bishop Edward Malesic announced that Nancy Fishburn will become the new executive director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. She will succeed Deacon Jim Armstrong, who is retiring in October after serving in the position for seven years.
Fishburn will be responsible for the implementation of communication policy and programs that support the mission of the Church. Under the direction of the bishop, she will be responsible for the oversight and management of the daily activity of the diocesan communication function. In addition, Fishburn will implement strategic communications plans in order to proactively promote the work of the Church through a variety of communication channels. Her leadership and management responsibilities will include communications policy development, media relations, crisis communications management, public relations and administration.
Fishburn has extensive experience in communications and marketing, serving in healthcare and corporate organizations for more than two decades. She had communications management positions at Vitamix Corp., the MetroHealth System, Antares Management Solutions and Medical Mutual of Ohio. Her experience also includes working as communications manager for Penton Media and as a reporter for a local suburban newspaper. Her accomplishments include improving communications channels and engagement among stakeholders and successfully executing detailed communications plans and strategies.
Fishburn earned a master of business administration degree from Ashland University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bowling Green State University. She also merited certification in healthcare management from Case Western Reserve University, public relations from the Arthur Page Society and advanced public information officer training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Fishburn received multiple awards for her work in digital and integrated marketing as well as website design.
She is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake.