Work Experience
2025-Present
Associate Director of Communications
Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison | Madison, WI
Supports the Director of Communications in implementing the bishop’s priorities by managing digital, print, and strategic messaging for the Diocese of Madison. Oversees all website operations, including the planning, development, and successful launch of two major diocesan websites – one for public engagement and another serving clergy and parish staff. Manages departmental project workflows to ensure timely and effective communication across the diocese. Produces and edits a wide range of written and multimedia content, including articles, photography, and video projects for diocesan digital platforms and the Madison Catholic Herald newspaper. Assists with public relations, including press releases and crisis communications, while contributing to messaging for diocesan-wide evangelization and realignment initiatives.
2022-2025
Manager of Communications & Catholic Identity
Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison | Madison, WI
Responsible for planning, developing, and implementing marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities for Catholic Charities. Ensured the integration of the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values across all platforms, including websites, social media, and print collateral. Collaborated closely with the Director of Mission Effectiveness, Director of Development, and Executive Director to enhance brand identity and visibility. Additionally, supported the integration of Catholic identity within programs and services, providing education and training to staff and board members.
2018-2022
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin | Madison, WI
Served as a key contributor to the marketing and communications team for a 900-member statewide construction trade association, supporting initiatives to enhance brand visibility and member engagement. Developed and managed content across multiple platforms, including blogs, newsletters, and social media. Assisted in the creation of promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, and magazines. Collaborated with member experts and affiliate groups to curate relevant content. Played a role in planning and executing member events and engagement strategies. Utilized Adobe Creative Suite for design tasks and maintained a strong focus on project management, ensuring deadlines were met while delivering high-quality communications.
2015-2018
Director of Communications
Wisconsin Newspaper Association | Madison, WI
Managed communications and marketing for a 200-member statewide newspaper trade association, including newsletters, press releases, issue advocacy, websites, and printed and digital materials.
2014-2015
Group Circulation & Readership Director
Daily Jefferson County Union and Hometown News Limited Partnership | Fort Atkinson, WI
Managed circulation for two affiliated newspaper companies with a combined distribution of over 100,000, including a daily, a twice-weekly, 12 weeklies, four shoppers, niche magazines, and affiliated websites. Oversaw sales, marketing, pricing strategies, promotions, and subscriber acquisition and retention.
2009-2014
Managing Editor
Hometown News Limited Partnership | DeForest, Poynette & Milton, WI
Managed three award-winning weekly newspapers, directing news coverage, production, and a team of six. Wrote, edited, and designed content for both print and digital platforms. Led the 2013 redesign of The Milton Courier, earning the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s “Most Improved Newspaper” award.
2008-2009
City Beat Reporter
Daily Jefferson County Union | Fort Atkinson, WI
Reported on the Fort Atkinson city beat, covering police, fire, government, and feature stories for a daily newspaper. Produced news and feature photography, updated the website daily, and leveraged digital platforms for breaking news coverage.
Education
2003-2007
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, with a minor in Political Science. Served as editor-in-chief of the Royal Purple student newspaper, participated actively in student journalism, and was a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Completed an internship at The Milton Courier.
Skills & Expertise
Design & Production
✓ Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator & Premiere
✓ Canva
Website Management
✓ WordPress
✓ eCatholic
✓ DotNetNuke (DNN)
Email Marketing
✓ MailChimp
✓ Constant Contact
✓ Flocknote
Database Management
✓ Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
✓ Zoho CRM
✓ Flashpoint
Office Management
✓ Microsoft Office
✓ Google Workspace
✓ monday.com
✓ Asana
Social Media Management
✓ Hootsuite
✓ Agorapulse
✓ Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
✓ X (Twitter)
James Debilzen 