Meet the people who guide and support The Sun behind the scenes
By Elizabeth Landry
Staff writer
Every other week, readers of The Catholic Sun are greeted with a new print issue in their mailbox (and a new digital issue in their email inbox on alternating weeks!). Supporting and guiding these publications in the background are the board of directors. Coming from different professional backgrounds and walks of life, these individuals give their time and talent to help lead The Sun through strategic decision-making, future planning, and much more. Read the Q&A below to learn about three of our board members and how they help contribute to our success. Our next issue will include Q&A with the remaining board members — stay tuned!
John Brogan has been affiliated with L. & J.G. Stickley, Inc., a Manlius, NY-headquartered manufacturer and retailer of high-quality furniture, for 24 years. Prior to a transition to a part-time role and semi-retirement in early 2023, he was the chief financial officer and senior vice president for Stickley. In Brogan’s current part-time role, he is involved in the management of Stickley’s real estate portfolio, family office matters, special projects, and other strategic matters.
CS: What inspired you to join the board for The Catholic Sun?
JB: I joined the Board of The Catholic Sun in 2016, became treasurer in 2017 and president in 2019. I was motivated and inspired to join the Board for the opportunity to give back to the Diocese and to assist in promoting the mission of The Catholic Sun. The Sun plays a vital role in connecting Catholics throughout the Diocese. It is the medium by which the bishop regularly communicates to parishioners throughout a large seven-county territory. I continue to be inspired by the excellent work of the staff of The Sun and those at the Diocese that contribute to an ever-improving newspaper and the new quarterly publication, SOLIS. The reach of The Sun and SOLIS continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of Catholics in our Diocese.
CS: What knowledge or experience do you bring with you to the board?
JB: While I do not have a background in print publications or media, I bring a broad level of experience in strategic planning, management of organizational resources, and decision-making to my role on the Board.
CS: What do you enjoy most about the paper?
JB: We are one large Catholic family in our Diocese. I particularly enjoy learning about the activities and happenings at the various parishes throughout the Diocese. The paper connects us. The Sun and SOLIS are the best sources to keep us informed of Diocese happenings and other news of interest focusing on the Catholic faith. Our new quarterly publication, SOLIS, is especially exciting. It has a fresh and vibrant format and has great photography and longer format articles that cover varied and interesting topics.
Dan Mannion is an attorney practicing commercial real estate at Hancock Estabrook, LLP in Syracuse.
CS: What inspired you to join the board for The Catholic Sun?
DM: I have always held a deep appreciation for the importance The Sun plays in informing and connecting our Central New York community. Having grown up in Central New York and attending Holy Cross and CBA, I was drawn to help continue the tradition of The Sun and to move it forward for the next generation of Catholics. Being a part of the board allows me to contribute to a mission that educates, evangelizes, and strengthens our local Church across the diverse counties of our Diocese.
CS: What knowledge or experience do you bring with you to the board?
DM: I bring both professional and personal experience founded in legal expertise and a lifelong commitment to the values of Christianity and the Catholic faith. As a transactional attorney who has also counseled not-for-profit clients, I am well-versed in corporate stewardship, management, and business strategy.
CS: What do you enjoy most about the paper?
DM: The Catholic Sun provides an invaluable means of connecting and unifying the many members of our community. From the direct connection it provides to local Church leadership to the everyday stories of our community members, it highlights the vibrant lives we lead across the Diocese and provides a platform to share those stories. Being able to assist in that project is deeply rewarding.
Dan Hurley retired from his role as chief public affairs officer at Upstate Medical University in 2017, where he was the state and federal lobbyist. He referred to himself as the “front door” for those in the community who wanted to work with the campus. Prior to his work at Upstate, he was a sports writer and editor in Syracuse and Buffalo, and he also served as the public relations officer for SUNY Geneseo. Shortly after his retirement, Hurley offered his services to his parish at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, getting involved with a spectrum of public relations, outreach, and volunteer activities.
CS: What inspired you to join the board for The Catholic Sun?
DH: I was asked to consider it because of my 45-year career in media, public relations, and working in large complex organizations. When I joined, I found a very heavy fiscal oversight approach. I like to think that I am a voice of support for the editor.
CS: What knowledge or experience do you bring with you to the board?
DH: I actually edited a tabloid newspaper for five years at SUNY Geneseo and then for three more years at Upstate. I believe in the format for its flexibility, friendly layouts, and authenticity. I also carry a personal resolve that our job is to build understanding and support for the Catholic Church, its people, and its mission. Communication is the linchpin that makes that possible.
CS: What do you enjoy most about the paper?
DH: The wonderful editors that we have been able to attract. They do a good job of covering the Diocesan structure, but my favorite stories are those that shine a light on the good that our parishes and Catholic Charities do for people in the margins.
