Tom Shakely appointed Chief Communications Officer for Diocese of Arlington

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington has announced the appointment of Tom Shakely as Chief Communications Officer, effective June 17, 2024. As Chief Communications Officer, he will report directly to the Office of the Bishop, serve as the chief communications advisor to the bishop, diocesan spokesperson, and oversee the Office of Communications, the Arlington Catholic Herald, media relations, publications, and digital and social media.

Mr. Shakely has served as the chief engagement officer for Americans United for Life since 2018. In 2020, he began work as a Research Fellow for the Discovery Institute's Center on Human Exceptionalism, where he has focused on issues of human dignity, human rights, and the law. He is a 2019 Fellow from the Leonine Forum and has presented on bioethics and sexual morality for the last decade in spaces including The American Conservative, Newsweek, the Napa Institute, Students for Life, and The Heritage Foundation.

“We were blessed to have many fine candidates and, after receiving the unanimous recommendation of our search team and prayerful discernment, I am happy to announce Tom as our new Chief Communications Officer,” said Bishop Burbidge. “He understands how critical clear, engaging and forward-looking communications are to helping our diocese continue to bring the Gospel to a world that desperately needs it.”
Mr. Shakely is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"Serving Bishop Burbidge and the Diocese of Arlington is a true honor," he said. "Each of us is called to know, love, and serve God in this life, and as Christians we have a particular opportunity to communicate the joy of our relationship with Jesus Christ. I've seen firsthand the joy that abounds across the Diocese of Arlington and consider it a privilege to work with an outstanding team."
Mr. Shakely earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science in Bioethics from the University of Mary, and a Master of Arts in Human Rights from The Catholic University of America. He is pursuing his doctorate in Political Theory also from Catholic University. He is also a Knight of Columbus.

Mr. Shakely and his wife have one child and are expecting their second child this fall.