The Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has stepped down after just over a year in the role.
In a written statement Tuesday, Rev. Peter J. Karalus, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese, announced Kathy Spangler had departed her position as Director of Communications for the diocese "in order to pursue other interests in opportunities."
Spangler became communications director in September 2018, amid a scandal over sexual abuse by clergy. Her departure comes just over a week since Bishop Richard J. Malone resigned his post as head of the diocese, and was replaced in the interim by Bishop Edward Scharfenberger as apostolic administrator. Scharfenberger, who is the current bishop of the Diocese of Albany, will maintain the role until a new bishop is installed in Buffalo.
Writing on behalf of Scharfenberger, Karalus said, "We are enormously grateful to Kathy for her many contributions and for her dedication to supporting the communications of the Diocese over these challenging months. We wish her much success in her future endeavors."
In Spangler's absence, Gregory Tucker will be the diocese's primary contact for media. Karalus described Tucker as "a seasoned strategic communications advisor," and said Tucker is now working with Scharfenberger and Chancery leadership.
Karalus said, "A permanent replacement will be identified in due course."
