CHICAGO (August 19, 2004) – The Archdiocese of Chicago announced today that Colleen Dolan will join the Archdiocese as Director of the Department of Communications and Public Relations, effective August 23. She will report to Jimmy M. Lago, Chancellor of the Archdiocese.

Dolan will be responsible for the strategic direction and development of all institutional archdiocesan communications including media relations, public information, archdiocesan publications, school marketing, electronic media and communications technology, and employee communications throughout the Archdiocese. She replaces James W. Vodak, who has retired but will continue assisting the Archdiocese with special projects.

“Colleen Dolan bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Chicago area to this position,” said Chancellor Lago. “She will add a new dimension to the progress that has already occurred in the communications and public relations area.”

Dolan’s career spans more than 30 years as an advertising and marketing executive. Before joining the Archdiocese, she was an independent communications consultant. Prior to that she was Group Vice President of multi-media sales at Window to the World Communications, Inc., Chicago. Previously, Dolan served for nearly 20 years at the Chicago Tribune Company in an advertising capacity, culminating with her position as general advertising manager. Dolan began her career with Leo Burnett, Chicago, where she was a media research analyst, print planner and buyer, and broadcast planner and buyer.

A native of Chicago, Dolan received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Regis University, Denver. She later earned a Master of Arts degree from Loyola University, Chicago, where she graduated magna cum laude. Dolan also completed several advanced executive programs at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University.

A resident of Chicago, she is married to the Honorable Francis J. Dolan, Judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, and has three children, F.J., Michael and Emily. Dolan is a member of Holy Name Cathedral Parish.