Diocese appoints Carole Breton as its director of communications and development

In April, Carole Breton joined the diocesan staff at Ascension House as the director of communications and development. With a focus on fostering both internal and external communications, she is working to enhance stewardship and develop new tools that create meaningful engagement across the diocese.

Breton’s work is designed to support the growth and resilience of diocesan ministries and parishes, helping to ensure they thrive now and into the future. Her responsibilities include advancing key projects such as the Learning Commons—available on the diocesan website—, supporting parish vitality, and working to ensure the long-term sustainability of diocesan community ministries.

“The heart of our work is to walk alongside people—with respect, courage, and hope—and to build partnerships that make a lasting difference,” she says. “This role allows me to bring together everything I have learned over the years and to work with real purpose. My goal is to strengthen the ties that unite us, ensure everyone feels valued, and help create a space where all are welcome within our diocesan community.”

Breton, a Gatineau native who is fluently bilingual, brings more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, philanthropy, donor relations, government relations, and organizational development. She has a proven track record of strengthening organizations and cultivating lasting partnerships. She holds an Executive MBA from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa and a graduate diploma in Ecclesiastical Administration from Saint Paul University—providing a strong foundation in both strategic leadership and church governance. Throughout her career, Breton has been driven by a commitment to fostering trust, dialogue, and collaboration.

Breton began her career as a broadcast journalist. Her work with Radio Canada on television and radio took her to Winnipeg, Regina, Sudbury and back to Ottawa. She went on to work in communications for Heritage Canada and Canada Council for the Arts, before returning to CBC as a senior advisor and manager of corporate communications and public relations. She was later director of communications at Association des collèges et universités de la Francophonie Canadienne and associate director of marketing and communications for the vice-rectorate, International and Francophonie at the University of Ottawa. Most recently, she served as vice-rector, governance and secretary general at Saint Paul University responsible for pastoral services, Anglican and Roman Catholic, Indigenous Services, alumni and donor relations as well as governance of the institution.

She kindly answered a few questions from Crosstalk to help everyone in our diocese get to know her a little more:

What drew you to working with the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa?

I was drawn by the Diocese’s deep commitment to community, inclusion, and service. Having worked closely with Anglican leaders in the past, I developed a great respect for the Anglican tradition’s balance of faith in action and open dialogue. This role offers a unique opportunity to use my communications and development experience in a way that directly supports people and strengthens vital ministries. It is also a chance to work within a faith community that welcomes everyone and strives to make a real difference in people’s lives.

What past experience or experiences have best prepared you for this role?

Each chapter of my career has brought something meaningful to this moment. My years in journalism taught me how to tell authentic stories that connect with people. My experience in public institutions and higher education honed my skills in strategic planning, governance, and community engagement. Leading communications and development in both Catholic and secular organizations has given me a strong sense of how to foster trust and mobilize people around shared goals. Most recently, my work as vice-rector of governance and secretary general at Saint Paul University deepened my understanding of church administration and mission-driven leadership, which directly informs the work I am doing now.

What are some of the challenges for the communications and development ministry?

One of the key challenges is finding ways to amplify the voice and visibility of our ministries in an increasingly fast-changing communications landscape. We also need to ensure that stewardship is not just about fundraising but about nurturing long-term, faith-based relationships that are grounded in trust and shared purpose. Another challenge is supporting parishes and ministries with the tools and confidence they need to tell their own stories in ways that resonate with today’s audiences—both within and beyond the church.

 What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

I love spending time outdoors and traveling with my two boys, especially exploring new places that open our eyes to different cultures and histories. I am also a proud hockey mom, often cheering from the stands at their games. Walking has become a personal practice for reflection and renewal—I completed a 100-kilometre stretch of the Camino de Santiago last year, which was a deeply meaningful experience for me. At home, I enjoy quiet moments with a good book or catching up with friends over coffee.