MADISON — After more than 22 years on the Catholic Herald staff as its advertising consultant, Steve Hefty will be retiring as of June 30.
Hefty joined the Catholic Herald staff in December of 2000 after many years in the field of agricultural sales.
Over the years, Hefty was honored with awards for his work from the Catholic Media Association (formerly known as the Catholic Press Association).
Looking back on his time at the newspaper, Hefty said, “It feels like it went really fast.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with some very talented people — people that became friends and hopefully we will have long friendships.”
Reflecting on his work, he added, “For me, it was always a vocation, and in a very small and indirect way, it was doing God’s work.”
A large part of Hefty’s work was building relationships with people in the various parishes, schools, and other organizations in the Diocese of Madison.
“[Those partnerships] meant everything,” Hefty said.
“Working in sales is all about forming relationships. You’re helping them sell events, services, and so on with the advertising, but without forming a relationship with a lot of these people, you won’t be able to understand what their mission is [so that] you can really help them.”
With many changes coming for the newspaper and the diocese as a whole, Hefty said, “After 22 years of working for the Church and for the Catholic Herald, my fondest hope is that [the work] will continue because no matter what, we are called to evangelization and spread the Good News of the Lord.”
Hefty and his wife Judy are members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Perry.
They have four children and four grandchildren.
Joining the Catholic Herald staff as its new outreach consultant is Amanda McConnell.
She will be taking over the duties of advertising and sales as well as other areas such as visual design and promotions.
McConnell recently graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, with degrees in public relations and graphic design.
“It’s truly a gift to be able to use your talents to provide for the betterment of the faith, and I’ve found that this environment is cultivated right here at the Catholic Herald,” said McConnell.
“It’s been an absolute joy to be a part of this staff. I’m really excited to contribute to the growth of their mission and draw people into truth, goodness, and beauty,” she added.
She and her husband Tony are members of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison.
Catholic Herald Editor Kevin Wondrash said, “Words aren’t enough to express the gratitude and appreciation that everyone connected with the Catholic Herald and I have for what Steve has brought to the paper these past 22 years. His professionalism, experience, and ability to connect with others will be missed.”
Wondrash added, “We wish Steve well in the future and we happily welcome Amanda to the Catholic Herald team. We’re eager to see what she will add to the proud tradition of the publication.”