Jonathan DesRoches has been hired as the diocesan communications manager, replacing Gisele McKnight, who has led communications and edited the NB Anglican for 12 years. She retires the end of September. Jonathan’s first day with the diocese was Sept. 1.
“The Synod Office is pleased to welcome Jonathan DesRoches as communications manager for the Diocese,” said synod executive officer Cheryl Jacobs. “We look forward to working with Jonathan, as he brings his communications experience and expertise in other areas that will strengthen the work of the Synod Office team.
“We are confident that Jonathan will build on Gisele's excellent work and continue to support effective communication across the diocese.”
Here’s a bit about Jonathan:
Jonathan was raised in a blended, church-going family in Fredericton. At Smythe Street Church, he was heavily involved in youth and youth ministry during his teen years.
“My relationship with the Church has not always followed a straight line,” he said. “There have been seasons of deep involvement and seasons of questioning and distance, but faith has remained an important part of how I understand people, community, and the world around me.”
In his 30s, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership, followed by a Master of Divinity at Acadia Divinity College. He is now about halfway through a Master of Theology in Counselling and Spiritual Care at Acadia, working toward designation as a Licensed Counselling Therapist.
“My professional life has been equally varied,” he said.
He spent many years working in finance and insurance, brokering both mortgage and heavy equipment purchase financing, and later owned a renovation company with his father.
“Since 2020 I have worked as a licensed realtor,” he said. “While those fields may seem quite different, the part I have always cared about most has been the same — people.
“Whether helping someone find a home, building something with my hands, sitting with someone through a difficult decision, or simply listening well, I have always been drawn to the human story behind the work.”
That concept of the human story is what attracted him to his new role.
“I am excited to meet people throughout the parishes, hear their stories, and help connect them to the larger story of the Church across New Brunswick.
“I have also been genuinely touched by the warmth I have experienced from the Diocese already. For me, that has made beginning this new chapter both healing and deeply meaningful.”
Jonathan lives in Douglas with his partner, Dylan, where they garden, fish and golf. They travel, and are “unapologetic Disney World fanatics, and make an annual pilgrimage to Walt Disney World where you’ll find us walking 20,000 steps a day and hopping on every thrill ride we can find.”
In the quiet times, he enjoys creative writing, reflection, and good coffee.
“I can be quiet when you first meet me, but that usually doesn’t last long,” he said. “Apparently, if you search YouTube hard enough, there may still be evidence of me singing You Raise Me Up in a Smythe Street Easter production.
Welcome, Jonathan!
Photo caption: Communications manager Jonathan DesRoches, who began work with the diocese Sept. 1 and will take on the roles of Gisele McKnight, who retires Sept. 30. Submitted photo