New Diocesan Secretary in St Asaph

THE BISHOP of St Asaph is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Diane McCarthy as Diocesan Secretary, head of the administration team for the Diocese of St Asaph.

Diane, 45, comes to St Asaph from M&S Money, where she has had responsibility for new business development and design and implementation of their retail distribution strategy.

Bishop Gregory said, “Diane brings us a wealth of experience, but is a person who has also clearly grasped what we as a diocese and Church family are about. I am delighted that she has accepted the opportunity – and challenge – of working with us towards the future.”

Diane says, “I am really looking forward to joining the diocese at this exciting time under the leadership of a new bishop and to supporting the delivery of his vision for the diocese. I am very aware that the diocesan administration team has an important role to play in this and I hope that the team can be seen as a positive source of energy, ideas and resources, opening up new possibilities by encouraging people to use their gifts in Christ's service.”

Diane is an active member of the parish church in Rhydymwyn, near Mold, and has been a church warden, and PCC and Deanery Conference member. Originally from Cheshire, Diane went to Manchester High School before going to the University of Edinburgh to study modern languages and business studies.

After working in London in banking and retail, Diane joined Marks and Spencer, with whom she had a number of roles across the country, including store management, area management and financial control. Diane is married to Gavin, who comes from Cardiff, and they have lived in North Wales for 14 years. They have three children, Oliver, Daniel and Lucy. Diane enjoys playing tennis and skiing - but is now out-performed at both by her children. She hopes to dust off her language skills and start learning Welsh this year.

Diane will head the administration team based in the new Diocesan Office in St Asaph, next to the Cathedral. She takes up her appointment on September 28.