Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Dr. F. DeKarlos Blackmon and Kanobia Russell-Blackmon joined the staff of the Archdiocese of Louisville on August 1 in key leadership roles. The couple, originally from Mobile, Alabama, have served in several southern dioceses before their recent move to Louisville.

Blackmon has been appointed vice chancellor for pastoral services in the Archdiocese of Louisville, a newly created role. Russell-Blackmon is the archdiocese’s new chief communications officer, succeeding Cecelia H. Price who retired in June after more than three decades.

Russell-Blackmon expressed enthusiasm about their new roles: “The work Archbishop (Shelton) Fabre is doing here is great,” she said. “The archdiocese itself, the city of Louisville … it’s a blessing to come here.” She emphasized her commitment to collaboration and support for various church leaders and ministries.

Previously, Russell-Blackmon served as director of communications for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in Florida and was editor of its magazine, The Catholic Compass. Her career also includes roles such as director of development and marketing for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Austin, Texas, and executive producer for WAFF 48 News in Huntsville, Alabama.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University.

While Russell-Blackmon worked in Pensacola, Blackmon was employed approximately ten hours away as director of the Secretariat for Life, Charity, and Justice at the Diocese of Austin. His previous positions include pastoral associate and director of worship within parish ministry.

Reflecting on his work across various ministries connected by promoting human dignity, Blackmon stated: “I am doing the work of the church to engage people to better participate in the life of the church.” He highlighted his synodal approach: “We are walking together,” he said.

Both leaders acknowledged that their efforts would align with Archbishop Fabre's vision. Blackmon noted his longstanding professional relationship with Archbishop Fabre over 15 years through various capacities including their involvement with the International Alliance of Catholic Knights.

In addition to his diocesan roles, Blackmon has served as a consultant to multiple committees within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and held leadership positions with organizations such as Knights of Peter Claver. He also attended Easter Prayer Breakfasts at the White House during President Barack Obama's administration.

His educational background includes a doctoral degree from Grand Canyon University, an MBA from Touro University International, a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College among other qualifications.

The couple's service to church ministry began early; both were active members at St. Francis Xavier parish in Mobile where they met while teaching religious education classes together post-college graduation.

“We became fast friends,” recalled Russell-Blackmon about their initial meeting which eventually led them into shared ecclesiastical endeavors culminating now at Louisville where they have settled in Jeffersontown.