LeBlanc, a lifelong Episcopalian, has reported on the Episcopal Church since General Convention in 1991. He began his journalism career at the Morning Advocate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was religion editor from 1984 to 1989. He is the former editor of Anglican Voice for Episcopalians United and a contributing editor for Christianity Today magazine, and began writing a regular column for Episcopal Life in 2001.

Bishop Robert W. Duncan, the network's founding moderator, said the ACN
is building a Pittsburgh-based staff to serve its long-term needs. "We want to be in touch more often with those dioceses and congregations that have joined the network. Doug will help the network encourage its affiliated dioceses and congregations, and will communicate regularly with mass media regarding the network's vision for orthodox Anglican faith within the Episcopal Church."

"I'm thankful for this opportunity to serve the Anglican Communion Network," LeBlanc said. "I have long felt deep respect for Bishop Duncan, and I consider it an honor to work with him and his team."

As LeBlanc begins contacting religion writers, he also welcomes reporters' e-mail inquiries at news@anglicancommunionnetwork.org. LeBlanc will be based near Richmond, Virginia, where his wife, Monica, works as a research scientist.

Duncan expressed his gratitude to the American Anglican Council, which has provided administrative support since the network's founding in January 2004.

"We are profoundly grateful to the AAC for its generosity, especially in sharing the skills of Cynthia Brust, its director of communications. Beginning with the meeting that chartered this network, Cynthia built a sound foundation for all of our communication," Duncan said. "We will work regularly with our brothers and sisters in the AAC on our many matters of shared concern."