Staff
Maria brings together experience in arts leadership, heritage stewardship, and community building to support the ongoing care of the Cathedral Basilica. She previously spent a decade working in Toronto at St. Michael’s Choir School and St. Michael’s Cathedral – experience that continues to inform her leadership.
Maria is an accomplished choral conductor and arts leader, and has worked extensively with young people, artists, and cultural institutions in Newfoundland and Ontario. She is focused on helping the Cathedral Basilica thrive as a welcoming cultural and community hub – one that honours its history, while building its future.
Aiden brings creativity, organization, and a genuine appreciation for community-centred work to the Cathedral Basilica Foundation. He enjoys connecting with people, supporting meaningful projects, and helping ideas move from planning to reality.
Outside of the CBFNL, Aiden runs Deckers Laboratory, a hands-on creative venture that focuses on small business consulting. Whether he’s supporting the day-to-day operations of the CBFNL or developing something in the lab, Aiden is happiest when he’s learning, creating, and enjoying good conversations along the way.
Board
Glenn Etchegary is an accomplished executive leader and management consultant with extensive experience in transportation, fisheries, and large-scale operations. Throughout his career, he has led complex organizations across North America and is recognized for his leadership in strategic growth, operational excellence, and team development.
As Chair of the Cathedral Basilica Foundation, Glenn brings a strong commitment to stewardship, community, and good governance. His thoughtful leadership and dedication to preserving the Basilica’s heritage help support the Foundation’s mission for future generations.
Fred Cahill is a graduate of the Engineering Faculty of Memorial University of Newfoundland and the President and Owner of G.J. Cahill & Company Limited. Since joining the family business in 1985, he has guided its growth from a small electrical contracting firm into one of Atlantic Canada’s leading multi-disciplinary construction and module fabrication companies.
Alongside his professional accomplishments, Fred is widely respected for his commitment to community service and volunteer leadership. He has generously shared his time and expertise with numerous organizations, bringing a strong commitment to community and collaboration to the Cathedral Basilica Foundation.
Laura Gough brings over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, including senior leadership roles, and a focus on faith-based stewardship, to her work with the Cathedral Basilica Foundation. She also serves as Treasurer of Catholic Christian Outreach, where she supports strong financial governance and accountability.
Passionate about supporting faith-based initiatives, Laura is committed to responsible stewardship and long-term sustainability. She is valued for her thoughtful approach, integrity, and dedication to helping organizations thrive.
Now retired from active ministry, Rev. Monsignor Francis Puddister held various positions in the Archdiocese of St. John’s, including parish priest. He has a special interest in the history and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador and has been associated with the Cathedral Basilica Foundation for several years.
His work in the religious institutions industry, extensive parish leadership experience, skills in Theology, Pastoral Counseling, Pastoral Care, diocesan administration, and church law make him an indispensable asset to the CBFNL.
Anne Walsh, DMin has been a member of the Cathedral Basilica Foundation board since 2017 and served as Chair from 2019-2025. With 45 years of experience in education and an academic background in history, Anne has utilized her skills to deliver guided tours of the Cathedral Basilica for many years, captivating audiences from around the world.
Anne is also the Director for Partnership in Mission for the Redemptorists of North America. She brings unparalleled compassion, wisdom and knowledge, and dedication to every project she is passionate about.
Brian Henley is known for his strong leadership, strategic vision, and ability to bring people together to achieve meaningful results. As Founding Chair of the Cathedral Basilica Foundation, he has played a key role in the preservation, restoration, and growth of the site.
Brian has dedicated many years to volunteer leadership with charitable, non-profit, and sporting organizations. He is the Past President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee, a Past Director of the St. John’s Board of Trade, and currently serves as Chair of the Flight 491 Legacy Fund. Through his extensive community involvement, Brian continues to make a lasting impact on the people and organizations he serves.
Gerald “Gerry” Duggan is a Professional Engineer who has been involved with resolving building technical issues and implementing heritage restorations for many years. Throughout his career, he has combined technical expertise with a deep appreciation for the architectural and cultural significance of heritage buildings.
Gerry has been a committed supporter of the Cathedral Basilica’s preservation efforts for many years. His long-standing involvement reflects his personal dedication to safeguarding the Basilica’s legacy for future generations.
Leah Gibling holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies from Dalhousie University. Her academic work focused on the historic row houses of downtown St. John’s, exploring how heritage conservation can be enriched through thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and innovation.
With professional experience in architecture and engineering firms across Canada and England, Leah brings her passion for community-centered design, adaptive reuse, and the preservation of historic places to the Cathedral Basilica Foundation.
Shannie Duff served for over 30 years in elected office as a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councilor for the City of St. John’s, and as a Member of the House of Assembly for the District of St. John’s East. She has been a strong voice in support of culture and heritage, the environment, inner-city revitalization, and sustainable community development.
Alongside her professional accomplishments, she has been recognized for a lifetime of volunteerism and leadership with many non-profit organizations, locally and nationally. For her years of community service, she was awarded the Order of Canada, the Order of Newfoundland Labrador, an Honorary Degree from Memorial University, and three Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medals.
As a retired school administrator and educator of 31 years, Tom Hounsell has lived and taught all over Newfoundland and Labrador, and spent his career supporting student success, fostering positive learning environments, and forming meaningful connections.
Tom is a very active in the community, volunteering as an archivist with the Archdiocese of St. John’s and as a cultural ambassador with The Rooms. A lifelong Newfoundland history enthusiast, he is dedicated to preserving and sharing the province’s rich culture and history, and encouraging the next generation to carry on its traditions, stories, and legacy.
Our Governance
The CBFNL is an independent, non-religious registered charity responsible for the stewardship and long-term sustainability of the Basilica Block, one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most significant historic and cultural landmarks.
Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation provides leadership and oversight to ensure that the Basilica Block remains preserved and accessible for future generations. While the Foundation works closely with the Basilica Parish and the Archdiocese of St. John’s, it operates independently with its own charitable mandate, governance structure, and stewardship responsibilities.
The Board is supported by committees and working groups that contribute expertise in areas such as governance, finance, facilities, fundraising, communications, and community engagement. Together, they help guide the Foundation’s efforts to protect this remarkable site while strengthening its role as both a sacred place and a shared public landmark.
Through responsible stewardship, thoughtful planning, and community collaboration, the Foundation is helping to ensure that the Basilica Block continues to serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for generations to come.
Charitable Registration Number: 871522991 RR0001
Join Our Board
If you’re passionate about community, stewardship, and preserving history, we invite you to get involved. Learn more about how to join our dedicated group of volunteers to help strengthen the Cathedral Basilica’s future.