Kevin Keenan, longtime director of communications for the Diocese of Buffalo, will be heading the Keenan Communications Group of Masiello Martucci Calabrese and Associates, a Buffalo-based lobbying firm.

He said he plans to officially join the firm Jan. 1.

"This is something I really wanted to do," Keenan said. "I'm a storyteller and this could help people tell their story, which is very exciting."

He joined the diocese in 2000 after a long stint in programming and on-air duties at WBEN-AM.

Outside of the bishop, he was the face and voice of the 170 parish-strong diocese. Western New York counts some 633,550 Catholics.

Keenan Communications Group will focus on public relations, social media, crisis communications and grassroots mobilization.

Vic Martucci, one of three partners in the lobbying firm, said hiring Keenan to oversee the newly created division was a natural choice.

Keenan and the firm's partners have been talking about starting the division since March.

"Kevin's reputation in the community is unparalleled," Martucci said. "It made all the sense in the world. He's the right guy."

Keenan will not be leaving the diocese completely.

The Diocese of Buffalo has agreed to be his first client. Keenan said he will still handle many of his current duties for the diocese but as an outside contractor, not as an employee.

"Kevin has been a tremendous asset to the Diocese since his arrival in 2000," Bishop Edward Kimec said in a statement. "He has played a key role in helping to craft and successfully communicate our message and I am pleased that he will continue in that role."

Carl Calabrese and Anthony Masiello said bringing Keenan into their downtown Buffalo firm will be a major complement to their lobbying clients.

"I'm convinced we got the right person at the right time," Calabrese said.

"This was a very unique opportunity," Masiello added.