Niall O’Donnell
Niall is the Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Christendom College. He graduated from Christendom College in 2003, majoring in English language and literature with a minor in history. He then spent three years in Rome, Italy, studying communications at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. He graduated in 2006 earning his licentiate graduate degree in institutional social communications, specializing in documentary production. While in the Eternal City, he was able to take advantage of all the opportunities the city and the university offered, developing skills in radio production, web design, desktop publishing, media relations, crisis communications, video production, and more. He came to work at Christendom in 2006 and has enjoyed developing these skills further while overseeing the design and development of the college’s websites, video productions, and major publications, including its magazine, Instaurare. Niall coordinated the launch of Radio Christendom (local FM stations) and serves as the station’s programming manager. Holding an FAA Remote Pilot License, he flies the college’s drone capturing photos and videos. Niall is a StoryBrand Certified Guide and loves working to advance the noble mission of Christendom College. He and his wife, Sherry, live with their 6 children in Front Royal, Virginia.
Zach Smith
Zach is the Director of Communications at Christendom College. After graduating from Christendom in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in history, Zach worked for the Walt Disney Company in Attraction Operations while taking marketing classes through Disney University. Following his time at Disney, Zach returned to Christendom to take on the newly created role of Public Relations Specialist, helping promote the college across social media, external media publications, and more. Zach has a wide range of experience in helping with the marketing of non-profit organizations, including serving as Director of Marketing for the Chris Long Foundation, where he worked with NFL and NBA players to bring clean water to East Africa. In 2020 Zach returned to Christendom taking on his new role where he continues to further the mission of the college through writing press releases, managing social media, digital advertising, crisis communications, and enhancing the overall brand image of the college.
Julie Funkhouser
Julie, originally from Louisville, KY, is the Digital Media Manager at Christendom College. As a child, Julie began networking with her favorite children’s book authors, emailing those she most admired. To her delight, many of them responded with helpful tips and advice, helping her lay the groundwork for her future career in illustration. Graduating from Christendom College in 2015 with a degree in English Literature, she launched her own illustration brand and has since illustrated ten children’s books, including A Little Extra Jayne by Summer Adamson. After graduation, she worked as a travel nanny and tutor for a large family and had the opportunity to travel to many different countries. These adventures inspire her illustrations. Julie currently manages a team of student photographers on campus and is our main contact for requests regarding graphic design, web design, and photography. She and her husband, Joey, live in Stephens City, Virginia.
Lianna Youngman
Lianna is the Publications & Projects Manager at Christendom College. A graduate of the class of 2021, she served in the marketing office as a student and grew to love the culture and mission of Christendom marketing. Lianna majored in English Literature and was the recipient of the Robert C. Rice Award for Outstanding English Language and Literature Major. Since graduating, she has developed skills in project management as a business analyst at Sole Solutions, Inc, where she worked closely in software development and client relations. Upon the creation of the Publications and Projects management role, Lianna took the opportunity to return to her beloved alma mater. During her time at Christendom, she enjoyed herself by getting involved in a plethora of projects, including productions, event planning, art clubs, and creative writing. She is excited to be in a role that is an extension of those activities, and is so grateful to have a part in furthering the college’s mission through publications and communications.
Paul Aguilar
Paul Aguilar is the Multimedia Producer at Christendom College. Born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, Paul’s passion for media work began at the age of 8 as a casual bird photographer in his own backyard. Throughout his high school and college years, Paul learned to expand his expertise to videography, working for various non-profits throughout the east coast. In 2020, Paul started his own media business, helping many people commemorate all their special moments from baptisms to graduations to weddings. During his years at Christendom, Paul worked for the Communications and Marketing Department in various roles while also managing his many interests, including serving on the Student Activities Council and founding the Christendom College Tennis Team. Paul also had the privilege to capture historic moments at the college such as the Christ the King Chapel Dedication and two Women’s Basketball National title wins. During his collegiate studies, Paul had the privilege of taking the communications practica at Christendom, which fostered a love for the field of media and communications, especially when used as a tool to further the Catholic Church. After graduating from Christendom College in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in history, Paul was honored to become the new Multimedia Producer, helping to fulfill the mission of the college and of the Catholic Church through media. When Paul is not behind the camera he can be seen at the golf course attempting to make par or in the kitchen looking to perfect his culinary skills.