Anne Roat, Past President

Serra Club of Lafayette, Indiana

Anne Roat first encountered Serra in 1992, when she was invited by the Chaplain of the Lafayette Serrans to speak about her ministry as a Director of Religious Education at her parish. The local club was composed mainly of men and later welcomed both single and married women. In 2004, Anne and her husband Bill joined the Lafayette Serra Club. Anne served as a member of the Membership Committee, Treasurer, Trustee, and member of the Bylaws Committee, while Bill served as President and Treasurer.

Anne currently ministers as a Spiritual Director and works as the Director of Evangelization, Family Life, and Pastoral Ministries at the St. Mary Cathedral and St. Ann Church Pastorate in Lafayette. She has also been the Director of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana Office of Catechesis, parish Director of Religious Education, and a Catholic School Vice Principal.

Anne holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation, and a theology certificate from the University of Notre Dame. Anne and her husband Bill have two adult children, five brilliant grandsons, and one beautiful granddaughter!

J. Michael Downey, Past President

Serra Club of Des Moines, Iowa

J. Michael Downey is President of the US Council for Serra and chair of the Leadership Development Committee for the Council. Until recently, he was also Region Director for the Central Region of Serra—a role he served in for the past 4 years. Prior to that he was District Governor of District 9E (Iowa) covering six clubs and four dioceses representing about 320 Iowa Serrans. He served in this role from 2014 until 2018. Mike is a member of the St. Serra Club of Des Moines, IA and he has held the following offices in that club: President, V.P. Vocations, V.P. Communications and Trustee. He chaired two region conventions held in the Central Region that were hosted by the St. Serra Club of Des Moines. Mike has a degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University (1974) and a law degree from the University of Iowa (1977). He served as Associate General Counsel and General Manager of the Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. and is a former–now retired–business owner and has served as president of three manufacturing companies.

Col. John Halloran, President

Serra Club of Lake Charles, LA

I joined the Serra Club of Lake Charles in March 1990 and spent 11 years as Club President. For Serra USA Council, I served as District 13 Governor for 1 year, Region 5 Director for 2 years, Vocations Vice-President for 20 months, Membership Vice-President for 28 months and as Southeast Region Director for 1 year. For Serra International, I served as Trustee for 1 year and Secretary for 2 years. Now I am honored to serve as the Serra USA Council President-Elect.

I have a Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola in New Orleans, LA. As for the Orders I belong to, I am a Knight of Magistral Grace for The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, a Knight Grand Cross for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and a Knight of Merit for the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George. I remain active in the Knights of Columbus and Knights of Peter Claver at the Council and Assembly level.

Ed Tyrrell, Treasurer

Serra Clubs of North Houston and Hispanic North Houston, Texas

Suzanne Smith, VP Vocations

Serra Club of St. Louis, MO

Suzanne Smith became a member of the Serra Club of St. Louis in 2013. Through her parents, Richard & Anita Mulligan, sharing the mission of Serra and knowing their faithful Serra Club friends, she felt God’s call to join Serra.

Suzanne has served as club president, treasurer, VP-Vocations , trustee and nominating committee member. Our club added a committee system to our club during my Presidency so more members can assist and be involved in leadership. Our club has built a strong relationship with the Archbishop of St. Louis. Through her and her fellow club members hard work on our annual golf tournament, we have been able to provide needed scholarships to hundreds of seminarians of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. She assisted in many roles when the Serra International Convention was held in St. Louis. When FOCUS SEEK convention with 18,000+ young adults came to St. Louis in 2023 & 2024, she and her team successful shared the Serra Mission and encourage many to pray for and discern the call to religious life.

Suzanne loves to attend 6:30 a.m. daily Mass at her parish of St. Gerard Majella in Kirkwood, Missouri. She has her faith sisters “The Blessed Believers” who pray and study the bible weekly. She has volunteered in many roles including the Women’s Club president, sports commissioner, sports registrar, coach and continues to happily assists in the parish with Adoration, adult formation, fish fries, food pantry, auction, preschool bible fun, funeral luncheons, pro-life Birthright, and of course the vocation committee.

Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and also Management Information Systems from Indiana State University.

Suzanne is married to her wonderful husband, Greg Smith, for 30 years and has three adult children. She volunteers doing accounting for several not for profits including Art4Epilepsy and Join Hands of East St. Louis. She enjoys hiking, cycling and exercise class.

Kimberly Rocha, Secretary

Serra Club of Miami, FL

Kimberly Rocha is a convert to the Catholic Church since April, 2017.  Kim and her Husband Victor Rocha are proud Parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Miami. She is a dedicated community leader committed to serving the Church and fostering vocations to priesthood, and religious life.  She has been an active member of the Serra Club of Miami, serving numerous leadership roles and working closely with clergy, seminarians, and fellow Serrans to promote and support vocations throughout the Archdiocese of Miami.

Throughout her years of service, Kim has helped organize major events, including the Serra Rally, Altar Server Awards, membership programs and fundraising initiatives.  She is known for collaborative leadership and passion for engaging others in meaningful service. 

In addition to her volunteer work, Kim brings experience in marketing and community relations, emphasizing integrity, accountability and strategic planning.  She is committed to strengthening the organization’s mission building lasting relationships, and ensuring future generations are inspired to answer God’s call. 

Kim considers it a privilege to serve on the Serra USA Council Board and looks forward to continuing to advance the mission of the Serra organization through faith-filled leadership and dedicated service.

Kim is dedicated to the Lourdes Sanctuary in France. She and her husband volunteer and serve at the Sanctuary every September and have made their engagement to volunteer there every year.

Kim is a superfan of the Dallas Cowboys, the Miami Heat, and Pope Leo XIV.

Susie Flood, Vice President Communications

Serra Club of Des Moines, IA

Susie Flood joined Serra in 2013 and is a member of the Serra Club of Des Moines. She has held the positions of Secretary, VP of Vocations, and District Governor. Susie lives in Des Moines with her husband, Scott, who is also an active Serran. They are blessed with 7 children as well as 8 (almost 9), grandchildren. Her youngest son is a priest for the Diocese of Des Moines. She attended Wichita State University with and graduated with a degree in Nursing. Having grown up Anglican, she joined the Catholic Church while in college. She retired from a career as Director of Hospice and Home Care with UnityPoint Health Systems.

Jesse Gallegos, Vice President Cultural Outreach

Serra Club of Harlingen, Texas

After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1980, Jesse was a public school teacher until 1995, when he earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Pan American University. From 1995 through 2014, he was a middle school and high school assistant principal and principal. Jesse retired from the public schools in 2014 and currently is a licensed Real Estate Agent with Ideal Realty. Jesse is married to Delma Solis Gallegos. They have two adult children, Stacey Marie and Ezekiel Jesus.

Jesse was the founding member of the Serra Club of Harlingen which was chartered on August 14, 2001 with the guidance and mentorship of his brother, Dr. Ruben Gallegos, former Serra International President. Jesse has been President, Treasurer, and Secretary of his club. He was District Governor for District 126 from 2017 through 2020. He has attended several Serra International Conventions and USA Council Rallies.

As Serrans, service is the priority for our Catholic Church, priests and religious. Jesse is honored to serve as VP Cultural Outreach for the USA Serra Council. In this position, Jesse’s objective is to move Serra forward with a more diverse Catholic community praying for vocations.

Candice Tyrrell, President-Elect

Serra Clubs of North Houston and Hispanic North Houston, Texas

Gino DiMattia, Vice President Programs

Serra Club of Lima, Ohio

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Gino became a member of the Serra Club of Lima, OH, in 1997. “I joined Serra to help connect with fellow Catholics in what was a new community for me,” he recalls.

Gino went on to serve as chairman of the Parish Contact Team, club chairman of Vocations Committee, club president, District 51 governor in 2009, chairman of USA Council Vocations Committee in 2010, and USA Council Vice President of Vocations in 2013. Gino also served as Regional Director of the USA Council’s Great Lakes Region. Since 2022, Gino has served as secretary on the USA Council Board. Gino continues to serve on the USA Council Vocations committee.

Gino is unmarried and works at Bon Secours Mercy Health St. Rita’s as an occupational therapist.

Mark Bonkiewicz, Vice President Membership

Serra Club of Omaha, NE

Mark Bonkiewicz is a farm boy from the panhandle of Nebraska where he helped his dad plant and harvest 800 acres of winter wheat, 130 acres of edible beans, and raise 500 head of lambs each year. A cradle Catholic, he became a Serran in 2000 when asked by his good friend, Greg Schwietz.

Mark has served as the Omaha Serra Club VP of Programs, President, and Trustee. He was District Governor 9W covering the state of Nebraska during which two Serra Clubs were chartered, the Norfolk Area Serra Club and North Platte Area Serra Club. He also served as District Governor of District 9C which included four Serra Clubs in western and central Iowa.

Mark has previously served as VP of Membership of the US Council and as Region Director for the Northeast US because his sales career required him to be on the east coast a considerable amount of time. The Serra Club of Bridgeport, CT, was chartered during that time. Mark has also served a Secretary for the US Council.

During the past 5 years, Mark has focused his time on two volunteer organizations in the state of Nebraska. One was to protect the health and innocence of children from the inappropriate materials found in curricula and school libraries, especially those children enrolled in the public schools. A second focus was working to transform the burdensome Nebraska tax system which is causing many retirees and young families to leave our state. This required him to drive over 44,000 miles in 18 months and host 71 town hall meetings throughout the state.

Mark was pleased to be asked to apply for the US Council VP of Membership position when Candice Tyrell was selected to become President Elect. “Candice and her membership team have done a stellar job over the past several years in all aspects of membership. Please pray for Divine guidance for the membership team as we work to help Serra Clubs to retain a higher percent of their current members AND grow the total membership with multiples of new members at existing Serra Clubs and chartering new Serra Clubs.”

Mark and his wonderful wife, Paula, have been married for 53 years, have two adult sons, and two grandchildren. Mark enjoys playing golf and ping pong. Gardening is one of his favorite hobbies and he enjoys surprising his neighbors with fresh garden veggies right after sunrise!

Juanita Smith, Central Regional Director

Serra Club of Wichita, KS

Juanita Smith joined Serra in 2003 and is a member of the Serra Club of Wichita. She has held the positions of President, President Elect, Secretary, and VP Programs. Most recently she has served as the District Governor of 12-2South in the Central Region. Juanita resides in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Philip Smith of 40 years. They have 2 children and have been blessed with three beautiful grandchildren. She attended Wichita State University and graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy.

Frank Hartge, Great Lakes Regional Director

Serra Club of North Columbus, Ohio

A native of Detroit, and a graduate of the University of Michigan, Frank, with Judeen, his wife of 43 years, has resided in the Columbus, Ohio area since 1992. They have one daughter and three sons, one of whom, Fr. Michael Hartge, is a priest of the Diocese of Columbus. Most of Frank’s career was spent in shopping center management, and he currently serves as business manager for St. Patrick Church, a Dominican parish in downtown Columbus. He is a member of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Gahanna, in which he has been active with the K of C, and has served as a lector and sacristan / server for daily Mass. Frank has also served on the boards of Sacred Heart Enthronement Network, Bethesda Healing Ministry, Back in His Arms Again, and the Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club.

Frank joined the Serra Club of North Columbus in 2013 as he came to more fully appreciate the seriousness of the shortage of priests. He served one term as President, and as Treasurer since 2015. He has been District Governor of District 48, and now serves as Regional Director for the Great Lakes Region.

Ronald Allen, South Central Region Director

Serra Club of North Houston, Texas

Career started at Armco Steel Corporation in 1960 working way through A&M College of Texas during summers and started full time in January 1964 and left in 1982 after plant announced closing. In 1982 went to Texamation, an automation controls company. Texamation was bought by EMC controls who had sold DCS systems for the Prudhoe Bay oil field. EMC needed a Project Manager in Anchorage Alaska to manage the “clean up issues” on the new DCS. While in Alaska EMC sold a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to Texas Eastern Products Pipeline and requested a Project Manager be located in Houston to work the project. In 1989 I joined the Litwin Engineering Company as served as Project Manager for DCS modernization projects for several oil refineries in Kentucky, Ohio and St. Croix, USSVI. Litwin was bought by Raytheon Engineers and became Manager of the Control Systems Department. After a few years Raytheon sold the business to Washington Engineers and I left to work at Enron for one and a half years when Enron went bankrupt. In 2000 I then went to work for The Automation Group as Manager of the Engineers and Designers and retired in April 2004 after helping grow the company from 30 plus employees to 130.

I was invited to join the East Harris County Club in 1982 and joined the Club and held several positions until I was elected President. I moved from Baytown to the Northwest part of Houston and the Serra Governor of District 10 Walter Naughton asked me and several Serrans to start a Serra Club. After several meetings the Spring 1960 Serra Club was started in 1997. I was the first President of the club and passed the “baton” to other members. In 2005 I was named the Governor Elect and took over early in 2006 when Ed Guillard passed. I was Governor for District 10 until 2008. In 2009 I was named the Outstanding Serran of District 10 and presented the Frank J Metyko Award. I have continued being involved in the North Houston Serra Club and 2022 I was named a Trustee of the Club.

Cathy Ahern, North Central Regional Director

Serra Club of Mankato, MN

Cathy Ahern is a member of the Serra Club of Mankato in Minnesota and the present District Governor of 7S. She became a member of the Mankato Club in 2004 and has served as President, Secretary and VP of Communications. Cathy was a Registered Nurse and worked in Cardiology before retiring. She and her husband Dick have two children and 4 grandchildren. Dick has been a member of Serra since 1995 and served as President and Treasurer several times. They love to travel and one of the highlights was the Serra Rally in 2020 in Ventura, California. The theme that year was “Creating a Culture of Vocations” which has been inspirational for both of them as they continue their commitment to the Serra mission of Vocations.

Anne Champagne, Pacific Region Director

Serra Club of City of Orange, CA

Anne Champagne, long-time resident of Tustin, California was born in Scotland and emigrated to the United States as an infant. She has been married to Mark Champagne for 50 years, mother of one son, Timothy, and grandmother of four. Anne has served as secretary, president, and district governor with Serra Club, since joining Serra in 2012. Anne worked in the retail grocery industry for over 45 years and retired in 2012. She and Mark are parishioners at St. Cecilia Church in Tustin since 1972, where she volunteers as a Eucharistic Minister to the sick, and as lector. Anne also volunteers with Loyola Institute of Spirituality and Ignatians West. In retirement, she has worked part-time as a caregiver with seniors.

Anne enjoys travel, entertaining friends and family, and cake decorating in her spare time.

Eleanor Gentilini, Rocky Mountain Region Director

Serra Club of Colorado Springs

Eleanor Gentilini was born in New York City and raised in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose in Albany with a degree in Mathematics, minor in Physics, and immediately thereafter began church ministry as a Lay Volunteer for Catholic Extension. She later became an Army wife, which led to her involvement with the Military Council of Catholic Women, an association of women’s ministry groups in military chapels around the world. During her 45 years in this ministry, she has served on all levels of the organization and is currently Historian.

Now settled in Colorado Springs, she and her husband Ray have been married for 54 years and have two grown children. They have been Serrans since 2011. Eleanor has served as President, Membership VP and is currently a Trustee of the Colorado Springs Serra, while Ray has been Programs VP and Treasurer. She served as District Governor for the State of Colorado from 2017-18 and co-chair of the district convention in 2023. Since traveling is their passion, they have attended most of the Serra International Conventions of the last decade.

Joe Dicharry, Southeastern Regional Director

Serra Club of East Jefferson, LA

I was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1946 and moved to Louisiana in 1958. I graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in Civil Engineering in 1970 and received a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1975. I worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Civil Engineer/Project Manager for thirty-three years, retiring in 2003. I have been married to my wife Nancy for fifty-three years and have three children and eight grandchildren.

I have been in Serra since 2005 and have served as President, Treasurer, Vocations VP, and now as Membership VP for the East Jefferson Club in Metairie, Louisiana. I have served as the District Governor for District 11, which encompasses the state of Louisiana, for about twelve years. Since being DG, I was able to form two new clubs in the New Orleans area. I have been Regional Director for the Southeast Region since 2023

We are parishioners of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Metairie and I have been a lector for that parish for over forty years. I am the leader for the Vocations Ministry for the parish and an active member of the Men’s Club, for which I was president four times over the years.

J. Michael Downey, Northeast Region Director

Serra Club of Des Moines, Iowa

J. Michael Downey is President of the US Council for Serra and chair of the Leadership Development Committee for the Council. Until recently, he was also Region Director for the Central Region of Serra—a role he served in for the past 4 years. Prior to that he was District Governor of District 9E (Iowa) covering six clubs and four dioceses representing about 320 Iowa Serrans. He served in this role from 2014 until 2018. Mike is a member of the St. Serra Club of Des Moines, IA and he has held the following offices in that club: President, V.P. Vocations, V.P. Communications and Trustee. He chaired two region conventions held in the Central Region that were hosted by the St. Serra Club of Des Moines. Mike has a degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University (1974) and a law degree from the University of Iowa (1977). He served as Associate General Counsel and General Manager of the Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. and is a former–now retired–business owner and has served as president of three manufacturing companies.

Greg Schwietz, Pacific Northwest Region Director

Serra Club of Omaha, NE

Greg Schwietz is past president of both Serra’s US Council and Serra International.