Richard Arians, President
Serra Club of Mankato, MN
Richard Arians first joined the Serra Club of Mankato, MN, in 1995, and joined the Rochester, MN, club when he moved there in 2001. In Rochester he served two non-consecutive terms as president and a term as District 7-S governor. Upon relocating to the Mankato area, he re-joined his original club, serving a term as President while also serving as the Region 8 director. Richard has been a regular contributor USA Council Rally’s and leadership trainings. He has been the chairman of the Leadership Committee for the past two years.
“As Programs Vice President, I work with the organization to reinforce the critical nature of its mission and re-engage all leaders in this mission,” he says. “Serrans need to maintain a focus on our critical need for vocations in our Church.”
Mr. Arians has an undergraduate degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Wisconsin and earned an MBA from Augsburg College (MN) in 2012. His professional interests include serving as a business consultant for local companies, a USTA tennis umpire, and supplemental insurance agent. He regularly substitutes as a teacher at the Loyola Catholic High School in Mankato, Minnesota. He and his wife Ruth live in Madison Lake, MN, where they are active members of All Saints Catholic Church. They have two children.
J. Michael Downey, President-Elect and Central Regional Director
Serra Club of Des Moines, IA
Mike is currently President-Elect 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.
Judy Cozzens, Past President
Serra Club of St. Paul, MN
A cradle Catholic and a Catholic college graduate, Judy Cozzens is best known in Serra as the enthusiastic speaker and chairperson for College Connection for Catholics. She is no longer chair, but continues to advise and volunteer for the initiative, now called Newman Connection, which connects high school graduates with the Catholic presence at their college, especially ones that have campus ministry offices.
She is also a frequent speaker at Serra regional conferences on the topics of “Starting Parish Vocation Activities” and “Passing on Our Beautiful Catholic Faith.” Judy was honored as the Outstanding Serran of the Year for District 6 in 2006 and 2010.
Judy has held the offices of Communications and Programs vice president for the Serra Club of Southwest Denver. She is currently a member of the Twin Cities, MN club. She is the a member of USAC’s national Vocations Committee, and was the Vice President for Vocations from 2015-2016.
Judy is a very active volunteer in pro-life ministries and volunteers as support staff for training missionaries at NET Ministries, an organization which evangelizes to young Catholics via retreats, Masses, and other activities targeted to youth.
“My husband and I believe that we have been blessed with good health and time and should use our retirement to give thanks to the Lord and promote His work in our family, our community and our nation,” says Judy.
Last but certainly not least, Judy’s son, Andrew Cozzens, was ordained auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on Dec. 9, 2013. He succeeds Bishop Peter Christensen as Episcopal Adviser for the USA Council on April 5, 2014. She asks for prayers for him in his new journey.
Dr. Anne D. Roat, Vice President Vocations
Serra Club of Lafayette, IN
Anne Roat first encountered Serra in 1992, when she was invited by the Chaplin 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!
Betty Ramirez-Lara, Vice President Programs
Serra Club of McAllen, TX
Betty Ramirez-Lara is the President/Owner of Utilities Services Experts USA, an Energy Brokerage Firm for consumer use. Betty attended University of Texas – Pan American Rio Grande Valley Texas. She raised 2 boys as a single mother. Betty met and married fellow Serran Adam Lara in 2008 as he was visiting her Rotary Club. They both enjoy volunteering and serving their community together.
Betty and Adam joined Serra Club of McAllen in 2014. They immediately were selected to serve on the Board of Directors and work together on increasing membership by facilitating workshops throughout the Diocese of Brownsville. She is currently a Serra International Trustee. Bishop Daniel Flores asked Betty and Adam to serve on the Case Development Council for the Diocese of Brownsville. Betty has served on other Boards and Foundations mainly focusing in recent years on Rotary International.
Jesse Gallegos, Vice President Communications
Serra Club of Harlingen, TX
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, 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 Communications for the USA Serra Council. In this position, Jesse’s objective is to move Serra forward and make Serra a name that resonates among all Catholics.
Candice Tyrrell, Vice President Membership
Serra Club of North Houston, TX
Cocot Ratuiste, Secretary
Serra Club of Tri-Cities Area, WA
A cradle Catholic, Cocot got her Catholic education from kindergarten through college. She earned a B.S. degree in Foods and Nutrition and is a registered dietitian. She has been a member of Serra since 2010. She has held several positions since she joined Serra. She was VP of Programs (together with her husband Morie), VP of Communications and is currently serving in her third year as Club President. Cocot has been an active parishioner of St. Patrick in Pasco, WA since 1992. She is also a volunteer chaplain, coordinator of the extraordinary Eucharistic ministers in all English Masses, secretary of the Women of St. Patrick, volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul’s clothing division, brings Communion to the homebound, and is a prayer warrior. She has two sons. One is a priest and Vocations Director of the Diocese of Spokane, and the other is an electrical engineer in the Air Force. Cocot and Morie have four grandchildren.
Bob Campney, Treasurer
Serra Club of West Omaha, NE
Bob Campney, member of Serra Club of West Omaha since 1989, previously serving as President twice, VP Programs, VP Vocations, Trustee and more. Bob led the 2017 Omaha Regional, served as District Governor 2014-2018 and on the audit committee for USA Council. Bob is a CPA, now retired who spent most of his career as a Treasurer and CFO for two different firms. Bob and his wife Rose of almost 48 years are active members of St. Vincent de Paul Church. He has led their Vocations Committee for many years, a choir member for 25+ years, an EMHC and helped lead their Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.Jane Errera, Northeast Regional Director
Serra Club of Bethlehem, PA
Jane Errera is a charter member of the Bethlehem (PA) Serra Club. An active Serran since the club’s founding in 1990, she has served as Club President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Jane was awarded degrees from Muhlenberg College (AB) and Lehigh University (MA) and a Certificate in Gregorian Chant from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. Her professional life includes 32 years as an elementary education teacher and almost 60 years as a church musician, all in Bethlehem.
Since her retirement from teaching, Jane has worked at St. Anne’s Church as principal organist and director of the 36-voice semi-professional choir. Mrs. Errera has held membership on the Boards of the Latin Liturgy Association, the Society for Catholic Liturgy, and the American Guild of Organists, for which she was Regional Councillor responsible for six Mid- Atlantic states and Washington, DC. For these organizations as well as for Serra, Jane has been a speaker, workshop presenter, and convention planner.
Ken Peet, Great Lakes Regional Director
Serra Club of Louisville, KY
Ken is a true son of the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. He was born in Louisville but raised in the bluegrass of central Kentucky. He became a member of the Serra Club of Louisville in 2013. He has served as a board member and secretary of the club as well as District Governor for the four clubs in the State of Kentucky.
As a member of St. Gabriel Parish, he is a Sacristan, a Eucharistic Minister and takes communion to a large assisted living facility. He is a member of St. Gabriel’s Men’s Bible Study Group. He is a Mentor in the ACE Mentor Program for High School Students and serves on the Facilities Board for Presentation High School in Louisville.
Ken has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a Professional Engineer with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Ken spent his career as a Consulting Engineer and owned LSE Engineering, Inc. for 25 years.
Ken and Pat have been married for 53 years and have three daughters and seven grandchildren.
Jo-Ann Bresowar, South Central Regional Director
Serra Club of University of Dallas, TX
Jo-Ann Bresowar has been a member of the University of Dallas Serra Club for over 20 years. She is a past President of the University of Dallas Serra Club and past Chairperson of the District’s Vocational Awareness Program (VAP). In the past Jo-Ann was President of the Diocesan School Board, Chaired Parish Finance Councils, served as a Red Cross Volunteer, is a founding member of the Diocesan Ministry on Disabilities, was Chair of the Laity representation for the Texas Catholic Conference and a Catholic School Grant writer.Jerry Biese, North Central Regional Director
Serra Club of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Jerry Biese grew up on a farm near Green Bay WI with four brothers and six sisters.
His degree is in Industrial education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI. He was active in the Newman Club and served as president of the local club and was an officer of the region and finished as a national vice president.
Jerry’s career started in a medium security prison as a welding instructor. After a year, he learned of the movement to serve people with disabilities in the community. He served as executive director of a facility in Eau Claire, WI for 17 years and finished as President of Opportunity Partners in Minnetonka, MN for 11 years. Since then he has been doing either financial services and/or Medicare insurance working with individuals age 65 or older.
Jerry married Mary Beth in 1965, having 4 daughters and one son. They now have 21 grandsons and 15 granddaughters, all practicing Catholics.
Jerry’s membership with Serra started in 2006 when he was invited to a meeting by the late Mike Pohlen. Serving as President soon followed, the District Governor position followed and then a few terms as the District Treasurer of District 7 of Region 8.
Morie Ratuiste, Pacific Northwest Regional Director
Serra Club of Tri-Cities Area, WA
Morie and his wife Cocot have been married for over 30 years and are blessed with two grown sons. They were first introduced to Serra when their two sons were just in grade school. It took them about 10 years before they could join Serra – a good reminder that it is never too early to plant that seed of invitation. In 2010 they joined the Serra Club of Tri-Cities and ever since have held several club positions with increasing responsibilities including President and District Governor. Morie introduced the “9 For 9 Challenge” – that is to match our patron St. Junipero’s 9 missions that he established in California with 9 new members. That initiative so far has yielded 15 new members in the Serra Club of Tri-Cities, of which 90% are still active in the club leadership. Morie currently serves on the USA Council Program Committee.
Morie served on the Filipino American Association of Tri-Cities as president for four years, led a charismatic prayer group, and is a Knight of Columbus’ past Deputy Grand Knight. He was active in Boy Scouts of America until both of his sons became Eagle scouts. He had also been a Board member of the local college prep high school. Morie is an active member of St. Patrick Church in Pasco, WA where he and his wife serve as Extraordinary Eucharistic ministers, help in marriage prep, and is a volunteer hospital chaplain. Morie is a member of the parish council and a cantor in the choir.
Morie earned a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Central Colleges of the Philippines.
Ed Lupton, Pacific Region Director
Serra Club of Buenaventura, CA
Bob Bucheit, Rocky Mountain Region Director
Serra Club of Southeast Denver, CO
Bob and his wife, Virginia, live in Lakewood, Colorado. THey are members of St. Jude Catholic Church in Lakewood. Bob serves as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Jude and also a Caring Minister, taking the Eucharist to Catholic patients at Lutheran Medical Center every month.Col. (Ret.) John Halloran, Southeast Region Director
Serra Club of Lake Charles, LA
Col. (Ret.) John J. Halloran, Jr., has been a member of the Serra Club of Lake Charles, LA, since 1990. He is U.S. Army retired after 32 years of service and is a veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom 1. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Math, and Master’s degrees in Administration and Pastoral Studies. He is active in many Catholic fraternal organizations including the orders of Malta and the Holy Sepulchre, Knights of Columbus, National Catholic Committee on Scouting, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Since its inception in 2008, John has been responsible for coordinating and producing the annual Clergy and Religious Recognition Mass and Luncheon in the Diocese of Lake Charles. The event has raised and distributed thousands of dollars to priests, brothers, sisters, and deacons celebrating five-year (or multiples of five) ordination and/or vow anniversaries.
In Serra, John as served his club as Communications vice president and president, and was District 13 governor. John was born in Margaretville, NY. He now lives in Moss Bluff, LA, with his wife, Nila. They have three children and 13 grandchildren.