Panel Discussion:  Membership & Leadership Development

How do we find - and keep - new members? How do we identify, train, and develop servant leaders? How can we work better with the clergy in our Conferences and Councils? What works? What doesn't? Where do you need the most help and support from the National Council? Gain insights, and share your insights with members of the Membership and Leadership Development Committee during this wide ranging open forum and panel discussion!

MICHAEL ACALDO
President & CEO, Diocese of Baton Rouge

Michael is in his 35^th year as President and CEO of St. Vincent de Paul in Baton Rouge. He is a native of Baton Rouge and graduated from Catholic High School in 1985. He received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management (1989) and MBA (1997) from Louisiana State University. Michael and his wife Paula are the proud parents of 26-year-old twin daughters, Miranda and Madison. 

Michael has witnessed the Society’s growth, and has been blessed with the opportunity to see the Society in Baton Rouge establish many community firsts – including, the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy (the first SVDP Charitable Pharmacy in the nation), the Bishop Ott Shelter Program for Men, Women, Children and Families (Five emergency shelters providing over 31,000 guest nights of shelter in 2023), the new St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room facility (Serving over 300,000 meals in 2023), just to name a few. 

SEAN MYERS
National Vice President, Membership & Leadership Development

Sean Myers serves as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s National Vice President of Membership and Leadership Development.

After graduating from Penn State, Sean sold CRM software and services to B2B companies in North America before striking out to form his own firm, Springhill Software. Since then, he has founded additional software firms and become a sought-after growth and exit investment banker who can identify key market opportunities and form teams that are ready for acceleration.

Sean first joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 1998. Since then, he has served in every role a Conference has, including advocate, fundraiser, treasurer, and president. One of the founding members of the first SVdP Thrift Store in Dallas, Texas, he joined the Dallas Council Board in 2012 and served as a District President for four years. 

Sean was elected President of the Dallas Diocesan Council in 2016, then re-elected in 2019. He currently serves as Vice President of the Thrift Store Board in Dallas and as President of the Dallas Council Charitable Pharmacy Board, which is the first and only Charitable Pharmacy in the state of Texas.

Sean has been married to his wife Amy for 20 years. They have two daughters, Rowan and Reese.

TIM WILLIAMS
Senior Director, Formation & Leadership Development

Timothy P. Williams is the Senior Director for Formation and Leadership Development, and Chancellor of the Ozanam Institute for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States. He a former senior executive in the software industry, where he also was a highly regarded speaker and writer, and he commanded Armor and Infantry units as an Officer in the United States Army. Before joining the Society’s staff full-time in 2020, he served as a Conference, District Council, and Diocesan Council officer, led Formation for the Society in North Texas, and served as a member of the National Formation Committee. In addition to his work with the Society, Tim served for three years as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a national veterans organization (USABOT), and as an appointed member of the Charter School Review Committee for the Texas State Board of Education.

Tim has presented on Vincentian Spirituality, Formation, and Heritage at numerous Diocesan, Regional, and National Assemblies, and his writing has been published in the Vincentian Heritage Journal. He has a degree in history from Marquette University, Certificates in Catholic Theology and in Sacred Scripture from the Augustine Institute, and a Masters of Theology in Vincentian Studies from the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. Most importantly, he and his wife, as long-time members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, have made many hundreds of home visits, serving Christ in the person of the poor.

Best Practices of Voice for the Poor in Arizona

History and practice of Voice for the Poor in Arizona.  Focus on communication and building relationships.

GIULIO GRECCHI

GIULIO GRECCHI has volunteered for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Tucson Diocesan Council, in various capacities since 2008. At the end of 2011, Sheila Gilbert nominated him the Chair of Voice of the Poor for the Western Region.

Since 2014, Giulio has promoted Systemic Change, helping to run its programs locally. Eventually, he was asked to chair the Tucson Council’s Systemic Change Committee. Giulio and his wife, Joan, have mentored many graduates from the Getting Ahead program in their journey out of poverty.

Over the years, Giulio gained a keen understanding of social issues and of Catholic Social Justice teaching, thanks to his involvement with Parish and Diocesan Social Ministry and with several organizations promoting the common good, locally, nationally, and internationally. 

 During his 50-year professional career, Giulio held Controller or CFO positions, initially in chemical / pharmaceutical companies and then in international financial institutions, in Europe and in the US. Giulio and his wife, Joan, have three daughters and are active parishioners at Saint Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Parish in Tucson.

BOBBY KINKELA
Chair, Voice for the Poor

Bobby Kinkela is married with 3 children.  He was a stay at home father for 7 years, has a Masters in theology from Ohio Dominican obtained in 2007 and has a day job as a director of religious education at a parish.  He lives in Richland Michigan in the diocese of Kalamazoo.  He has been a Vincentian since 2007 and has been a part of SVDP conferences in Detroit, Chicago and Kalamazoo.  He started his work in advocacy with Voice of the Poor in 2016 as a state rep, becoming a regional rep for the Mideast in 2017 and serves as chair of Voice for the Poor since 2023.

PAT LUCUS

Since joining the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Patrick has served as both a Conference and District President, and he previously volunteered with the Phoenix Diocesan Council as Chair of the council’s Twinning committee. He was appointed Chair of the Phoenix Diocesan Council’s Voice for the Poor committee in October 2023, reestablishing the local committee that had been inactive since 2019. 

Patrick became involved in social advocacy and politics at a young age and has worked as a campaign advisor and manager for numerous candidates for the House of Representatives, State Senate, Board of Supervisors, Board of Education, and local city offices including Mayor. Patrick previously served as the county chair of his political party. 

 Patrick retired in 2023 after 30+ years in the biotech field, serving as a director for a multi-billion-dollar company with international responsibilities. Patrick and his wife, Patricia, who reside in Flagstaff AZ, have two adult children and four grandchildren, and have been married for 47 years.  

Harnessing the Power of Community... A Conference Guide to Networking & Collaborations

The collaborations that exist within the Society are often limited to work between our Councils and other groups and organization. This workshop provides Conferences the tools necessary to form their own collaborative relationships within the immediate area.

When Frederic Ozanam helped to establish the Society, he envisioned a network of charity that would encompass the world. Vincentians are only part of that network. Our vocation calls us to reach out and serve beside other people of goodwill to help relieve poverty and injustice. By reaching out to others, we can enhance the work of our Conferences and provide opportunities for them to join us in service to the least among us. 

SHIRLEY SMALLEY

Shirley Smalley is a retired Speech Pathology and Clinical Social Worker. She joined the Society in Oklahoma City in 1984.  Since that time, she has served the Society in five different states.  Over the years, Shirley has served in numerous leadership positions and is currently serving as the President of the Diocesan Council of Phoenix and as an Ozanam Formation facilitator. 

 With a background in social work, community organization, and service, Shirley brings a wealth of relevant experience to St. Vincent de Paul.  Her passion and long-time commitment to the mission and works of SVdP add a unique perspective and energy to all of her talks and presentations.

Breaking Bread Fiesta... How to share a meal with those we serve

At our Annual Meeting in Baltimore in a breakout session, we were asked if we “break bread with our neighbors and friends” and of course the answer was yes,  We were then asked if we ever “broke bread with the neighbors and friends we serve” and for everyone in the room the answer was “No”.   Our president took this challenge to heart and brought it back to our members with what could we do?  We have no meeting space but we do have Church parking lots and some grassy area so whatever we would do it would need to be outside and we would also need a sponsor to help pay for expenses.   We got a $5000 donation and a $1000 donation which paid for our tents, tables and chair rentals and the some of our food.    We obtained permission from our Pastor and we decided to focus on the end of the school year and the children so they can bring their parents.  SVDP members made salads and desserts and we purchased hamburgers, hot dogs roll and fried chicken.

We rented 2 ponies, a bouncy house had face painting, games and donated prizes.   We had flyers/invitations printed in English and Spanish and invited EVERY family that come to our food pantry and every neighbor with whon we go on a home visit.

But the most important part which was repeated by our president weekly is our goal is NOT for SVDP members to serve food, which we did need to do, BUT to sit at a table and eat with our “neighbor and friends” and it was wonderful.   This year two for us.

MicroLoans and Their Role in Vision SVdP

In keeping with the goals of this year's Regional meetings, we would like to hold roundtable discussions within two groupings.  One group would consist of people in the process of starting a loan program, or are considering it, and the second grouping would consist of members from other affinity groups to discuss how we can work together to help one another help our Neighbors in Need.

DEB ZABLOUDIL

Deb Zabloudil is a member of the St. Paul the Apostle St. Vincent de Paul Conference in Westerville OH. She has been a Vincentian for about 12 years (not counting the two years she spent as a student at DePaul University in Chicago). Deb is currently working on the Microloan Program in the Columbus Diocesan Council and is a member of the Alternative Lending and Financial Literacy subcommittee of the Systemic Change Task Force. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for men’s shelter in the planning stages for men returning from jail or prison as well as on a Board of Directors for the Vincentian Ohio Action Network (VOAN). There are to distinct aspects to VOAN: providing a vehicle for community organizing focused on addressing various root causes of poverty as identified by our friends and neighbors who live in poverty. And through the ARCH (Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope) Reentry Program. We organize educational events, manage accompaniment services to link people coming home from incarceration to services, build a network with business leaders to link returning citizens to employers, and we work on systemic advocacy to promote restorative practices and reforms in the justice system. Most importantly, Deb has been married for 47 years to Bob, and has three adult children, their spouses, and 9 grandchildren – all of whom are the loves of her life!

Si lo construyes, ellos vendrán. Reclutamiento y Conservando la Membresía.

Adaptarnos a un mundo cambiante requiere que miremos a la "Sociedad actual y fortalezcamos la Sociedad adoptando ideas y personas nuevas y diversas". Este taller se centrará en el elemento esencial de la Amistad,  para fortalecer nuestras Conferencias.

MARTHA MONTOYA

Martha Montoya es Licenciada en Administración de la Educación. Estudió cursos sobre "Espiritualidad" durante 4 años en el Instituto de St. Mathew, Dix Hills, New York. Actualmente es miembro de la Conferencia de Nuestra Señora de Loretto en Hempstead, en la Diocesis de Rockville Center, Long Island, New York. Tiene 8 años de ser Vicentina. Sirvió 6 años como Presidenta de la Conferencia. Ha participado en varias ocasiones como Presentadora de la Orientación Ozanam, así como en talleres de formación para otros Vicentinos. Ella asistio a la Invitación para Renovación y este año participó como Formadora a Nivel Nacional.

Ella es una líder servidora que continúa buscando formas de animar este carisma y aporta una gran fe a su servicio en este ministerio.

SONIA BURGOS

Sonia Burgos es una fiel representante del carisma Vicentino. Ella ilustra los tres elementos esenciales de espiritualidad, amistad y servicio en todas sus interacciones con la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl. Sonia conoció el carisma hace más de 30 años mientras hacía trabajo misionero con los sacerdotes de la Congregación de la Misión.

Después de haber sido voluntaria Vicentina en la parroquia de Santa Martha en Uniondale por más de 8 años, Sonia ha servido como presidenta, tesorera y coordinadora de la Caminata en su conferencia. Este septiembre completará su segundo mandato como Presidenta del Consejo de Distrito y Vicepresidenta de la Junta del Consejo Diocesano.

Como líder de servicio, Sonia se ha comprometido ante todo con la formación. Es presentadora de la Orientación Ozanam. Es una experta en las visitas domiciliarias y es defensora incansable de las personas en necesidad que encuentra. Sonia ha hablado en varias parroquias invitando a otros a unirse al ministerio y, posteriormente, ha sido mentora de los Vicentinos en otras conferencias.

Sonia ha representado al Consejo Diocesano en muchas Asambleas Nacionales y también participó en el programa de liderazgo, Invitación a la Renovación, del Consejo Nacional.

En Mayo de 2023, Sonia fue honrada con el premio "Vicentina Voluntaria del Año" por el Consejo Diocesano de Rockville Center, Long Island, New York.

Adapt to a Changing World through the eyes of Frédéric Ozanam

The world of Frédéric Ozanam was filled with political, social, economic, and religious turmoil not unlike our world today. How did Frédéric respond and how did he and his friends in the first conference of Charity adapt to such a changing world? This workshop will not only explore these topics, but will also examine Frédéric’s insights about his distinction between charity and philanthropy which can guide us in our own challenge to adapt to our changing world. Looking at the world through Frédéric’s eyes can help to open ours to new possibilities.

RAY SICKINGER, Ph. D.

Ray Sickinger has been an active member of the Society since 1985. In the past, he has served as a conference president, council president, and Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region. He is currently a member of the National Board of Directors as a Liaison for Formation, chairs the Leadership Task Force, and has produced materials and videos for the formation of the Society's members and leaders. A member of the Providence College ordinary faculty since September of 1974, Ray served in a variety of administrative and teaching positions. He was appointed Director of the Feinstein Institute on July 1, 2003, and served until June 30, 2012. He was Chair of the Department of Public and Community Service Studies from 2006-2012 and Chair of the Department of History and Classics from 2015-2019. Ray is currently a Retired Professor Emeritus of History at Providence College. His research interests in history have revolved around the impact of faith and service in the case of Frederic Ozanam spanning to the Nazi Era in German History, the connection of superstition and folklore in popular culture. Along with multiple speaking engagements representing the Society around the country, primarily focused on Frederic Ozanam, Ray has also authored many papers, writings, and books. Most recent, in 2018, his book, Antoine Frederic Ozanam, received first prize for best biography from the National Catholic Press Association.

TIM WILLIAMS

Senior Director, Formation & Leadership Development

Timothy P. Williams is the Senior Director for Formation and Leadership Development, and Chancellor of the Ozanam Institute for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States. He a former senior executive in the software industry, where he also was a highly regarded speaker and writer, and he commanded Armor and Infantry units as an Officer in the United States Army. Before joining the Society’s staff full-time in 2020, he served as a Conference, District Council, and Diocesan Council officer, led Formation for the Society in North Texas, and served as a member of the National Formation Committee. In addition to his work with the Society, Tim served for three years as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a national veterans organization (USABOT), and as an appointed member of the Charter School Review Committee for the Texas State Board of Education.

Tim has presented on Vincentian Spirituality, Formation, and Heritage at numerous Diocesan, Regional, and National Assemblies, and his writing has been published in the Vincentian Heritage Journal. He has a degree in history from Marquette University, Certificates in Catholic Theology and in Sacred Scripture from the Augustine Institute, and a Masters of Theology in Vincentian Studies from the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. Most importantly, he and his wife, as long-time members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, have made many hundreds of home visits, serving Christ in the person of the poor.

Discernment… Playing Jazz with God

This workshop will help us understand how playing jazz is a powerful model to help us understand discernment. Listening to the music of the Spirit within us, and to the music of the Spirit in others, embodies discernment. It is how we learn to play Vincentian music of service and leadership, with God always the main musician.

GAIL ROWE
Spiritual Advisor, Midwest Region

Once a teacher, always a teacher. Gail began her adult career as a teacher of children of elementary ages. She changed directions when she was hired as a police officer in Denver, CO. During the length of her law enforcement career, Gail was often involved in providing training. Retired for 22 years, Gail has been an active Vincentian for two decades. Gail has been teaching formation as the spiritual advisor for the Denver Metro Council, on and off for 16 years. Gail was also the spiritual advisor for the Midwest Region.

 As a Vincentian, Gail constantly receives spiritual growth serving Jesus' poor and from all the many Vincentian friendships.

RITA ST. PIERRE

Rita St. Pierre has been a Vincentian since 1998 when she was a founding member of a conference in her Rhode Island parish, and was its spiritual advisor. She has attended Invitation for Renewal, is a trained formator and served one term as Council President in Rhode Island. She was planning chair for the National Assembly in Rhode Island in 2015, which had a strong spirituality focus. She served on National’s Strategic Planning committee under Ralph Middlecamp and has been co-chair and chair of the Growth and Revitalization committee. Currently Rita is a member of the Formation committee, chair of the Spirituality committee and a member of the Home Visit subcommittee. She has presented workshops at several National Assemblies, usually on spirituality or formation. As a formator, she has offered Ozanam Orientation, Spiritual Advisor formation and retreats. 

Throughout her years as a Vincentian, she has made spirituality and formation a primary focus. Earlier this year she was a planning co-chair for the 2024 Northeast Regional meeting. Rita has taught adult faith formation for many years including RCIA and has taught religious education for 6^th grade and for high school students preparing for Confirmation. She has been married to Frank for 52 years, has two adult children and four grandchildren. 

Cultural Competency: Using Jesus as a Teacher

Through the lens of the Bible, we will explore how Jesus engaged with cultural minorities and marginalized people. The goal is to equip attendees with tools to better serve fellow Vincentians and neighbors in need, making them feel welcomed, valued and loved.

WAYNE BUGG

Wayne has worked for the St. Vincent de Paul-Twin Cities, for 20+ years. He currently is serving as their associate executive director. Wayne is the North Central Region’s representative for the Society’s African American Task Force. He is married with 5 children and has been an active church member for many years.

Home Visits: The Heart and Soul of Our Society

Home visits are the very heart and soul of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and serve as the trademark means by which we connect with those in need. The act of going to the poor conveys our deep respect for those whom we serve and a commitment to meeting them exactly where they are and where they live. In a fast-paced world that contains a variety of electronic means for contact with others, it is tempting to change our style of ministry for the sake of time and convenience but it is in our sacrifice that the poor understand the heart of who we are as Vincentians.

The home visit of today has the same heart as the very first visits to the poor, and yet they can be enhanced by a deeper commitment to the spiritual value of those visits and an updated format for gathering information and establishing a true friendship with those whom we visit and serve. This workshop will highlight the history and spirituality of home visits within the context of modern techniques for gathering information and establishing relationships with those whom we visit.

MARY ANN HUNTER

Mary Ann joined St. Vincent de Paul the week after she retired in 2004. She spent 37 years in five different states serving as an elementary/middle school teacher and administrator. For 10 years she and her family lived and worked on the Navajo Reservation. Currently she is a member of San Francisco de Asis Conference in Flagstaff, AZ., which is in the Diocese of Phoenix.  She keeps busy by holding the following leadership positions:  Diocesan Council 1^st VP, District 1 Treasurer, conference 2^nd VP, Diocesan Council Spirituality and Formation Chair, and Co-Chair of the Diocesan Council Conference Resource Committee. Three to four days a month also is spent on home visits for her conference. She is also the lead formator for Ozanam Orientation.

SHIRLEY SMALLEY

Shirley Smalley is a retired Speech Pathology and Clinical Social Worker. She joined the Society in Oklahoma City in 1984.  Since that time, she has served the Society in five different states.  Over the years, Shirley has served in numerous leadership positions and is currently serving as the President of the Diocesan Council of Phoenix and as an Ozanam Formation facilitator. 

 With a background in social work, community organization, and service, Shirley brings a wealth of relevant experience to St. Vincent de Paul.  Her passion and long-time commitment to the mission and works of SVdP add a unique perspective and energy to all of her talks and presentations.

If You Build it, They Will Come... Finding and Keeping New Conference Members

Adapting to a Changing World requires us to look at “Today’s Society” and “strengthen the Society by embracing new and diverse ideas and people.” This workshop will focus on the essential element of Friendship as we all look to recruit and retain new and diverse members to our Conferences. Without some cultural agility and appreciation of the different gifts and talents individuals bring to the Conference, it will be difficult to integrate them into the existing group and encourage their involvement. Strategies to cultivate a culture of welcome, considerations for inclusion, and a celebration of diversity will all be included in this didactic and experiential workshop.

PAULA MIGLIORE

Paula Migliore is the Director of Transitional Housing and the Vincentian Services Advisor with the Society and has been in this role for 6 years.  She came to NY from PA to attend college and graduated from St. John’s University, Queens with a BA in English, a MS in Secondary Education and a MA in Theology -- this is where she was introduced to the Vincentian charism and is blessed to be back with the Vincentian family in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island.  Paula is blessed to collaborate with our Vincentians on formation events on the essential elements of the ministry!  Paula participated in many mission trips with the Vincentian family and brings that love of the mission to her work with the Diversity Committee as well as the Voice for the Poor Committee.  Paula is blessed to live out her vocation surrounded by so many amazing Vincentian volunteers and her colleagues who continue to inspire her.    Paula worked in Campus Ministry at St. John's, she worked as a case manager in a homeless shelter run by the Society in downtown LA on Skid Row, worked at a shelter for women and children and formerly incarcerated women in BK/Queens and also serves in her own parish in Queens helping with RE and Faith Formation.   Paula is blessed with 3 sisters and loves being an aunt to her 3 nieces and 2 nephews!  Being a part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul brings great hope & joy to Paula's faith life.

TERRI ZENOBIO

Terri Zenobio is Director of Vincentian Services for the Diocesan Council of Rockville Centre, New York. She has been with the Society for 11 years supporting the Extension and Formation efforts of the 63 Conferences in the diocese on Long Island. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross, her Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Notre Dame. Terri was an active member of the National Youth and Young Adult Committees and now serves as the Vincentian staff liaison to the National Formation Committee. After a career in various nonprofit organizations, she feels blessed to have discovered this charism and vocation as she collaborates with her colleagues in the Central Council and the almost 1200 Vincentians who assist neighbors in need.

Encuentros, a través de Visitas Domiciliarias, con la pobreza que presiona familias inmigrantes.

En esta sesión estaremos poniendo en práctica la espiritualidad vicentina a través de reflexión apostólica para profundizar cómo responder mejor en nuestras Visitas Domiciliarias, a los nuevos tipos de pobrezas que presionan a las familias inmigrantes.

SR. CONSUELO TOVAR, D.C.

A lo largo de los años, ha estado en el ministerio de integración misionera, formación de liderazgo y abogando por la caridad y la justicia con y para nuestros hermanos y hermanas necesitados.

La formación vicentina de la hermana como Hija de la Caridad y su experiencia en la organización se transfirieron fácilmente al trabajo de Integración y Defensa de la Misión en Ascension DePaul Services en San Antonio. Fue en San Antonio también, que la Hermana Consuelo tuvo la oportunidad de servir con el Consejo del Sur de Texas de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl como Asesora Espiritual de la Conferencia de El Carmen, miembro de la Junta del Consejo y Presidenta del Comité de la Voz de los Pobres. 

Communicating and Relating More Effectively to Break Housing and Poverty Barriers

Communication is key to removing poverty barriers to housing. However, in Dr. Beegle’s research, she learned that 92 percent of people in poverty leave housing and other helping professionals not knowing what to do next. The majority of study participants did not even know where to go to get housing assistance. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Beegle will engage participants in exploring how we can increase equity by improving communication, relationships, and access. She also shares four keys to building an “If not me, then who?” approach to improving the lives of children and adults experiencing poverty and homelessness.

DR. DONNA BEEGLE, Ph.D.
Poverty Expert, Life-Changing Speaker, Recognized Author

Donna Beegle has worked for over 30 years with faith-based communities, educators, justice professionals and so many more, who want to make a difference for those living in the crisis of poverty. As president of Communication Across Barriers, a consulting firm dedicated to building poverty-informed communities that are armed with tools to break barriers, she works directly with people currently in poverty, as well as professionals and volunteers who want to make a difference for those living in the crisis of poverty. Donna Beegle Bio - 2024.pdf

A Culture of Encounter: Our Mission and Ministry

Vincentians have continually adapted to the changing conditions and needs of our neighbors, establishing relationships based on trust and friendship during these encounters of loving presence and mutuality. Vincentians have found the home setting best fosters the confidentiality and trust to support friendship, and lead us to the special knowledge that gives rise to special works, systemic change, and advocacy. Join us as we journey through the history and heritage of this special calling, and the special works that flow from it.

JAMES DAVIS
Spiritual Advisor, South Central Region

James Davis is a registered nurse who held a variety of staff and leadership positions in the Vincentian Health Care ministry at Ascension/Seton Family of Hospitals in Austin, Texas. He is a member of the National Formation Team and has worked with teams to develop Spiritual Advisor Training, Home Visit Training and now Vincentian Discernment and Consensus. James is a member of the St. Austin’s Parish Saint Vincent de Paul Society Conference in Austin Texas and serves as the Conference Spiritual Advisor. He also serves as the Spiritual Advisor for the Diocesan Council of Austin Texas as well as the South Central Region. His passion is the integration of Vincentian Spirituality into all aspects of Conference and Council Life.

TIM WILLIAMS

Senior Director, Formation & Leadership Development

Timothy P. Williams is the Senior Director for Formation and Leadership Development, and Chancellor of the Ozanam Institute for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States. He a former senior executive in the software industry, where he also was a highly regarded speaker and writer, and he commanded Armor and Infantry units as an Officer in the United States Army. Before joining the Society’s staff full-time in 2020, he served as a Conference, District Council, and Diocesan Council officer, led Formation for the Society in North Texas, and served as a member of the National Formation Committee. In addition to his work with the Society, Tim served for three years as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a national veterans organization (USABOT), and as an appointed member of the Charter School Review Committee for the Texas State Board of Education.

Tim has presented on Vincentian Spirituality, Formation, and Heritage at numerous Diocesan, Regional, and National Assemblies, and his writing has been published in the Vincentian Heritage Journal. He has a degree in history from Marquette University, Certificates in Catholic Theology and in Sacred Scripture from the Augustine Institute, and a Masters of Theology in Vincentian Studies from the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. Most importantly, he and his wife, as long-time members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, have made many hundreds of home visits, serving Christ in the person of the poor.

Think Outside of the Box

YYAEL (Youth, Young Adults, and Emerging Leaders) explore out of the box ideas to engage with new and younger members of the Society.

KAT BRISSETTE
2nd Vice President Youth, Young Adults & Emerging Leaders

Kat Brissette is a designer and artist from Rhode Island. She is a graduate student working towards her MFA in Graphic + Interactive Design at Tyler School of Art + Architecture at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. In her free time she serves on the National SVdP Board of Directors and also serves as the Second Vice President Youth, Young Adults & Emerging Leaders. She is also an International Young Adult Territory Coordinator for the SVdP International Council General. Kat grew up serving in the Society. She loves helping people however she can, especially if it means using her artistic abilities to do so. She loves her friends, family, God, art, tacos, coffee, comfy chairs, adventures, and the color blue.

Vincentian Spirituality... Loving God with the Strength of our Arms and the Sweat of our Brow

As Vincentians we are often pouring ourselves out in the service of God’s people.  Come and learn how to care for our neighbors in need and remain content and gracious in all situations.  Discover how to pour yourself out without wearing yourself out.

MARGE MCGINLEY

Marge McGinley has been a member and Spiritual Advisor for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for 27 years. She has served as a professional hospital chaplain for as many years, while leading parish formation programs for men, women and children coming into the Catholic faith. Deeply rooted in Vincentian values, Marge’s decades of experience with St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey includes work as District President, Diocesan President, Regional Spiritual Advisor, Diocesan Chairperson of Spirituality, Formation and Leadership Development and as National Chairperson of the Formation Committee.

Marge holds a certificate in Ministry to the Bereaved from the Archdiocese of New York and a Certificate in Parish Administration from the Diocese of Trenton.  Her Clinical Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy Training) was accomplished at Cooper Medical Center in Camden, NJ.  Her B.A. of Human Services further complements her ability to recognize the social issues and family dynamics in every setting. Marge has been recognized as an Outstanding Woman of the Year in Social Service for her work with the marginalized population of her community.  Marge is mother to four adult children and five grandchildren, and recently celebrated 46 years of marriage.  

RITA ST. PIERRE

Rita St. Pierre has been a Vincentian since 1998 when she was a founding member of a conference in her Rhode Island parish, and was its spiritual advisor. She has attended Invitation for Renewal, is a trained formator and served one term as Council President in Rhode Island. She was planning chair for the National Assembly in Rhode Island in 2015, which had a strong spirituality focus. She served on National’s Strategic Planning committee under Ralph Middlecamp and has been co-chair and chair of the Growth and Revitalization committee. Currently Rita is a member of the Formation committee, chair of the Spirituality committee and a member of the Home Visit subcommittee. She has presented workshops at several National Assemblies, usually on spirituality or formation. As a formator, she has offered Ozanam Orientation, Spiritual Advisor formation and retreats. 

Throughout her years as a Vincentian, she has made spirituality and formation a primary focus. Earlier this year she was a planning co-chair for the 2024 Northeast Regional meeting. Rita has taught adult faith formation for many years including RCIA and has taught religious education for 6^th grade and for high school students preparing for Confirmation. She has been married to Frank for 52 years, has two adult children and four grandchildren. 

Grassroots Advocacy that makes an Impact

Learn how to take your citizen advocacy to the next level. Join Steve Uram, SVdP National Director of Poverty Programs, and a former congressional staffer, provide insights to communicating with members of congress and their staff.

STEVE URAM
National Director of Poverty Programs

Steve is the National Director of Poverty Programs. Prior to joining the National Council, Steve spent 15 years in Washington, D.C. working for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and serving as a legislative aide to former Illinois Congressman, John Shimkus. After returning to the St. Louis, Steve served as the Manager for Grassroots Advocacy and Leadership Programs for the National Corn Growers Association. Steve has his master’s degree in Communications from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University.  He comes from a big, Catholic family and is a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Español: Volviendo a los Fundamentos de la Espiritualidad de la Espiritualidad de la Visita Domiciliaria

Esta presentación le ayudará a comprender mejor la espiritualidad de las Visitas Domiciliaria. Igualmente analizaremos el cambio que han tenido desde su fundación y lo que tenemos que hacer para conservar los valores de nuestros fundadores y a mismo tiempo adaptarnos a los cambios de la actualidad.

SYLVIA GONZALEZ

Sylvia Gonzalez is originally from Mexico, from a small town one hour south from Mazatlán, where she graduated as a Private Accountant.  She is married and have 5 children. She joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul the year she retired after working 25 years at an elementary school in Glendale, California where most of the student body were Hispanic.   Her duties were bilingual Educational Assistant and translator.  

She joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with the desire to help friends in need, but truly serving them made her grow as a person in spirituality and in friendship with her Vincentians brothers and sisters. She served as the Multicultural Diversity Committee Representative for two years in the Western Region. 

Her first training as a Formator was in 2014.  She continued to participate in Formator’s trainings, in 2015 at Contra Costa, California, In 2017 at San Diego with Kathy Iberle and Catalina Miller.  In 2017, she was named Leader of the Western Region Spanish Formators.  As the leader of Spanish Formators, she organized two Spanish Presenters and Formators trainings with the help of Aldo Barleta.   The first training was via Zoom due to the pandemic and the second training in person in Seattle, Washington.  

In May 2023, she participated in the National Spanish Formators Training under the direction of Marge McGinley, Tim Williams, and Guadalupe Sosa. In Los Angeles Council, Sylvia served 6 years as Conference President, 1 year as a Board Member, and 6 years as District President. On her Council she leads the presentation of Ozanam Orientations, Officers Trainings, The Basics of Home Visits, and Spiritual Advisors Training in Spanish and English.  She is a member of a conference where she is the treasurer. 

SUSANA MANRIQUEZ

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic: Dashing into the Future

A look at how food distribution models changed since March 2020, lessons learned and positive changes.

ServWare, Improving the Way You Serve Others

Many conferences are challenged with the day-to-day administrative tasks of neighbor management, assistance tracking, and reporting needs that burden and distract conference members from focusing on their mission to help those in need. ServWare is specifically designed by Vincentians to support St. Vincent de Paul Conferences, Districts, and Councils. Learn how ServWare can streamline the day-to-day neighbor management, assistance tracking, and reporting needs for a Conference in a secure, easy-to-use Web-based application. Our platform centralizes all communication and coordination efforts into one accessible location, ensuring that no neighbor's needs go unmet and no conference member feels isolated in their service.

MARK & CATHY STINE

Mark and Cathy Stine are co-founders of ServWare. ServWare is Vincentian-developed neighbor tracking software, customized for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Councils, District Councils, and Conferences. As Vincentians in Dayton Ohio, they developed the software from first-hand knowledge of the needs of their local Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference. Mark and Cathy each have over 30 years of IT background and expertise. Mark has extensive experience in the design and implementation of Web-based software applications. Cathy has a background as a software product owner, project manager, trainer, and technical documentation.

Mark and Cathy have supported the Dayton Ohio District Council with the formation of the first ServWare User Group, by assisting with the preparation and training sessions. ServWare has been a National Partner with the National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul since 2017.

Reentry Services:  Road Map from Conference Involvement to Community Leader in Workforce Development and Support for Individuals Returning to Community from Incarceration

Topics to Present

•    Chart interest at conference level for involvement in meeting spiritual and resource needs of those leaving incarceration (county or state)

•    Identify an institution close to svdp conference to target as recipient

•    Begin slowly and build coalitions with other groups serving the same population 

•    Utilize other Immersion sites within SVDP or others doing similar work for support

•    Be consistent and dedicated to the process for greatest success 

•    Panel discussion with SVdP reentry programs leading discussion

MARK RENICK

St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho Reentry Services is passionate about building coalitions to support change for individuals released from incarceration and returning to communities in Idaho. I am Blessed to be a part of that effort.

As Program Manager for Reentry Services many of life’s experiences have dominated my qualifications to direct these efforts.  As a consumer of correctional services (ten years incarcerated since the age of 30), I tend to understand the population we serve.  I am also a person in long term recovery and perhaps most importantly very open about my Christian Faith. These aspects increase our successful support for this important work.

In 2018, I spent the year working on a fellowship with Just Leadership USA( https://jlusa.org/) This non-profit (based in New York City) has been responsible for leading the discussion about lowering the population of incarcerated individuals.  Their moto is “half by 2030” #halfby2030. 

I have been a member of the St Vincent de Paul Reentry Conference for over nine years. Recently this conference has changed its name to St Dismas Conference.  It has led to the creation of an advocacy group, Systemic Change of Idaho.  This is an exciting project which looks to change the way Idahoans view returning citizens and educate them on the issues those returning from incarceration face in their day to day lives.   Under this banner we do a weekly radio talk show about incarceration where all who serve this community are guests and resources.  The show airs weekly on KBXL 94.1 FM every Saturday at 12:30pm MST.  We are also regular visitors on Salt and Light Radio where we discuss life after incarceration.

I have a Bachelors of Arts degree from Kansas University and studied on the graduate level in Social Work at Northwest Nazarene University  

Results & Lessons Learned from Reinvigoration Pilot

This is a report on results from a reinvigoration pilot conducted by a Conference in Mesa AZ. that was on the brink of failure with only seven active members all of whom were feeling exhausted and burned out . Their project was based on research and recommendations presented at last year's Annual Meeting. The Conference now has 20 active members including more youth and diversity than ever before. How did this happen and what did they learn along the way about managing change is the content of this workshop.

Español: Hablemos en Confianza – Part I

¿Tiene usted preguntas, inquietudes y sugerencias? ¿O quizás preguntar acerca del nuevo enfoque de la Sociedad? Esta es una oportunidad para hablar con líderes de ella.  El panel lo formarán: Presidente de Conferencia/Distrito, Formador, Consejero Espiritual, miembro de la Mesa Directiva Nacional, presente y anterior.

SONIA BURGOS

Sonia Burgos es una fiel representante del carisma Vicentino. Ella ilustra los tres elementos esenciales de espiritualidad, amistad y servicio en todas sus interacciones con la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl. Sonia conoció el carisma hace más de 30 años mientras hacía trabajo misionero con los sacerdotes de la Congregación de la Misión.

Después de haber sido voluntaria Vicentina en la parroquia de Santa Martha en Uniondale por más de 8 años, Sonia ha servido como presidenta, tesorera y coordinadora de la Caminata en su conferencia. Este septiembre completará su segundo mandato como Presidenta del Consejo de Distrito y Vicepresidenta de la Junta del Consejo Diocesano.

Como líder de servicio, Sonia se ha comprometido ante todo con la formación. Es presentadora de la Orientación Ozanam. Es una experta en las visitas domiciliarias y es defensora incansable de las personas en necesidad que encuentra. Sonia ha hablado en varias parroquias invitando a otros a unirse al ministerio y, posteriormente, ha sido mentora de los Vicentinos en otras conferencias.

Sonia ha representado al Consejo Diocesano en muchas Asambleas Nacionales y también participó en el programa de liderazgo, Invitación a la Renovación, del Consejo Nacional.

En Mayo de 2023, Sonia fue honrada con el premio "Vicentina Voluntaria del Año" por el Consejo Diocesano de Rockville Center, Long Island, New York.

GUADALUPE SOSA

Guadalupe was a volunteer Vincentian with the Phoenix Diocesan Council in Arizona, and was then employed with the Council for three years.   She then returned to be a volunteer Vincentian, and in 2014, she helped organize the 1^st Spanish Formators’ Formation sponsored by the Phoenix Council and was a member of the team on the 2^nd Spanish Formation sponsored by the Contra Costa County Council, California. Guadalupe has taught Ozanam Formation Experience in Phoenix, and Spanish Ozanam Orientations in Contra Costa.  Guadalupe attended Invitation for Renewal in 2017 and served on the SVdP National Board as Secretary from 2017 to 2023.

 For 19 years, Guadalupe has worked as a Senior Policy Advisor with the Arizona State Senate, Democratic Caucus. Her work involved legislation in the areas of banking, insurance, transportation and commerce. In both English and Spanish, she conducted Legislature 101 sessions for high school and college students, community groups, and organizations.

 Guadalupe received a B.A. in Secondary Business Education from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, Calif. She is a proud native Arizonan. Her maternal great grandmother was born in 1868 in Tucson, making a total of seven generations born and raised in Arizona. She is also proud of her father, who emigrated to the U.S. with the Bracero Program as a 19-year-old from Chihuahua, Mexico. Guadalupe now lives in Phoenix.

Vehicle Donation Fundraising

Reviewing best practices on how to make your local vehicle donation program successful. Increasing fundraising, accessing free marketing materials, keeping your account information up to date, and more.

BRYNN WHEATON

Business Development Executive and account manager for the National SVdP Vehicle Donation Program. We will be reviewing a new marketing kit, along with ways to keep your program top of mind and up to date.

Jumpstarting Your Getting Ahead Program

Is your Getting Ahead Program losing steam? Struggling with low participation? Have you lost key community support or enthusiasm in your conference or council? In this session, you will learn the keys to re-energize your Getting Ahead program or put you on a path to success when you are starting your program.

JEANNE HARPER
Chair, Growth & Revitalization Committee

Jeanne is chair of the National Council Growth & Revitalization Committee. Jeanne’s tenure with SVdP is wide ranging and distinguished. Although h er role as North Central Regional Vice President ended in 2017, she continues to serve on the Society’s National Board of Directors as the National Growth & Revitalization (formerly Extension) Liaison and the National Neighborhoods of Hope Committees.  As the Society’s Getting Ahead lead trainer, Jeanne instructs program facilitators through the U.S. She continues to conduct weekly home visits and is active in her parish Conference. Apart from tirelessly serving St. Vincent de Paul, Jeanne is spiritual advisor for youth in local Mini Vinnies, Youth Vincentians and Young Vincentians Conferences. A retired psychotherapist, Jeanne holds a Master’s of Pastoral Studies in Family Ministry from Loyola University. She and her husband David had two children and four grandchildren.

Serving Companion Animals: Keeping Pets & Owners Together

In 2020, as the world was focused on social distancing, SVdP Phoenix was working hard to figure out how to balance social distancing with social embrace. We started to explore the needs of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in a new way – we saw the great importance to them of their pets. For many without housing or shelter, animals provide the safety, love, and comfort that is so hard to come by when a family or support system has been lost. As we work to create a community where all can experience belonging, and no one is abandoned, we realized how important it was for us also to provide resources for pets – for some people experiencing homelessness, a pet may be their only family and sense of stability. And for those in a home, providing resources for their pet is a form of homelessness prevention; if we can pay for their vet bill, they can spend that money on other urgent needs. We created CAP, the Companion Animal Program, to provide much needed veterinary care, food and supplies to the companion animals of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. CAP strives to keep pet owners SAFE, TOGETHER, and SHELTERED with their pets, by providing services that are not available or very difficult to find in our community.

Love Your Donors to Love Your Neighbors

How to create and implement a fundraising strategy to raise more money for our neighbors in need. The workshop will include best practice techniques, examples, and templates.

AMY OVERBY, MS, CAE

Amy is the Associate Executive Director of the District Council of Madison, Society of St. Vincent de Paul where she oversees fundraising and communications activities resulting in gifts totally more than $3.8 million in fiscal year 2023. Her career includes roles in grantmaking, fundraising, communications, marketing, and nonprofit administration for nonprofit charitable organizations and professional associations. She earned a master’s degree in Corporate Communication and holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.

Español: Hablemos en Confianza – Part II

¿Tiene usted preguntas, inquietudes y sugerencias? ¿O quizás preguntar acerca del nuevo enfoque de la Sociedad? Esta es una oportunidad para hablar con líderes de ella.  El panel lo formarán: Presidente de Conferencia/Distrito, Formador, Consejero Espiritual, miembro de la Mesa Directiva Nacional, presente y anterior.

SONIA BURGOS

Sonia Burgos es una fiel representante del carisma Vicentino. Ella ilustra los tres elementos esenciales de espiritualidad, amistad y servicio en todas sus interacciones con la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl. Sonia conoció el carisma hace más de 30 años mientras hacía trabajo misionero con los sacerdotes de la Congregación de la Misión.

Después de haber sido voluntaria Vicentina en la parroquia de Santa Martha en Uniondale por más de 8 años, Sonia ha servido como presidenta, tesorera y coordinadora de la Caminata en su conferencia. Este septiembre completará su segundo mandato como Presidenta del Consejo de Distrito y Vicepresidenta de la Junta del Consejo Diocesano.

Como líder de servicio, Sonia se ha comprometido ante todo con la formación. Es presentadora de la Orientación Ozanam. Es una experta en las visitas domiciliarias y es defensora incansable de las personas en necesidad que encuentra. Sonia ha hablado en varias parroquias invitando a otros a unirse al ministerio y, posteriormente, ha sido mentora de los Vicentinos en otras conferencias.

Sonia ha representado al Consejo Diocesano en muchas Asambleas Nacionales y también participó en el programa de liderazgo, Invitación a la Renovación, del Consejo Nacional.

En Mayo de 2023, Sonia fue honrada con el premio "Vicentina Voluntaria del Año" por el Consejo Diocesano de Rockville Center, Long Island, New York.

GUADALUPE SOSA

Guadalupe was a volunteer Vincentian with the Phoenix Diocesan Council in Arizona, and was then employed with the Council for three years.   She then returned to be a volunteer Vincentian, and in 2014, she helped organize the 1^st Spanish Formators’ Formation sponsored by the Phoenix Council and was a member of the team on the 2^nd Spanish Formation sponsored by the Contra Costa County Council, California. Guadalupe has taught Ozanam Formation Experience in Phoenix, and Spanish Ozanam Orientations in Contra Costa. Guadalupe attended Invitation for Renewal in 2017 and served on the SVdP National Board as Secretary from 2017 to 2023.

For 19 years, Guadalupe has worked as a Senior Policy Advisor with the Arizona State Senate, Democratic Caucus. Her work involved legislation in the areas of banking, insurance, transportation and commerce. In both English and Spanish, she conducted Legislature 101 sessions for high school and college students, community groups, and organizations.

 Guadalupe received a B.A. in Secondary Business Education from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, Calif. She is a proud native Arizonan. Her maternal great grandmother was born in 1868 in Tucson, making a total of seven generations born and raised in Arizona. She is also proud of her father, who emigrated to the U.S. with the Bracero Program as a 19-year-old from Chihuahua, Mexico. Guadalupe now lives in Phoenix.