The Saint Joseph Academy School Board of Directors plays a substantial role in the success of the school. A governing body made up of community members and alumni, the school board works closely with the school President to review and approve school policies to ensure the operation of the school runs efficiently as a Catholic school in the Marist tradition. The School Board of Directors currently meets bi-monthly and all members are expected to serve on one or more subcommittees in an effort to help advance the religious and educational mission of the Academy.
Marcela (Marion) Arguelles Lawler
Philanthropy and Art
1st Term ends June 30, 2024
Buildings & Grounds Committee
Dr. Janna (Doug) Arney ‘82
Executive Vice President & Provost
UTRGV
1st Term ends June 30, 2024
Academic Committee
Connie (Luis) Cano de Rodriguez
Vice President
American Forwarding Corporation
Owner/Broker
Agencia Aduanal (Matamoros, Tamps. MX)
1st Term ends June 30, 2022
Marist Mission Committee
Jorge (Liliana) de la Garza ‘84
General Manager
ZIWA Corporation
2nd Term ends June 30, 2024
Finance Committee (Chairman)
Buildings & Grounds Committee (Chairman)
Nominations/Succession (Chairman)
Leticia “Lety” Garza ‘06
Personal Injury Lawyer
The Green Law Firm P.C.
1st Term ends June 30, 2026
Ana E. (Steve) Gomez ‘88
Principal
St. Mary’s Catholic School
1st Term ends June 30, 2022
Marist Mission Committee
Dr. Rose (Jeff) Gowen ‘77
Physician
UT Health, School of Public Health
1st Term ends June 30, 2026
Brother Hank Hammer, FMS
Office of Marist Ministries
2nd Term (+ 3-year extension) ends June 30, 2023
Marist Mission Committee (Co-Chairman)
John C. (Cristy) Ortiz
Owner
Superior One Realty, LLC
Sunrise Builders, Inc.
Gabriela’s Heavenly Wings, LLC
1st Term ends June 30, 2026
Rick (Martha) Ortiz ‘84
Agency Owner
Allstate – Rick Ortiz Insurance Agency P.C.
2nd Term ends June 30, 2024
Luis Pablo Rhi ‘94
Director, Equity Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Barrow Hanley Global Investors
1st Term ends June 30, 2025
Finance Committee
Brother Albert “Al” Rivera
Director of Service Learning & Teaching
Christopher Columbus HS
1st Term ends June 30, 2026
Marist Mission Committee
Michael John (Maria) Schlater
Global Manufacturing Planning & CAPEX Manager
APTIV Corporation
Assistant UD Cross Country & Track Coach
Saint Joseph Academy
1st Term ends June 30, 2022
Finance Committee
Buildings & Grounds Committee
Kelly (Nick) Tipton ‘01
Marketing Manager, Life Coach & Yoga Instructor
Ruby Red Media Group
1st Term ends June 30, 2024
Academy Advancement Committee
Bryant (Jocelyn) Touchy ‘06
Associate Attorney
Hamilton & Lucio, P.C.
2nd Term ends June 30, 2024
Academy Advancement Committee
Raul (Georgina) Villanueva ‘90
Executive Vice President
Region President of Cameron County
Texas Regional Bank
1st Term ends June 30, 2025
Finance Committee
Francisco J. (Blanca) Zabarte
Partner/Owner/Attorney
Aguilar and Zabarte LLC
2nd Term ends June 30, 2024
Academic Committee
Ex-officio
Michael Motyl
President
Saint Joseph Academy
Buildings & Grounds Committee
Finance Committee
Nominations/Succession Committee
Marist Mission Committee