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

Dr. Elsa (Andy) Cardenas – Hagan
Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist
Certified Academic Language Therapist
Academic Evaluations
Valley Speech, Language & Learning Center
2nd Term (+3-year extension) ends June 30, 2022
Academic Committee (Chairman)

Jorge (Liliana) de la Garza ‘84
General Manager
ZIWA Corporation
2nd Term ends June 30, 2024
Buildings & Grounds Committee (Chairman)

Ana E. (Steve) Gomez ‘88
Principal
St. Mary’s Catholic School
1st Term ends June 30, 2022
Marist Mission Committee

Chad (Liz) Hainley
School Board Chairman
Vice President
IBC Insurance Agency
2nd Term ends June 30, 2022
Finance Committee (Chairman)
Nominations/Succession (Chairman)
Ex-Officio member to all other committees

Brother Hank Hammer, FMS
Office of Marist Ministries
2nd Term (+ 3-year extension) ends June 30, 2023
Marist Mission Committee (Co-Chairman)
Rafael (Carina) Munguia ‘93
Owner
Caribella Construction
2nd Term ends June 30, 2023
Academy Advancement Committee (Chairman)
Rick (Martha) Ortiz ‘84
Agency Owner
Allstate – Rick Ortiz Insurance Agency P.C.
2nd Term ends June 30, 2024
Academy Advancement 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

Francisco J. (Blanca) Zabarte
Partner/Owner/Attorney
Aguilar and Zabarte LLC
2nd Term ends June 30, 2024
Academic Committee
