Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
St. Francis Catholic High School, with Bishop Soto’s approval, adopted Policy Governance®, an integrated board leadership paradigm created by Dr. John Carver. In the words of Dr. Carver, “This is a groundbreaking model of governance designed to empower boards to fulfill their obligation of accountability for the organizations they govern. The model enables the board to focus on the larger issues, to delegate with clarity, to control management’s job without meddling, to rigorously evaluate the accomplishment of the organization; to truly lead its organization.” We are pleased that our Board of Trustees has embraced this new model and our members are looking forward to advancing the mission of St. Francis Catholic High School.
Diane Kindermann-Henderson
Chair
Diane Kindermann-Henderson is the mother of St. Francis twin alumnae Lillian and Vivienne Henderson (2021). As a Troubie parent, Diane was able to experience the unparalleled faith-driven, stellar education provided to young women at St. Francis.
Melissa Svetich DeNigris ‘00
Board Trustee
Melissa is a St. Francis graduate of the class of 2000 and earned a B.S. in Business Administration (Financial Services) and a minor in Public Administration from San Diego State University in 2006. She also has a Construction Management Certificate from Auburn University. Melissa has worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) since 2008 in both the Baltimore and Sacramento offices. She works in procurement supporting local levee infrastructure projects on the Sacramento and American Rivers as well as Military bases from California to Utah.
Deacon Sergio J. Diaz
Board Trustee
Deacon Sergio Diaz is a proud St. Francis parent whose daughter, Adora, is an SFHS alumna. An attorney with over 35 years of experience, Sergio retired a decade ago and now dedicates his time to pro bono work and community service. As a member of the Board of Trustees, he is motivated by gratitude for the education his daughter received and is committed to increasing opportunities for deserving, disadvantaged students to access the excellent education SFHS provides.
Dr. Caron Houston
Board Trustee
Dr. Caron Houston is a concierge physician whose practice provides in home care for frail elders in the Sacramento community. She loves being a doctor and caring for people in need. Her career highlights are working for the Indian Health Service, teaming up to open premier senior health clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and directing a community health Center in New York City. Since moving to Sacramento, she has been on staff at Sutter since 2007.
Margot Hunt
Board Trustee
Margot is committed to Catholic education for young women and supporting efforts to teach the faith of the next generation in a way that inspires female leaders in our community. As the founder and president of a local non-profit, PINC (Philanthropy Inspired by the needs of our Community), Margot’s work revolves around helping the most marginalized in our greater Sacramento community. PINC’s work, led by Margot and a group of motivated and impassioned women, has raised over $2 million dollars for local area non-profits.
Greg Ruiz
Board Trustee
Greg Ruiz is a future Troubie parent and a dedicated supporter of all-girls Catholic education. He is a Partner at Jasper Ridge Partners, co-leading their private equity and venture capital team, following a distinguished role as Managing Investment Director of Private Equity at CalPERS. Greg joined the Board of Trustees to help sustain St. Francis’ legacy and support its mission of providing a strong, faith-based education for young women.
Bishop’s Representatives on the Board
Most Reverend Bishop Rey Bersabal
Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of SacramentoKatie Perata
Executive Director of Catholic Schools