Development Committee

The purpose of the Development Committee is to provide financial strategy, events and support to achieving the school’s financial needs, plans, and vision. Additionally, they will foster and manage relationships with stakeholders to secure the long-term financial support of St. Joan of Arc School. With the mission of: “To inspire and cultivate sustained generosity to secure the future of St. Joan of Arc School through strategic development efforts."

The long term success of St Joan of Arc Catholic School is dependent on individuals who respond to the call to give of their time, talent and treasure. Please consider joining us in our efforts to support the school and create our giving culture:

  • Opportunities to get involved are plenty, rewarding and a great way to meet other parents
  • Volunteer your time to coordinate/chair or set up any of the fundraisers throughout the year (Flowers, Golf Outing, Gala, Color Walk)
  • Suggest new fundraisers
  • Secure Corporate Sponsors for the School or specific events
  • Secure donated items for events
  • Coordinate/Chair the Gala, assist with the gala event or item donation
  • Use your company’s matching gift program
  • Attend a meeting – all are welcome

Development Committee Members

Tom Giovingo - President
Tom and his wife, Leah, moved to Lisle and quickly joined the SJA Parish in 2015. As their children grew to school age, it was an easy decision for his three sons to join SJA. Thomas ('29), Lucas ('31) and Joseph ('34). Tom has served on the SJA development committee since 2020 and has also been co-chair of the Charger Open for the past 2 outings.

Corey Zarse - Head of Endowment
Corey and his family joined SJA in 2012 after attending services for years. They have two kids currently enrolled at SJA (Liam and Bree). Their oldest graduated last year and attends St. Francis.

His background includes:

  • Butler University (B.S. in Accounting cum laude 1999, with high honors in Accounting Program)
  • Indiana University (J.D. 2006); M.B.A. in Finance 2006, with a minor in Entrepreneurship
  • Investments attorney focusing on private equity investments
  • Previously an investment adviser with Merrill Lynch

Chrissie Shanahan - Head of Fundraising
Chrissie and her family moved from Chicago to Lisle in March of 2020. When deciding to make the move, they toured local Catholic schools first, then chose a house based on the proximity to SJA after determining it was the community for them. They have a son going into 2nd grade, a daughter going into kindergarten, a daughter going into PK3 and two littles that participate in the weekly Tiny Flames program.

Floretta Soldato - Director of Operations
Floretta graduated from Butler University in 2009 with a Masters in Professional Accounting. After a career in public accounting for EY, she transitioned to household manager. Her husband Matt and she moved to Lisle from Chicago in 2016. They have been parishioners at St Joan of Arc since 2014. As an alumna of St Joan of Arc, she is excited to have her three kids Cooper (4th grade), Luke (2nd grade) and Josephine (Kindergarten) at the school.

The Cost to Educate a Student

God doesn’t want gifts motivated by a sense of duty or obligation. He wants us to give out of joy and compassion. If anyone knows generosity, it is God—who gave His Son to us freely, even when He knew we would abuse the gift. Our generosity should be founded in love, not duty. “For God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

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