Phyllis Colonna Schoene has been a member of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans for 60 years and was part of its all-volunteer staff for nearly a decade before being invited to asked to fill a big pair of shoes. That call came after Jo Ann Serpico, the organization’s beloved, longtime executive director, passed away last April.

“We miss her, she was our leader,” Schoene says. “She was well loved in the community and continues to be.” Schoene says she is truly honored that JCCIA President Ron Onesti chose her to succeed Serpico, and is grateful for the opportunity to continue Serpico’s work.