Our People - Cana Family Institute

Board of Directors

The Board, collectively, has over 150 years experience in working as missionary disciples strengthening families in their parishes, schools, and beyond.

Edward Ricklick
President
International Product and Marketing Manager
Hearth and Home Technologies, Lakeville, MN

Patrick Mealey
Vice President
Lead Software Engineer
Thomson Reuters, Eagan, MN

Tom Janas
Treasurer
Owner and President
Storms Welding and Manufacturing, Cologne, MN

Jean Schmitz
Secretary
Bookkeeper
Church of Saint Peter, Sauk Rapids, MN

Fr. Joe Bambenek
Chaplain
Assistant Director of the Archdiocesan Synod
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, MN

Micheal Halloran
Vice President of Development and Operations
Catholic School Center for Excellence, Minneapolis, MN

Todd Sester
Technician Manager, Die Technologies
Rogers, MN

Mary Everett
Community Volunteer
Edina, MN

Mary Jo Sherwood
CEO and Founder, PERSIS Worldwide
Eden Prairie, MN

National Staff

Staff members at the Cana Headquarters in Crystal, MN oversee and guide the operations in four dioceses.

Joseph Masek
Executive Director

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Jeannine Backstrom
Executive Director Emeritus

Email Jeannine

Karen Sester
Program Director

Email Karen

Frances de Kooker
Donor Relations Manager

Email Frances

Bill Marsella
Philanthropic Advisor

Email Bill

Madalyn Montemorano
Program Manager

Email Madalyn

Mission Outreach Leaders

Mission Outreach Team members in the dioceses of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Galveston-Houston, Covington and Cincinnati provide front-line quality programming and one-on-one guidance to leaders and families in parishes and Catholic schools.