Our board

Jim Lago graduated from DePaul University, Chicago with a BA, then completed his Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois, Jane Addams School of Social Work as well as completing a Masters in Business Administration, Accounting from Loyola University.

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Jim was the Executive Director for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Before that he was the Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He also served as the Executive Director for the Catholic Conference of Illinois.

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His appointments include:

• Child Welfare Advisory Council, Chairman – State of Illinois

• Governor Edgar, election Transition Team Chariman

• Multiple State, County and City of Chicago appointment to social services advisory groups.

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Jimmy has been awarded several Papal Awards and honors as well as served under 3 Cardinals of Archdiocese of Chicago.

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Belinda Smith has been a resident of Benicia and a member of Saint Dominic’s Parish since 1979. She is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Conference Benicia, past president of the League of Women Voters Benicia, and current president of the Benicia Historical Society.  

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Her work experience as a land use planner for over 20 years included managing the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Contra Costa County. This involved the granting of over four million dollars annually to programs serving low-income communities.  She has also worked as an independent planning consultant providing services to governmental and non-profit organizations in both Contra Costa and Solano counties.

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Prior to her retirement she worked for a Solano County Supervisor as a District Representative. Among other things this included responding to community issues and constituents. She feels her work experience has given her a unique perspective and experience in working with diverse groups of people that is well suited to the mission of Catholic Charities.

“A poor worker in the Lord’s vineyard.”

Director of Catholic Charities and Social Concerns for the Diocese of Sacramento.  She served as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Yolo-Solano. She has a BS degree in Microbiology from UC Davis and a JD from John F. Kennedy University, College of Law.  As an attorney, she focused on immigration defense and provided pro-bono services to victims of crime. She serves on the board for Radio Santisimo Sacramento. Miriam and her family are active members of their parish. 

A Family Practice Specialist in Vallejo, California. He graduated with honors from Georgetown University School Of Medicine in 2000. Having more than 22 years of diverse experiences, especially in FAMILY PRACTICE, he affiliates with many hospitals including Kaiser Foundation Hospital And Rehab Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hosp & Trauma Ctr, cooperates with many other doctors and specialists in many medical groups including University Of California SFGH Medical Group, Permanente Medical Group Inc.

A retired special education teacher. Music Ministry and Lector (St Michael),Travis Airforce Base Access Adventure Board Member, 2017-18 Solano County Teacher of the Year. She has a BA in Theology from Trinity College Washington D.C. She is a Volunteer Chaplaincy Services for 10 yrs. in the North Bay and Vaca Valley Hospitals and 3 yrs. at David Grant Hospital.

Pastoral Ministry Certificate from Trinity College.

She also has 3 Kids and 6 Grandkids.

Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Yolo Solano, Inc.  Prior to this role, John was the Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Sacramento.  Mr. Watkins began his work at Catholic Charities at St. Joseph Family Shelter in San Francisco in 1997 and has held various posts inside of Catholic Charities & the Church since that time.  

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He received a BA in Political Science from UC Irvine in 1992 and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration degree from the University of San Francisco in 2002.

John is happily married with three children.

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