FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Daniella Marquez
Development Director
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL GALVESTON-HOUSTON
ANNOUNCES VAL SENEGAL AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 28, 2025 – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston Houston (SVdP Houston), is pleased to announce Val Senegal will become its Executive Director on April 1st. After a six-month national search, the executive search committee and board of directors selected one of their own to lead SVdP Houston into the future while adapting to a changing world.
Val will step into the role after serving as SVdP Houston’s chief program officer. Her guidance enabled the organization to successfully expand the Underserved Communities Initiative and enhance the Systemic Change Initiative: Getting Ahead programs. Before joining SVdP Houston, she spent 20 years addressing education, health, and social disparities to improve the lives of vulnerable populations in at-risk and distressed communities.
Val succeeds Ann Schorno who has served as SVdP Houston’s top executive for 15 years. Ann will remain with SVdP Houston until May 31, 2025, to support Val during this transition.
“I cannot thank Ann enough for her 15 years of tireless leadership and dedication to the Society. Under her guidance, the impact of SVdP Houston in the Archdiocese more than doubled. While we will certainly miss her, we wish her the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life,” says Gerardo Rivera, board president of SVdP Houston.
“I am excited that Val has accepted the opportunity to continue her service to the Society. Val exemplifies leadership, empowerment, and a commitment to positive change. The board looks forward to working with Val and supporting her in this new role.”
Val Senegal’s career began with two years of service in AmeriCorps. She brings two decades of experience working with local and national nonprofit organizations that address disparities and serve vulnerable populations, namely the University of Houston: Research Centers in Minority Institutions, Hearts of Hope: Sexual Trauma Center, United Way, National Area Health Education Centers, Junior League, and Jack & Jill of America, Inc.
Her determination and persistence have illuminated countless communities and secured help for several families to overcome disasters across east Harris County. Val’s leadership philosophy is grounded in strong values and ethical principles. She believes success is embodied by a life aligned with one’s purpose, a commitment to excellence, and delivering high-quality services to those in need.
Val earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a master's degree in adult education from Northwestern State University. In 2024, she received an executive leadership certification from Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. She and her husband have three children, three godchildren, and a German shepherd.
About the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: Established in 1871, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (SVdP Houston), is a 501(c)3 faith-based, non-profit organization with the mission to grow spiritually through person-to-person service to all in need in our community. SVdP Houston serves 10 counties throughout the greater Houston area. Through a network of over 50 parish-based chapters, called “Conferences” that have a combined total of 1,700 volunteers, called “Vincentians.” Vincentians respond to the needs of our neighbors through four main pillars. Our work includes Homelessness Prevention, Basic Needs, Resiliency Program, and Disaster Relief.