About SMDP

Jim Madden, Chairman

Jim spent most of his life in the south suburbs of Chicago, where he ran a successful commercial printing business and raised a family with his wife, Drina. After retiring in 2003, Jim and Drina began spending their winters in Fort Myers, Florida.

For over 30 years, Jim has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, serving on the boards of a private Catholic college and an organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. His deep involvement in his parish—including work in a church food pantry serving Hispanic families and participation in numerous parish committees—opened his eyes to the pressing needs of the poor and underserved.

Several years ago, Jim and Drina were invited to volunteer with the after-school program at SMDP. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by the community and the incredible impact of the volunteers and staff deeply moved them. Inspired by the dedication and compassion they saw, Jim felt called to get more involved.

Today, Jim continues to support SMDP with the same passion and generosity that have defined his lifelong service to others.

Diane Baiardi, Secretary

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Diane’s strong foundation in faith and service began early, attending parochial schools for 12 years and later graduating from a Catholic university. She built a successful 35-year career in Sales and Marketing at Chrysler Corporation, retiring from a middle management role.

At age 42, Diane embraced a new chapter when she married a widower with five children. Though she occasionally volunteered with the Special Olympics, it wasn’t until retirement and a move to northern Michigan that she truly felt called to give back. She began volunteering at Hospitality House, a home-away-from-home for families—similar to a Ronald McDonald House—and later at the Manna Food Project alongside her husband.

After his passing in 2017, Diane heard about SMDP through St. John XXIII Catholic Church. What began as part-time volunteering while wintering in Florida soon became a deeper commitment when she relocated permanently to Cape Coral. For over five years, Diane has been a dedicated Thursday volunteer at SMDP and recently expanded her involvement as a member of the Board of Directors.

Diane treasures the relationships she’s formed with both clients and fellow volunteers. She is continually inspired by the humility, generosity, and shared commitment of those working to lift others up.

Giles Heuer, Treasurer

For more than 25 years, Giles has been a passionate supporter of charities dedicated to helping families break the cycle of poverty. His generosity and commitment are reflected in his long-standing support of organizations such as Unbound—where he currently sponsors 14 children around the world—as well as Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Extension, and Hope for Haiti.

Giles became involved with SMDP about a decade ago, initially volunteering with the after-school homework program. His desire to make a meaningful impact quickly grew, and he soon took on additional responsibilities, using his professional skills to help behind the scenes.

Today, Giles continues to serve SMDP as Treasurer of the Board of Directors, where he manages the organization’s financial records with dedication and care. His deep compassion and steady leadership are a vital part of the SMDP mission.

Steve Zeder, Director

A native of Buffalo, NY, who lived in Texas for 26 years, Steve’s formation revolved around a 30 week JustFaith program that brought him into touch with the plights of others in the Fort Worth area. Through many trips to Cabezas, Bolivia, and his experiences as a 10-year member of the Fort Worth Mission Council, Steve saw firsthand that difficulties were shared in every community. Since coming to Florida, Steve has been focused on food security, volunteering at the Harry Chapin Food Bank and SMDP Outreach. He serves as Chairman of the Board, while still working on dinner service and pantry operations.

Tom Howe, Director

Tom brings over four decades of experience in the banking and financial services industry to his volunteer work at St. Martin de Porres Outreach. A native of Keene, New Hampshire, he graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in 1972 and began his career as a Trust Officer at Fleet Bank in Providence, Rhode Island. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to oversee all deposit and investment products, including the creation of the proprietary Galaxy mutual fund. While working full-time, Tom also earned his MBA from the University of Rhode Island.

In 1998, he joined Webster Bank in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he managed insurance and investment product distribution across the retail banking network. He retired in 2015 as Executive Vice President and became a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) in 2006.

Tom began volunteering at SMDP in 2017 and joined the Board of Directors in 2022. Having relocated to Fort Myers upon retirement, he brings a deep understanding of financial stewardship along with a heart for service. Throughout his career and community involvement, Tom has remained deeply aware of the challenges facing the homeless and underserved. Today, he is passionately committed to advancing SMDP Outreach’s mission in the Tice community.

Dave McDowell, Director

Originally from western Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, Dave began his career in information technology at Westinghouse Electric after college. He and his high school sweetheart, Maryanne, have been married for over 50 years and are proud parents of two children and grandparents to five.

Dave’s career later took him to Cleveland, Ohio, where he held leadership roles in IT at National City Bank and PNC Bank. After relocating to Fort Myers in 2016, he retired in 2018 and quickly became active in community and church life.

A lifelong volunteer, Dave has coached Catholic grade school basketball, worked with Habitat for Humanity, supported church festivals and food distribution efforts, and sang in the church choir for over 35 years. A member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, he has served as a Eucharistic Minister since 2020—bringing the Eucharist weekly to Catholic patients at Lee Health’s Gulf Coast Hospital.

Dave volunteers at St. Martin de Porres Outreach, serving meals and helping with cleanup on Wednesdays. He feels truly blessed to be part of the SMDP community and its mission of service.

Jim Korom, Director

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jim spent 40 years practicing employment law before retiring to Fort Myers. He and his wife, Lucia, first began spending winters in Southwest Florida in 2014, and soon after, they became active volunteers at St. Martin de Porres Outreach.

Now a full-time resident, Jim brings his time, talent, and good humor to a variety of roles. In addition to serving on the SMDP Board of Directors, he is a regular lector and sacristan at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, assists with the funeral ministry, and serves on the Board of Faith & Ale Lee County.

Calling himself a “recovering lawyer,” Jim is grateful for the opportunity to support meaningful work in the community and continues to give back wherever he can.

Leslie Robertson, Director

Originally from the New York metropolitan area, Leslie built her professional career in systems management with The Dow Chemical Company, eventually settling in Midland, Michigan. There, she became deeply involved in her community, serving on the Housing Commission Board, the Affordable Housing Alliance Board, and with Habitat for Humanity—all organizations dedicated to providing housing solutions for those in greatest need.

Leslie was also an active leader in her parish, serving on the parish council and volunteering regularly at the local soup kitchen, living out her commitment to service and social justice.

For the past 22 years, Leslie has called Fort Myers home. A devoted member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, she has spent the last decade as a dedicated volunteer with SMDP. In addition to her responsibilities as a board member, she plays an active role in several key operational areas, generously giving her time and talents to support the organization’s mission.

Leslie draws inspiration from Matthew 25:31–46, a scripture that guides her life of service: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Mindy Rutherford, Director

Mindy began volunteering at St. Martin de Porres in 2018, stepping in during the summer months when seasonal volunteers returned north. Since then, she has become a dedicated and deeply involved member of the SMDP family. She and her husband, Chris—married for 50 years—moved from Chicago to Fort Myers in 2016 and now serve together every Wednesday evening, helping serve dinner to patrons.

Mindy’s commitment to service goes far beyond mealtime. She coordinates the monthly Diaper Distribution, works in the food pantry on Fridays, and has taken a special interest in assisting unhoused clients with navigating vital services. From helping individuals acquire identification and apply for food stamps, to securing Social Security and disability benefits, Mindy has even had the joy of helping some clients obtain permanent housing.

In 2023, Mindy joined the St. Martin Board of Directors, where her compassion and hands-on experience bring valuable insight and heart to the team.

A member of Riverside Church, Mindy is guided by her deep faith and the verse that inspires her daily service: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Carolyn Smith, Director

Originally from upstate New York, Carolyn is a registered nurse with a deep passion for both caregiving and community service. A lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, Carolyn built her nursing career at the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital, where she worked with high-risk labor and delivery patients and later in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her commitment to compassionate care led her to begin volunteering in 1994 at Teresa House, a comfort care home for the dying. In 2002, she was named Executive Director, overseeing more than 100 community volunteers and student interns from SUNY Geneseo. Carolyn also served as a public advocate for Teresa House, sharing its mission and raising funds through presentations to civic organizations like the Lyons and Rotary Clubs.

After relocating to Fort Myers in 2007 with her husband, Carolyn remained deeply engaged in community service. She became active in several ministries at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, served as landscaping director for her HOA, and contributed to the master association’s Safety and Security Work Group. She also dedicated time to Community Cooperative, helping prepare and deliver meals to those in need.

Carolyn joined SMDP in 2016, initially cooking once a week. Today, she serves as the kitchen manager, prepares meals twice a week, manages all kitchen supply ordering, and is a valued member of the Board of Directors.

Through her work at SMDP, Carolyn has seen firsthand the needs of the community and the profound impact the organization has on the lives it touches. As she says, “Being able to give to the community feeds my soul and makes me a better person. It shows me how blessed I truly am.”

Michael Cloutier, Director

Michael and his wife, Nancy, relocated to Fort Myers from Clinton, Iowa in 2000 with their family. In Iowa, Michael was actively involved in parish life, playing a key role in the Diocese of Davenport’s efforts to consolidate seven parishes—helping to close churches and establish a new parish community.

Professionally, Michael has built a diverse career in manufacturing, working in industries ranging from aerospace and chemicals to food production and vending equipment. In Fort Myers, he and his family have been active members of St. Cecilia Catholic Community and have volunteered with St. Martin de Porres Outreach since 2016.

Michael values the opportunity to serve both staff and clients at SMDP and remains committed to the mission of faith, compassion, and community service.

Daniel Snook, Director

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Daniel returned to Southwest Florida in 2023 with his wife, Elaine, to join Florida Gulf Coast University as a Professor of Experimental Psychology. With a Ph.D. in Community Psychology, Daniel brings both expertise and empathy to his role as a volunteer, helping SMDP better serve the community by collecting and analyzing data to understand the needs of those we support.

Daniel’s passion for helping others has been a consistent thread throughout his life. He has led and participated in outreach efforts in both Atlanta and Jacksonville, always with a heart for uplifting those in need.

He and Elaine—now joined by their son, Theo—are active members of Riverside Church. Their deep faith in Jesus is the foundation of their service. As Daniel puts it, “If Jesus took the time to care for His neighbors, then I want to do the same.”

Daniel is a thoughtful, hands-on volunteer who combines professional insight with genuine compassion, helping SMDP grow in both impact and heart.

Elaine Snook, Director

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Elaine moved to Southwest Florida with her husband and son in 2023. She is the founder of an HR consulting firm and brings her professional expertise to St. Martin de Porres Outreach as both a volunteer and, as of spring 2024, a board member.

Elaine earned her MBA from Emory University in 2021 and worked in the private tech sector before launching her own business. Her and her husband Daniel and their son Theo attend Riverside Church in Fort Myers, where she also serves on the worship team.

At SMDP, she supports behind-the-scenes operations, contributing to projects like the quarterly newsletter and organizational communications. Passionate about service and justice, she believes deeply in the calling of the body of Christ to serve others and be a light in the darkness: “I want to love others the way Jesus would have.”

Doralma Velazquez, Director & Administrator

Born in Puerto Rico, Doralma built a successful career as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry before relocating to Fort Myers in late 2009. Prior to her move, she was deeply involved in her parish, leading youth missions and spiritual retreats—experiences that reflect her lifelong commitment to faith and service.

In Fort Myers, Doralma became an active member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, where she first learned about the mission of St. Martin de Porres Outreach. Inspired to get involved, she began volunteering and has been a devoted member of the SMDP team for the past two years.

Today, Doralma serves on the Board of Directors and works closely with the Operations Manager as Administrator, assisting with the day-to-day activities that keep the Outreach running smoothly. Her hands-on support, organizational skills, and compassionate spirit make her an invaluable part of the SMDP family.