22 DECEMBER 2022 O nce a commercial banker, Jess Roman has gone from serving financial solutions to business owners to serving food and financial support to those most in need: the homeless population. He began volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul more than 20 years ago, but in 2016, Roman hung up his three-piece suit and went to work for the nonprofit agency as a senior development officer. “It is such a blessing to work at St. Vincent de Paul and have the opportunity to give back,” Roman said. “I get such satisfaction and gratitude, and it provides me with balance and perspective.” Roman is a second-generation Arizona native who grew up in a tight-knit Hispanic family. He and his sisters attended Catholic schools, and the church was significant, but family was always what mattered most. “Growing up, we experienced a fair amount of prejudice, and that’s just how it was,” Roman said. “My dad taught us to look past that stuff and just outwork everybody, adding ‘be humble and be nice to people.’” Roman has taken that advice to heart because his reputation precedes him as a caring and compassionate man with a devotion to the word of God. “Jess is a true servant leader and someone who always puts others ahead of himself,” Steve Zabilski, long-time St. Vincent CEO, said. Jess enjoys reading, citing that he likes to tap into the wisdom of great thinkers. One of his favorite books is by Joseph Campbell, who wrote, “If you are on your own path, things are going to come to you. Since it’s your path, and no one has ever been on it before, everything that happens is a surprise and is timely.” In 2018, Jess and his three grown children – Brittany, Jessie and Allison – lost their devoted wife and mother, Beth. “Beth loved being a mom. She wasn’t just a homemaker. She was a curator of the art of serving her family and friends in a special way. But she had done enough being a mother and caring for others, so God decided to take her, promising He would sustain us,” Roman said when delivering her eulogy at an overflowing Brophy Chapel. He admits that life without his wife has been filled with profound grief, but he has leaned into his faith, friends, and the responsibility of leading his children through loss. Flagstaff is their family gathering place, where Roman goes to recharge. “It’s home base for us and a spiritual place to reflect and renew,” he said. When Roman isn’t busy raising money for St. Vincent’s, he spends time with family and friends or studying the Bible. On Saturday mornings, he holds a “work party” with music blaring while cleaning the house from stem to stern. “My ultimate advice for my kids and their children is that they be good humans and live boldly but with humility,” Roman said, “and for what time I have left, I want to live my best life, healthfully, spiritually and curiously.” Jess Roman Be good humans. Live boldly but with humility. Let us host your Holiday Event!  Private Dining Rooms No room fees | Room for  -  guests Customizable food, beer & wine packages  N Scottsdale Rd |  8  .8  .8   | GrimaldisPizzeria.com

THANK YOU to all of my clients who have placed their trust in me throughout 2022. Being your Trusted Real Estate Advisor is not a job I take lightly. Wishing you and yours a joyful and safe holiday season. D E B B I E P O N T I K A S Arcadia Resident & Associate Broker 4 8 0 . 3 3 5 . 8 6 0 4 / / d e b b i e @ t h e b r o k e r y. c o m w w w . d e b b i e p o n t i k a s . c o m