PARADE OFFICERS
Fiona Stewart Jimenez
2026 Grand Marshal
Read more about the history of our Grand Marshals by visiting the Grand Marshals page.
Michael dePascale
Chairman
Michael dePascale is a second-generation Irish American who is deeply involved in the Irish community of New Haven. He and his family are dedicated members of the Knights of St. Patrick, with Mike heading the Membership committee.
In 2017, Mike was elected President of the Knights of Saint Patrick, marking his entry into the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee. He continued his involvement, serving as Corporate Chair and overseeing parade events such as the Parade Awards and Shamrock Open Golf Tournament.
Professionally, Mike holds the role of Technology Project Manager at MassMutual. Outside of work, he enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. He resides in Milford.
Catherine Hopkins Zaneski
Secretary
Catherine Mary Hopkins Zaneski is a fourth generation Irish- American who has been active in the Irish American community all of her life. She grew up as the 4th of 5 children in an Irish Catholic home, spending a lot of time at the New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club. She was honored to be Crowned St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen in 1998. She then chaired and co-chaired the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen Committee for many years.
As Parade Queen, Catherine joined the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and has been an active member ever since. She loves being on the committee and honoring her heritage, keeping the traditions alive. In 2023, Catherine started and chaired the Inaugural Frosty Shamrocks Plunge for the Parade which in now one of the signature parade events, she served as Corporate Co- Chair in 2024, and has chaired the Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling event, Yoga Workshops, as well as volunteering on numerous other committees.
Catherine is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has been working at the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System since February 2003 in outpatient psychiatry. She lives in Madison with her Husband, Dan, her two children, Madison and Connor, chocolate lab, Captain and Bunny, Caramel. Catherine and her family love being outdoors and spend a lot of time at the beach and her children’s sporting events. Catherine is an advocate for healthy lifestyles and loves to run, workout, practice and teach yoga. She is honored to be the 2026 Secretary.
John McGovern
Chief of Staff
John McGovern joined the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in 2009. As a first-generation Irish American, he is committed to promoting Irish culture and heritage and has been active in the Irish community of New Haven for many years. He served as Co-chairman of the Shamrock Open Golf Tournament Committee in 2025. He is an active member of the Annual Corned Beef Dinner committee and took on increasing responsibilities in 2024-2025.
John is a long-time member of the Knights of Saint Patrick, having recently completed a successful term as President for 2024-2025. He previously served as Treasurer from 2005-2010 and was selected as Knight of the Year in 2010. He remains an active member of the organization and is on the Board of Directors.
John recently retired from full time work following a 39-year career with SNET/AT&T. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, volunteering in the Irish community and spending time with his family. He is the proud father of two daughters and Pop to one grandson.
Mary Malenda
Executive Chair
Mary is a first-generation Irish American whose father journeyed from Ireland to the United States in 1910 at the age of fifteen, joining an uncle and laying down roots. On her mother’s side, Mary descends from famine-era immigrants who brought with them an enduring love of Ireland and a wealth of stories which have been passed down in the family. After moving with her husband John and their children to West Haven in 1972, Mary began fostering their roots by attending the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Her children and grandchildren continue to march in the parade.
In 1992, Mary joined both the West Haven Irish American Club and the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, soon serving as Club Marshal and later as Club President from 2000 to 2001. Her involvement extended to organizations such as the Knights of St. Patrick, the Irish History Roundtable, and Charter Membership in the Irish Heritage Club of Milford. Within the Parade Committee, she fulfilled several roles—including Parade Day Marshal, Chair of the Parade Ball, Chief of Staff (elected in 2004), and Grand Marshal in 2007.
Since retiring from the Department of Labor, Mary has continued her dedication to community service. She has served on the Board of the West Haven Library and the Board of WHEAT — where she was once President — and is involved with the West Haven Historical Society as well as the West Haven Fireworks Committee.
Joseph Michael Lynch
Executive Secretary
Joseph Michael Lynch, a lifelong resident of New Haven and Branford, has been deeply rooted in his community from an early age. Raised in Fair Haven with his family. Joseph is the son of Maureen Sullivan and Michael V. Lynch. He comes from a family with strong ties to local traditions and community leadership, notably in the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, where he has contributed for over two decades.
Throughout his time with the Parade Committee, Joseph has held various leadership roles, including 2026 Executive Secretary and Grand Marshal in 2013—the first time in the parade’s history that a father and son both served in this role. As well as the event’s first nephew-aunt Grand Marshal connection. His involvement extends to chairing and supporting numerous events and community initiatives such as media outreach, sponsorship, charity events, and historic commemorations.
Professionally, Joseph serves as Lead Building Services Coordinator at Yale Law School, where he has worked for thirty years, following a career as a carpenter. He is also an active member of several local organizations, including Irish cultural clubs, the Knights of Columbus, and the Branford Elks Lodge. Joseph remains dedicated to his family, community service, and the preservation of Irish-American heritage in the New Haven area.
Ann Cotter Ballard
Treasurer
Ann Cotter Ballard, a long-standing member of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee since 2004, has deep Irish roots originally from New Haven and Waterbury. Before being appointed Treasurer, Ann was engaged in major parade events including originating the Shamrock Open Golf Tournament, co-coordinating the Wine Tasting at Anthony's Ocean View, and establishing the Emerald Isle Fashion Show. Ann also held the position of Corporate Chairman.
Ann is a member of the New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club, fondly known as “The Gaelic Club” at the IACC in East Haven. Growing up, Ann recalls the fun times at the AOH in Waterbury where her family were members. Through her involvement in the Irish Community, Ann hopes to pass along her Irish heritage to her three daughters and granddaughter, Briella. When not involved in parade activities, Ann's enjoys a round of golf, listening to live music, a week or two in the Winter in Florida and early summer at Cape Cod, she also travels often to LA and Nashville to visit with her daughters.
Patrick J. Smith
Parade Coordinator
Patrick J. Smith has been on the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee for many years. He grew up in New Haven and has contributed to the Irish community throughout his lifetime. He is a member of the Knights of St. Patrick, where he had the honor of serving as a President three times. Throughout his time on the parade committee, he served in various roles and was proudly named the Grand Marshal of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2018. In 2022, Patrick added a new role to his top hat with Parade Coordinator.
DONATE
The Associated Irish Societies is an IRS recognized non-profit with 501(c) (3) status. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations are payable to the Associated Irish Societies.
ABOUT
The Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Connecticut’s largest single day spectator event attracting more than 325,000 people to the streets New Haven each year. The Parade is a longstanding tradition in the New Haven community, and the members of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee volunteer to ensure the tradition continues.
© 2025 Associated Irish Societies, Inc.