Michael John Rossi elected ICF Grand President

At the annual Convention in September, 2007, the Central Council of the Italian Catholic Federation voted Michael John Rossi as its newest Grand President. Although he has spent the past several years moving up the ranks of the ICF, Mike Rossi has admitted he wasn’t completely prepared for the level of issues and mass amounts of communications that were bestowed upon the office of ICF grand president.

“I didn’t expect this many phone calls and emails everyday,” Mike said with a smile.
Although he was shocked, he was more than prepared to take over the position vacated by past Grand President Leonard Rossi (no relation).

Mike joined the ICF, Branch 391, St. Martin of Tours, in San Jose, California, in 1989 with his wife Marcie. Mike’s parents, John and Donna Rossi, were already members of the branch and convinced Mike and Marcie to join with their two children, Mike Jr. and Kristen.

It didn’t take Mike very long to take an active role at the branch level. From 1992 to 1993 Mike was Branch 391’s president, and from 1999 to 2000 he was president of the Santa Clara Valley District.
Mike was elected to the Central Council in 1999 upon a vacancy when George Bacigalupi was elected to Life Member.

During his time on the Central Council Mike has served as sergeant at arms, grand trustee, grand 2nd vice president, and grand 1st vice president, culminating in his current position as grand president. Mike has also served as chair of the By-Laws Committee, Workshop Committee and the Deputy Program.

However all encompassing the position of ICF grand president may be, Mike’s professional career is as the vice president of engineering and water quality for the California Water Service Co. Clearly Mike has the ability to lead a group and complete whatever tasks are at hand. In order to achieve such a high position with the water department Mike has a BS in Civil Engineering from San Jose Sate University, and an MBA in Business from San Jose State University.

Had Mike’s family stayed in Pipestone, Minnesota, where Mike was born on June 26, 1953, neither the water department, nor the ICF, would have had the opportunity to benefit from his wealth of expertise and many talents. But, in 1954, the Rossi family picked up and moved from Minnesota to California. Mike is one of six children born to John and Donna Rossi. His siblings include: Tom, Joe, John, Jim, and Mary who has already passed away.

When not working for the water department, or the ICF, Mike enjoys skiing, and vacationing in Pinecrest and Maui. As is the case with many members of the ICF Central Council, Mike too is a big Disney fan, and he also has a large record (LP) collection.

Michelle Feldman

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