In its 112th year, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA) officers gathered in Sarasota, Florida, to elect the leaders who will forge the future of the oldest and largest national organization for people of Italian heritage. Vera Girolami of California was elected as OSDIA’s 36th National President and sworn in on August 19.

Joining OSDIA National President Girolami are the following officers: Nancy Di Fiore Quinn of New York, National First Vice President; Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. of New Jersey, National Second Vice President; Joseph A. Boncore, Esq. of Massachusetts, National Third Vice President; Michael G. Polo of Connecticut, National Fourth Vice President; Richard R. Della Croce, Esq., National Fifth Vice President. And: Michael P. Creedon, Esq., National Orator; Philip J. Privitera, Esq. of Massachusetts, National Recording Secretary; Tony Bisceglia Anderson of Northwest, National Financial Secretary; Thom A. Lupo of New York, National Treasurer; Carolyn Reres of New York, National Historian; Rev. R. Adam Forno of New York, National Chaplain.

National Past President Joseph J. DiTrapani of New York was appointed to serve a third straight term as President of the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF), OSDIA’s philanthropic arm. Established in 1959, the SIF has contributed more than $165 million to scholarships, medical research, disaster relief efforts, cultural projects, veterans’ causes and other special projects.

Kevin A. Caira of Massachusetts was appointed to serve a second straight term as National President of the Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ), OSDIA’s anti-defamation arm. The CSJ fights the stereotyping of Italian Americans. For the past few years, it has focused on preserving Columbus Day.