St. Rose's Alumni Association (USA) Inc.
EXECUTIVE BOARD 2025 - 2026
Denise Harris Durant
(Class of 1977, Loreto House)
PRESIDENT
Denise Harris Durant attended St. Rose’s High School from 1970 to 1977. Following her graduation, she briefly worked in the public sector before joining the United States Information Service at the John F. Kennedy Library in Georgetown. Denise later relocated to Brooklyn, NY, where she pursued her education at Borough of Manhattan Community College before completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management.
Denise's career path led her to opportunities in the Telecommunications industry with AT&T, followed by a transition to the pharmaceutical industry. She served as a consultant to Merck & Co as a Business Analyst before embarking on a 15-year journey with Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation in various roles. After her tenure at Novartis, Denise took on a consultancy position with Indegene Inc., specializing in the pharmaceutical industry as a Program/Project Manager until 2022. That same year, Denise relocated from New Jersey.
Subsequently, Denise secured another consultancy role at Merck & Co, focusing on supporting the drug lifecycle process.
She is a mother of two sons and has chosen the southern state of Georgia as her home.
Raymond McMillan
(Class of 1983, Cologne House)
vice president
Alum of the class of 1983, Raymond McMillan attended St. Rose’s from 1975 and was one of the first male students when the school became a co-ed institution in that same year.
After graduating from the University of Guyana in 1989, Raymond migrated to Toronto, Canada where he started a career retail in management. After five years, he moved into the financial services sector where he worked as a financial advisor with a large investment firm and a few years later a major Canadian bank. In 1999, Raymond moved into entrepreneurship and started his mortgage broker company The McMillan Group which has in the last decade morphed into a real estate consultancy assisting clients to create wealth by investing in real estate in Canada, Florida, and parts of the Caribbean. The Canadian office is currently run almost exclusively by his eldest son.
Over the last two plus decades Raymond has been actively involved in the alumni association with both the US and Canadian chapters and is always ready to assist in the spirit of Serviam at a moment’s notice.
More recently Raymond has been involved in various planning committees for many of the US chapters annual events starting with the virtual concert which he co-hosted with a fellow alum during the COVID pandemic. His focus has always been on the well-being of the students at St. Rose’s in Guyana and he is always willing and prepared to work with the alumni association as we continue to uplift the quality of our campus and the students in the Spirit of Serviam.
Compton Grose
(Class of 1977, Cologne House)
treasurer
Compton Grose entered St. Rose's High School in Lower VI and graduated in 1977 from the Upper VI Business Program. In Guyana, he worked at an Accounts Clerk with the Guyana Transport Services Ltd. Compton gained his BSS, majoring in Management and minor in Economics from the University of Guyana. While in Guyana, Compton joined the Old Students Association of SRHS. Compton migrated to the United States where he continued his studies at the New York City College of Technology gaining a BS in Education Technology and Touro Graduate School of Business gaining a MS in Human Resources Management.
Compton worked in the private, not-for-profit, and government sectors. Compton has been involved with the St. Rose’s Alumni Association USA Inc. since the early 1990s and held various positions within the organization.
Maureen Headley-Walker
(Class of 1972, Lima House)
Assistant Treasurer
Maureen Walker, formerly known as Maureen Headley, was born in the village of Plaisance in Guyana, South America. She graduated from St. Rose’s Catholic High School in 1972 and worked at the Central Bank of Guyana before immigrating to the United States of America.
Maureen holds an MBA in Finance from the University of New Haven and a BSc in Accounting (magna cum laude) from Brooklyn College. Ms. Walker has served as an Adjunct Professor of Finance and Accounting at Iona University (formerly known as Iona College), Mercy College, and Monroe College. She has also served on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement and worked as a consultant for the Mount Vernon Public Schools in New York through Junior Achievement.
Maureen Walker, a New York State Certified Public Accountant, was first elected to the Office of Comptroller in the City of Mount Vernon (the 7th largest city in New York State) in 1993. She made history by being the first woman, the first African American, and the first person of Caribbean descent to hold this position in both the City of Mount Vernon and the State of New York. Maureen Walker served as Comptroller for an impressive twenty-four years.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions as Comptroller, Maureen has been honored with over one hundred awards and certificates of achievement from various esteemed sources, including mentions in the 105th and 108th Congressional Records of the US Congress and The Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award.
Having retired from public office, Maureen now resides in Georgia with her husband, Robert.
Lorraine Croft-Farnell
(Class of 1969, Cologne House)
Secretary
After graduating from St. Rose's High School in 1969, Lorraine worked at Cable & Wireless UK Ltd. for several years before migrating to the US in 1976. She is a dedicated and retired Healthcare Administrator with a rich history of commitment to the association. Since 1994, she has been an integral part of the association, serving in various leadership roles on the Executive Board and committees contributing to the growth and success of the organization.
Lorraine's passion for the association's mission and objectives shines through her actions and dedication. With a strong belief in the principles and values she learned at St. Rose’s, Lorraine channels her enthusiasm into fostering community engagement and service among fellow alumni.
With confidence, loyalty, integrity, and empathy, Lorraine endeavors, alongside the Executive Board, to support the administration of St. Rose's High School and create opportunities for student success. Her dedication to education and service is a testament to her character and values.
Outside her professional endeavors, Lorraine shares family time with her husband, children and grandchildren. Her spare time is spent listening to music and spending valuable time with her family and friends.
Jennifer Gomes-Pierre
(Class of 1979, Brescia House)
assistant secretary
Jennifer Pierre, nee Gomes, attended St. Rose’s High School between 1972 and 1979 and was a member of Brescia House. During her time there, she participated widely in sports, even once serving as the Captain of the Circle Tennis team. She was a Guider for the Girl Guides and held other positions such as Senior Prefect for the School and Vice-Captain for Brescia. After migrating to the US in 1979, she attended university and pursued higher education in Public Health, ultimately obtaining a Doctor of Public Health degree in sociomedical sciences from Columbia University. Jennifer’s public health career spanned over thirty-four years, most of which was spent at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Health Department) working in Tuberculosis Control and the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness, in under-served communities around New York City. She recently retired from the Health Department as the Senior Director of Research and Evaluation after twenty-three plus years of service.
Jennifer is happily married to her spouse of thirty-four years, together with whom she shares three sons. Throughout her life, Serviam, has indeed been her watchword. She has served and supported the St. Roses Alumni Association USA Inc. (SRAA) over the years as a member of the Project Planning and Fundraising committees. She also served as the Secretary for the Association from 2010 - 2012. Since retiring in September 2024, Jennifer and husband has relocated to Johns Creek, Georgia, and she is enjoying exploring her new surroundings.
During her spare time, she loves to travel, fatten her family with new recipes, enjoy movies and Broadway shows, binge watching Netflix shows, dance, exercise and listen to jazz, soul, R&B and pop. Her latest favorite artist is Teddy Swims. Jennifer is looking forward to becoming more involved in the activities of SRAA and would be happy to actively serve again.
Bisoondat "Mac" Macoon
(Class of 1977, Loreto House)
board member
After successfully completing his 'O' Levels at Queens College, Bisoondat "Mac" Macoon embarked on his educational journey at St. Rose's High School in 1975. He was among the pioneer male students and actively participated in the inaugural Hinterland Development Program (HDP). Upon graduating in 1977, he remained at the institution as a dedicated staff member until he commenced his higher education at the University of Guyana in 1980. Subsequently, he pursued advanced studies at the University of Florida, earning both his Master of Science in 1991 and Ph.D. in 1999.
Mac, a seasoned agricultural scientist, honed his expertise through diverse roles, including his tenure at CARDI for 3 years and NARI for seven years in Guyana. He also served as a respected professor at Mississippi State University for an impressive twenty-two years. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of National Program Leader at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, further contributing his wealth of knowledge and wealth of experience to the field.
Dexter Vickerie
(Class of 1988, Lima House)
board member
Dexter became a proud member of the St. Rose’s Alumni Association in 2023! In joining the Alumni Association, he volunteered to be a part of the Bylaws Committee which opened the door for him to gain a first-hand view of the underpinnings of the association’s bylaws and other associated policies. Thus far, it has been an amazing experience working with the rest of the fellow alumni.
His academic and professional background includes undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications which have allowed him opportunities to lead and manage various teams primarily in the healthcare sector over the past twenty-nine years. Dexter academic journey began in 1991 leading to a bachelor’s degree, and then a master’s degree in nursing education, and continued with attaining various post graduate certifications. From a professional standpoint, he feels fortunate to have served in various capacities including Vice President of Clinical Operations, Corporate Director of Risk Management, and currently, as Director of Quality Assurance, Compliance and Risk Management for one of the largest post-acute providers across multiple states.
During the recent election, Dexter was nominated and chose to pursue becoming a board member of the Alumni Association. My education and professional experience working collaboratively with various team members from frontline staff to executive leadership have provided him with valuable experience to be effective as a board member in upholding the goals and objectives of the organization and positions him to serve all stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Dexter is grateful for the nomination and looks forward to serving to further elevate the goals and objectives of the Alumni Association to benefit St. Rose’s High School, and its past and current students in the spirit of Serviam!
Naline Persaud-McMillan
(Class of 1982, Brescia House)
Ex-officio
For the past twenty-five years, Naline has been actively; and passively involved in the alumni association in several capacities including, Treasurer, Board Member as well as being on a few of our committees including fundraising.
Naline's academic and professional background includes under graduate and post graduate qualifications along with two plus decades of managing teams in both private and public corporations primarily in the finance departments. Her background, work experience and education will allow her to effectively lead the board and uphold the goals and objectives of our organization.
In keeping with our school motto Serviam – she looks forward to being of service not only to the board and the association, but also to current and past students at St. Rose’s High School. Naline lives her life by deeds and not by words so it is her hope that she can lead the organization to further enhance the network among past students, improve the quality of the education of the current students and raise the funds necessary to meet the needs of our school.