Chris Canetti President, Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee
Chris Canetti is President of the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee and oversees the city’s plans to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Prior to his current role, Canetti served as President of the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee and led the successful effort to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Houston. Houston was named a FIFA World Cup host city in June of 2022 after a four-year bidding process.
He took on the World Cup Bid Committee role in 2019 after working 19 seasons as an executive in Major League Soccer.
Canetti was with the Houston Dynamo for 13 years and served as club President for eight years. When he stepped down in October 2018, he was the longest tenured club President in Major League Soccer. He joined the Dynamo in its inaugural season of 2006 as the team’s Chief Operating Officer and was promoted to President in 2010.
He was a part of three championships with the Dynamo, including two MLS Cup titles and one U.S. Open Cup title. During his tenure, the Dynamo made eight playoff appearances, including trips to seven Conference Finals and four MLS Cup Finals.
Canetti has been on the Houston sports scene for more than 19 years and has established a positive reputation locally and nationally. He was listed on the Sports Illustrated2013ranking of the “Top 50 Most Powerful People in U.S. Soccer” by Grant Wahl. He was given Honorable Mention by the Houston Chronicle on the “2019 List of Houston’s Top 10 Most Important Sports Figures” and on the “Top 10 Houston Coaches and Executives for Teams of the Decade.” He was also Named “No. 1 Most Powerful Person in Houston” by AXIOS Houston in 2022 and Honorable mention by Houston Chronicle on 2023 List of “Houston’s Top 10 Most Influential Sports Figures”.
Canetti managed the public-private development of Shell Energy Stadium, a state-of-the art venue that opened in 2012. Since then, the stadium has hosted a variety of great events, from Dynamo games to international soccer, rugby, lacrosse, football, and concerts - including hit shows like Ed Sheeran and Kenny Chesney. He oversaw the 2010 MLS All-Star Game at NRG Stadium that featured Manchester Unitedand attracted a sellout crowd of 70,000 people, making it the fifth-most attended All-Star game in U.S. history at the time. Canetti’s was responsible for creating the Houston Dash, the city’s professional women’s soccer team.
Canetti serves on or has served on multiple non-profit boards, including the Greater Houston Boys & Girls Clubs, Central Houston, Inc, Dynamo Charities, Greater Houston Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, and the East End Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, he has led several community initiatives in and around Houston. He has received numerous honors including the Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awardand MLS Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year Award. He was honored by the American Diabetes Association with the Houston Chapter’s “Generosity to Mankind Award.” His most notable community work was in 2013 when he led the efforts to support Newtown, CTafter the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Canetti organized “Soccer Night in Newtown” which drew global soccer stars such as Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm and brought together the North American soccer community to provide hope and healing for the town. Canetti remained active in the Newtown community, and, in 2014, he was a recipient of the Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Award.
Canetti also spearheaded the Dynamo’s efforts to support first responders by recognizing members of the Newtown, CT and Boston, MA Police Departments after tragedies in its communities. He also led an initiative to support the Houston Fire Department after they lost four members of their squad in a 2013 fire. Under his leadership, the Dynamo organization contributed to the community’s response after the Hurricane Harvey disaster in 2017. Shell Energy Stadium served as a drop off and distribution point for vital supplies, and the club organized two charitable matches that raised funds for the relief efforts.
He also assisted the Santa Fe (TX) community after a tragic school shooting in 2018, working with a group of Santa Fe High School students to help launch a non-profit organization called Hearts United for Kindness.
Prior to joining the Dynamo, Canetti served as the Assistant General Manager for the New York Red Bulls of MLS. He joined the New York organization in 2000 when it was called the NY/NJ MetroStars. He spent six years with the team in various roles, including Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations.
Ironically, Canetti’s first love was baseball, which he played growing up and in college. After graduation from Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) in 1992, he spent six years working with the New Haven Ravens, a Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies – the last three as the team’s General Manager. He was just 26 when he was promoted to GM, making him the youngest GM in baseball.
Prior to joining the Ravens, Canetti was an Associate Sports Editor for the Shoreline Times in Guilford, CT. He received his bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac and was a four-year letterman for the Bobcats’ baseball team.
He lives in the Houston area with his wife, Judi, and daughters Kara and Ella.
Immigration update for friends and family-This presentation will enlighten and surprise you with news you can use immediately especially for traveling domestically and internationally this summer.
Avalyn Castillo Langemeier is a partner at Foster LLP’s Houston office and is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She has been recognized by Who’s Who Legal: Corporate Immigration, Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 Next Generation Partners, and Lawdragon 100 Leading Immigration Lawyers. She also was recognized by Texas Executive Women as a Woman on the Move and by Houston Women’s Magazine as One of 50 Houston Influential Women in 2023. Avalyn focuses her practice on business and employment immigration and compliance, including visas, permanent residence, and Form I-9 compliance. She is a frequent speaker on immigration.
William M. Taggart IV has spent over 35 years working on major projects in deepwater oil/gas, shale oil, copper mining, and refineries. He is recognized as a subject matter expert on systems that control industrial applications and protect personnel, equipment, and the environment from those industrial processes. He took those skills and wrote "Fixing America: An Engineer's Solution to our Social Cultural and Political Problems". A book that Kirkus Reviews called "A timely, level-headed analysis of America's most polarizing political issues." This book takes America's problems and analyzes them with a nonpartisan, factual, data-driven approach to reach simple solutions that can be implemented. The book invites a discussion of the issues that America is grappling with.
Carrin Patman Immediate past Ambassador to Iceland Chair, Houston Metro 2016-2022
May 15, 2025 Iceland: Enduring Ally in the High North
Carrin graduated from Duke University (B.A. 1978, with honors) and The University of Texas School of Law (J.D. 1982), where she was a member of the Texas Law Review. For three decades, she litigated high-stakes litigation at Bracewell, LLP, and was the first woman elected to Bracewell’s management committee. In 2014, she completed a year-long Advanced Leadership Fellowship at Harvard University. In 2016, appointed by Mayor Turner and approved by City Council, Carrin became the first woman board chair of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, a role she held for six years. in that capacity, Carrin had the honor of previously speaking to this Rotary Club! In 2022, President Biden nominated Carrin to be the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland. Upon confirmation by the U.S. Senate without opposition, she was blessed to serve in our wonderful ally Iceland from 2022 until early 2025.
In recognition of her professional achievements combined with community service, Carrin has received the Woman on the Move Award, The Anti-Defamation League Southwest Region’s Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award, and The University of Texas School of Law Distinguished Alumna for Community Service Award, and has been inducted into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
Mike Miles was appointed Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District on June 1, 2023 and left his position as the CEO of Third Future Schools, a network of high-quality public schools in Colorado and Texas that he founded in 2016.
Prior to his latest work, Mike served three years as the Superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District and six years as the Superintendent of the Harrison School District in Colorado Springs. Under his leadership, both districts implemented ground-breaking initiatives, established a high-performance culture, and experienced significant growth in student achievement.
Mike has also served the public interest as a soldier and statesman. He served as a Company Commander and in the Army’s elite Ranger Battalion. Mike later served in the U.S. State Department as a Soviet analyst and member of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research. He then served as a Diplomat to Poland and Russia at the end of the Cold War.
Mike holds degrees from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University.
On Thursday, April 3rd the Rotary Club of Houston lunch speaker at Tony's Restaurant, 3755 Richmond Rd is Kevin Lilly who leads the TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission). Since 1935 their charter has included keeping organized crime out of Texas. I’m sure our speaker will tell us about a recent event in Houston that might be surprising. Interesting activities are happening here. What about organized human trafficking?
Kevin J. Lilly Chairman, TABC
Kevin J. Lilly has served as Chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission since 2017. He was a Founding Partner of Avalon Advisors, the largest privately owned wealth management firm in Texas. In 2023, Avalon merged with CI Financial, the nation’s largest independent wealth advisory firm, now known as Corient. Mr. Lilly currently serves as Vice Chairman of Corient.
Prior to founding Avalon in 2001, Lilly spent 11 years in the investment banking industry, beginning his career in the Sales and Trading division of Goldman Sachs. Lilly worked for Goldman Sachs both in New York and Houston.
Lilly was commissioned as a Lieutenant (Cavalry) in the U.S. Army via ROTC at The University of Texas at Austin. He served as a tank platoon leader and tank battalion staff officer and had one overseas deployment. Lilly left federal service as a Captain. He was appointed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry in 2009 to serve as a Regent of the Texas State University System, serving on the Finance and Audit Committee, as well as serving as Chairman of the Texas State University System Foundation Board until 2015. Lilly has published articles on project finance and military tactics.
In addition, Lilly has served as a board member and trustee for several organizations, including the Houston Symphony, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Houston Methodist Hospital Academic Institute, and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. He currently serves as a Colonel in the Texas State Guard and commanded the 8th Regiment during Hurricane Harvey. Lilly currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Southwestern University in Georgetown. He has a bachelor's degree, BBA, from the University of Texas’ McCombs School and a master's degree, MBA, from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. He resides in Houston and is married with three children.
Lilly’s term as Chairman is set to expire on Nov. 15, 2027
Walker Moody "Back from the Dead (perhaps): Energy and Investing" President, Pickering Energy Partners (PEP)
Walker Moody is the President of Pickering Energy Partners (PEP), an energy-focused financial services platform with capabilities in Investment Banking, Research, Investments, Capital Markets and Consulting. Prior to PEP, he served as a Partner and President of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Asset Management, the predecessor to PEP. Mr. Moody was previously with Goldman, Sachs & Co., within its Investment Management Division and was a Captain in the US Air Force with duties in the Middle East, the Pentagon, and was a Social Aide-de-Camp at the White House.
He is on the Executive Committee of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors and the Advisory Board of biotech venture capital fund, Altitude Ventures Texas. Additionally, he is an appointee to the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI), which aims to help Texas public institutions of higher education in recruiting distinguished researchers from around the world to Texas. Previously, he was a member of the Oversight Committee of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, the $3 billion dollar state program to fund cancer related programs and companies.
He holds an MBA from Auburn University and earned both a BS and BA, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Texas Christian University.
Walker is originally from Midland, Texas, and his family has been in the energy business for almost a century. Today Walker and his wife, Shanell reside in Houston with their three children.
"Back from the Dead (perhaps): Energy and Investing"
KRISTOPHER LARSON, AICP, LPM President and CEO Downtown Houston+
Kristopher Larson is President and CEO of Downtown Houston+ (DTH+) – the non-profit group responsible for providing the thought leadership, long-term planning and implementation of the redevelopment and revitalization of Downtown Houston for nearly 40 years – and its affiliate organizations, the Houston Downtown Management District (HDMD) and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA).
The HDMD and DRA are special assessment and tax increment districts, respectively, and combine to form one of the largest place management organizations in North America, collectively raising and investing $50M annually in advancing and improving Downtown Houston.
Touting two decades of leadership experience in cities across the nation, Larson is an award-winning urbanist whose career has been defined through his positive impacts on making cityscapes more vibrant places to live, work and play. His vast experience in urban place management, urban design and economic development gives him a unique voice in describing how the confluence of marketplace dynamics, architecture and the public realm can translate into defining placemaking experiences.
Prior to joining DTH+, Larson held positions on both the public and private sides of community leadership across the country, serving as President & CEO for three comparable organizations in Los Angeles, CA, Raleigh, NC, and Grand Rapids, MI, where he led both business improvement and tax increment finance districts.
He currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Downtown Association (IDA) – where has been the recipient of four Pinnacle Awards in the categories of Leadership, Planning, Advocacy and Marketing – and is a certified Leader in Place Management (LPM) and member of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Larson was twice honored with the coveted “Top 40 Under 40” in Long Beach, CA and Grand Rapids, MI, and was named as one of 2023’s Top 100 Texas leaders by the Houston Business Journal. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University and was a Daniel Rose Fellow through the Rose Center for Public Leadership, a collaboration between the Urban Land Institute and the National League of Cities. Larson lives on Allen Parkway, adjacent to the Buffalo Bayou, where he enjoys long runs along the Bayou’s world class trails.
Mexico remains one of the United States' closest and most valued partners, with a 2,000-mile shared border containing 47 active land ports of entry, and a shared history of over 200 years of diplomatic relations. More than 80 percent of its exports go to the U.S. and more than 40 percent of its imports come from the U.S. Estimates of economic benefit to the U.S? Nearly one trillion dollars in gross domestic products annually, more than 8 million jobs generated in the U.S., much of it in Texas.
Yet, under Trump 2.0, the countries are on the brink of an all-out trade war and a tumultuous four years ahead. Can the two countries work together on shared goals for migration, drug trafficking, tariffs, productive diplomatic relations and the growing China economic threat?
The Rotary club of Houston is proud to present Dr. Tony Payan, Rice University, Baker Institute Director of The Center for the U.S. and Mexico, in conversation with Rotary's own, Charles Foster, prominent Immigration Attorney.
Please invite your friends to this very important meeting.
Joe Colangelo
Program Committee
713-412-1875
MEXICO-U.S. RELATIONS UNDER TRUMP 2.0
TONY PAYAN in CONVERSATION with CHARLES FOSTER
Discussion Topics:
Immigration Issues
Fentanyl
Trade
Diplomatic-Political Relations
Tony Payan Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies Director, Center for the U.S. and Mexico
Biography
Tony Payan, Ph.D., is the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and the executive director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. He is also a professor of social sciences at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, where he directed the Social Science Doctorate Program from 2009 to 2012. From 2001 to 2015, Payan was a professor of political science at The University of Texas at El Paso.
Payan’s research focuses on border studies, particularly the U.S.-Mexico border. He examines daily life in liminal spaces, cross-border flows—both legal and illegal—and border governance issues. He also explores various topics affecting the U.S.-Mexico relationship.
He has authored, co-authored, or edited nearly 20 volumes on his research, in addition to numerous book chapters, monographs, white papers, issue briefs, and journal articles. Payan has served on several boards, including the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority, the Cross-border Relations Committee in El Paso, Texas, and the Plan Estratégico de Juárez in Ciudad Juárez. He is a member of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Immigration Advisory Committee and previously served on its Mexico Energy Task Force. He was president of the Association of Borderlands Studies from 2009 to 2010 and has been involved with multiple journal editorial boards.
Payan earned a B.A. in philosophy and classical languages and an MBA from the University of Dallas. He received a doctorate in international relations from Georgetown University in 2001.
Charles Foster Chairman of Foster LLP
Biography
Charles C. Foster is the Chairman of Foster LLP and is based in the Houston office. Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America, Chambers USA Senior Statespeople, Who’s Who Legal: Corporate Immigration Thought Leader, Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employer Lawyer – Immigration, and Top 100 attorney in Houston, his practice focuses primarily on representing multinational companies and foreign investors regarding U.S. immigration law.
Charles received both his J.D. and undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He lectures frequently before legal, academic, and professional organizations in Texas, throughout the United States and abroad and has published numerous articles on U.S. immigration law.
Charles has dedicated much of his career to the improvement of his community. He served as senior immigration policy advisor to President George W. Bush in the 2000 and 2004 Presidential campaigns and as an immigration policy advisor to Barack Obama in the 2008 campaign. He has testified before both U.S. Senate and House subcommittees on immigration matters. He is the founding Chairman of the Immigration & Nationality Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and has previously served as Chairman of the Governor’s Task Force on Immigration, the Greater Houston Partnership’s Economic Development Advisory Committee and World Trade Division, the American Bar Association’s Coordinating Committee on Immigration Law, and the State Bar of Texas Committee on Laws Relating to Immigration and Nationality and is past National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Houston Forum and the Houston Club and Board member of Ripley / Baker.
Orchids in Houston and Texas? Wildflowers? Unravel the mystery
Joe Liggio
From a rare native orchid in Memorial Park and other native Texas Wild Flowers, join Joe Liggio, a Texas botanist and environmental scientist, nature photographer, and writer as he shares his insights and photos.
He and his wife Ann wrote Wild Orchids of Texas published in 1999 by the University of Texas Press. His photos and writing have been published in various magazines, including Texas Highways, Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine, Science, Orchids (The bulletin e of American Orchid Society), Earth Magazine, Texas Mushrooms, and the Illustrated Flora of East Texas.
David M. Satterfield Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy | Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy
The Honorable David M. Satterfield is the director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and leads the institute's Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East. He is also the Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy. He has more than four decades of diplomatic and leadership experience, including service as special envoy for the Horn of Africa, assistant secretary of state, National Security Council staff director, and ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey and chargé d’affaires in Iraq and Egypt. From October 2023 to May 2024, President Biden appointed him U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues to lead U.S. diplomacy in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Satterfield’s extensive bilateral and multinational negotiating background most notably includes the 1995 Roadmap for Israel-Palestinian Peace (with the United Nations), the 2000 withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Lebanon and Blue Line boundary agreement (with the United Nations), and the 2008 Status of Forces Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq. As the State Department’s coordinator for Iraq, he managed the largest domestic staff in the department’s history and directed fundamental reforms to the Foreign Service.
As director general of the Multinational Force and Observers, Satterfield conceived and directed the comprehensive modernization of military and civilian peacekeeping operations and led fundraising efforts with the U.S. Congress and donor governments.
Among other honors, Satterfield is the recipient of the highest Department of State recognition as the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Award, the highest award for senior federal executives as the Office of Personnel Management Distinguished Federal Executive Rank Award, as well as the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service.
Satterfield is a graduate of the University of Maryland and speaks Arabic, French, and Italian. He is married to Elizabeth Ann Fritschle, a career Foreign Service officer.
Mr. Lord, who spent almost 30 years as a prosecutor in the US Department of Justice, Criminal Division, was a member of a legal delegation to Ireland and Northern Ireland in September of 2024. The attorneys in the delegation visited law schools, legal societies, bar associations, media representatives and historians. The purpose of these meetings was to share information and lessons learned about how the legal system can promote the Rule of Law and work towards agreements to end political violence.
This presentation will be an important study of how the Irish have resolved their differences with the UK, dealt with long-standing religious discrimination and violence, and promote the Rule of Law throughout the world. Most significantly, the US can adopt some of these programs to diminish political violence and improve civility.
The Irish know that political and religious violence can erupt at any moment- their institutions are working to bring people together through sports, charitable organizations, and non-government groups. They are sending their own delegations to foreign countries facing war and civil violence to help bring about peace and human rights.
The story of the Irish pursuit for human rights and the Rule of Law is a never-ending journey, just as it is for every nation.
TOPIC: CONTROVERSIES, CONFUSION, AND CRISIS IN MEDICINE
SPEAKER:KENNETH MATTOX, MD
INTRODUCTION BY:JAMES HARRELL, MD
CHAIR OF THE DAY:JOE COLANGELO
Modern medicine is full of controversies, disputes over scientific evidence for safety and efficacy of medical procedures and drugs, plagued by an abundance of “disease mongering” (telling healthy people they are sick – often for economic gain), and numerous junk/fake science "cures,” It is dynamic, rapidly evolving, and occasionally nonsensical.
The purpose of our program: To break through the “fog” by discussing controversial and confusing areas of medicine, while helping develop a guide for making good decisions about personal health care.
Topics on the table for discussion: Vaccines, Stem Cell Research, Off-label use of drugs, weight loss drugs, gene splicing and cloning, mainstream and alternative therapies, statins (cholesterol-reducing drugs), impact of termination of pregnancy laws, health care costs, and futility issues.
Please invite your friends to this timely and important program led by one of the most recognized surgeons in the world, a physician equally adept in the E.R, operating room, conference room, courtroom, and political arena- an administrator, educator, researcher, medical statesman - Rotary Club of Houston’s own Dr. Ken Mattox.
John Whitmire, the former Dean of the Texas Senate, was sworn into office as Houston's 63rd Mayor on January 2, 2024. He has served his community his entire adult life.
As a young boy, John worked odd jobs and learned the value of hard work, even shining shoes at a Harrisburg Beer Hall. He also witnessed domestic abuse and moved frequently as a child.
When a fire burned down his family home, the community wrapped their arms around him, donating clothes and providing shelter. That lesson in compassion and empathy would guide him as a public servant.
In his teenage years, Whitmire settled into a more stable life in Houston with his mother, a nurse, and his stepfather, a social worker. Watching his parents help people as public servants steered John towards a career path of service.
After graduating from Waltrip High School, he soon began working for the Texas “Food Stamp” office, at the time a nutrition initiative for poor families. The case numbers became people and families when he was sent out to do house visits. These real-life interactions would become the base for how John would analyze and shape policies.
At the age of 22, a chance meeting with his UH professor, the legendary Richard Murray, presented the precocious Whitmire with the chance to run for a newly drawn Texas House District. The new single-member district showed his home, high school, church, and hospital where his mother worked.
“It looks like they drew that one for me,” Whitmire recalled. And in that moment, his journey as a public servant was solidified.
Throughout his career as a State Representative for 10 years and State Senator for 40, Whitmire fought tirelessly for district representation across Houston. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the first Latino state senate district in Harris County and has been a staunch advocate for expanding access to early voting in person and Election Day polling locations in African American and Latino communities. His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights earned him the Harvey Milk Award in 1993 for his efforts against the criminalization of the Sodomy Law. Whitmire has also been a vocal champion of women's rights, backed by a 100% voting record. He has worked tirelessly to preserve the DREAM Act, ensuring undocumented young individuals can access in-state tuition rates. Additionally, he supported workers' compensation for injured farm workers and unemployment compensation.
In a pivotal moment in his life, Whitmire and his family were robbed at gunpoint, an experience that ultimately led to his chairmanship of the Criminal Justice Committee and his fight for public safety.
As a long-serving chair of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Whitmire has demonstrated his ability to strike a balance between being tough on crime and being smart on crime by implementing intelligent reforms. He authored the Sandra Bland Act, addressing law enforcement training, jail resources, and support for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse, or intellectual differences. He also spearheaded grand jury reform, eliminating the "pick a pal" system and promoting diversity in panel selection. Additionally, he successfully led efforts to decriminalize school behavior and expunged thousands of class C misdemeanors from the records of young Texans.
When called on by the people of Houston to run for mayor, Whitmire eagerly accepted the challenge because he believes in answering the call wherever it leads. With a wealth of experience working alongside nine mayors and seven governors, he possesses invaluable knowledge in public safety, infrastructure, and effective problem-solving.
John Whitmire's extraordinary life experiences, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record in getting things done make him a true public servant committed to the well-being of Houstonians.
What it the latest research in the world of Stem Cells?
Hear directly from Dr. Stanley Jones, MD
Dr. Stanley Jones is an orthopedic spine surgeon who has an active spine practice in the state of Texas and is a board-certified member of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
Dr. Jones received a B.A. in chemistry from Texas Tech University and an M.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed an internship at the University of Utah and an orthopedic residency at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He then served in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the Medical Corps.
Dr. Jones has served as President of the International Intradiscal Therapy Society, President of the Texas Spine Society and previously as Director of Memorial Hermann Hospital Systems Spine Surgery program. He is an active member of the North American Spine Society and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery.
Dr. Jones’ current interests are in the fields of minimally invasive spine surgery and pain management and in the use of adult autologous mesenchymal stem cells for medical benefits to patients.
In 2009, Dr. Jones suffered from a sudden onset of debilitating autoimmune psoriatic arthritis. Although he continued to see patients, his condition prevented him from performing surgery at his full capacity. Dr. Jones located a company in Seoul, South Korea, that had developed a state-of-the-art technology that allowed him to receive the treatment of his own stem cells. Four months after receiving his stem cells, he was able to return to a normal surgery schedule and a life without pain. Dr. Jones is responsible for bringing stem cell technology to Texas from overseas.
Steve Kean President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership
The Greater Houston Partnership is the Houston region’s principal business organization. The Partnership focuses on attracting investment and trade to Houston, building a strong workforce, advocating for sound public policy, and convening a diverse set of Houstonians when major issues arise.
Prior to joining the Partnership in 2023, Steve was Chief Executive Officer of Kinder Morgan, one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America.
Steve has worked in the energy industry since 1985 in various commercial, operational and legal positions, primarily in the wholesale energy and energy transportation and storage sectors.
Steve is Chairman of the Board of the Saint Constantine School, a classical Christian school in Houston. Steve also serves on the Advisory Board of the Collaborative for Children. Steve has been an active supporter of the Saint Constantine School, Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School, KIPP Houston, the Collaborative for Children and the Houston Area Urban League.
Steve holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and a law degree from the University of Iowa.
Steve is married to Melissa Kean. Melissa, the retired Centennial Historian for Rice University, earned her Ph.D. in history from Rice University. She is the author of Desegregating Private Higher Education in the South: Duke, Emory, Rice, Tulane, and Vanderbilt. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.
Steve Kean President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership
Brad is Vice President, Regulatory Policy at CenterPoint Energy. In this role, he is the company’s key witness in regulatory proceedings, leads innovative projects requiring regulatory approval, heads pursuits of grant funding for resiliency and breakthrough technology projects, and testifies on key policy initiatives before legislators.
He began his career in Houston in 1998 and has held various leadership positions in electric and natural gas operations. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Distribution Operations and Service Delivery, focusing on service levels and efficiencies improvement for existing and new electric customers.
Brad serves on the executive board of the Low Carbon Research Initiative and the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies. He is former chairman of the board of directors for Utilization Technology Development, a subsidiary of the Gas Technology Institute, and previously served on the boards for Goodwill Industries and the American Red Cross.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University and is a licensed professional engineer.
Houston is the Bayous City and while we love the many views we enjoy; we aren't fond of flooding issues that come with the territory.
What is happening with maintenance?
What is the Flood Control District Proposition A on the November ballot?
Does it mean a tax increase?
Let's ask Emily:
Emily Woodell Chief External Affairs Officer Harris County Flood Control District
The Harris County Flood Control District is a special purpose district created by the Texas Legislature in 1937 and governed by Harris County Commissioners Court. It was created in response to devastating floods that struck the region in 1929 and 1935.
23 primary watersheds within Harris County's 1,777 square miles...each watershed has its own independent flooding problems. Each watershed presents unique challenges.
Emily Woodell serves as the Chief External Affairs Officer for the Harris County Flood Control District, whose mission is to reduce the risk of flooding in Harris County, the third most populated county in the United States, with a population in excess of 4.7 million, including the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city. She leads communications, precinct coordination and government affairs for the organization, ensuring outreach and engagement efforts are consistent and effective.
Prior to joining the Flood Control District, Emily worked with a Houston-based communications firm and oversaw communications, advocacy, paid media, and public engagement efforts on behalf of a range of public and private sector clients, including the Flood Control District. She brings extensive experience engaging stakeholders and managing campaigns at the federal, state, and local levels.
Emily Woodell-Harris County Flood Control District
As the dynamic CEO of a premier development company and the co-owner of a distinguished real estate brokerage, Thomas Mouton stands as an influential figure in the Greater Houston area's real estate sector. His extensive experience spans all aspects of the industry, from residential and commercial properties to developmental projects, positioning him as a versatile stalwart in the field.
The Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) plays a pivotal role in shaping the city's real estate trajectory, serving as a touchstone for industry standards, ethics, and innovations. As Chair Elect of this esteemed organization, Thomas is not merely holding a title; he's safeguarding the future of Houston real estate. Gearing up to lead as Chairman of the Board in 2024, Thomas is poised to steer HAR through evolving market dynamics, keeping it at the forefront of real estate excellence.
In 2020, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive industry, Thomas pioneered the creation of a diversity taskforce within HAR. This initiative has not only championed diverse voices but has also instituted significant changes that resonate with both HAR's leadership and its broad membership.
Born and bred in Houston, Thomas' passion for the city is rooted deep. A proud alumnus of Aldine-Eisenhower High School, he showcased his athletic prowess as a student athlete. His basketball journey continued at Sam Houston State University, where he not only clinched a basketball scholarship but also honed his business acumen, culminating in a degree in business.
Transitioning from a commendable stint in the oil and gas sector, Thomas was drawn to the world of real estate. Initially embarking as an investor, he soon co-founded a real estate firm alongside his life partner and accomplished real estate professional, Indra Mouton. Together, they balance their business aspirations with the joys of raising their four cherished children.
Basketball still occupies a special place in Thomas' heart. Today, he channels his love for the sport into coaching and mentoring his sons, ensuring the legacy continues.
As we drive across Houston and surrounding area, HCC signs appear frequently. How many campuses do they have? What academic and trade specialties are offered? What opportunities are there for adults to take enrichments programs. Health sciences certifications, truck driving, construction industry and manufacturing, digital gaming, merchandising, culinary arts, dual credit classes...Real World Education- is Community college for everyone?. What questions do you have for the Chancellor?
Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D.
Chancellor of Houston Community College
Margaret Ford Fisher was named the 9th Chancellor of Houston Community College on January 24, 2024. From 2018-2023, she served as founding president of HCC Online College, leading to the establishment more than 60 fully online degrees and 70 hybrid programs, building a 62,000-plus enrollment.
Before that role, she served 20 years as HCC Northeast College president. There, she led two successful capital campaigns and community support for HCC District annexation. She led development of new, leading-edge STEM energy and biotechnology programs, secured federal and state grants and philanthropic support, and brokered industry relationships that led to high-tech, stackable-certificate programs, state-of-the art facilities, and 14,000 enrolled students.
Since joining HCC in 1985, Dr. Ford Fisher has served in leadership roles, including Interim Vice Chancellor of Instruction, Associate Vice Chancellor of Academics, Dean of Instruction, Division Chair of Arts and Humanities, and English Chair and professor. She has also taught at Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, and Wichita High School South. She was an assistant professor of Intercultural Communications and International Relations at Wichita State University (Kansas) for nine years.
Dr. Ford Fisher has been a lifelong advocate for education locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a long-time member of the HISD advisory committee and a lifetime NAACP member, as well as a long-term Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators advisory committee member and National Congress of Black Women board member. She is a past board member of the Greater Northside Chamber of Commerce and the Greenspoint and Heights Chambers of Commerce. She serves on the International Relations Commission of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and is a member of AACC’s Commission on Technology and Infrastructure Support. She held a three-year elected term on the AACC board and represented the organization before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy on National Science Foundation issues. She was AACC spokesperson at the international meetings of ministers of education in Windsor, Canada.
Her awards and honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee at the Rice University Community Forum upon her 2012 publication, Learning for Ownership, and Senior Education Advisor designation by the Honorable Rodney Ellis, former State Senator. She received the LULAC Council 42 Appreciation Award, the W. E. B. DuBois Award from the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the District Award of Merit from the Sam Houston Council of Boy Scouts of America—Antares District, and the Visionary Leaders Award from the Northeast College faculty and staff.
Dr. Ford Fisher has authored more than 50 publications and four books, including the first book on high school dual credit, High School Students Earning College Credit: Guide to Creating Dual Credit Programs (1996).
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in the Teaching of English from Wichita State University and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Houston.
A number of our members had the pleasure of hearing Dr Solis speak at District 5890 Conference and knew immediately you would be fascinated by his presentation. In clear language he discussed AI, its impact on society, why we need to understand how to harness that power and know how to ask questions to harness its many applications.
Dr. Vincent R. Solis President of Brazosport College
Dr. Solis is a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education. Prior to serving Brazosport College, he held the presidency at Western Nevada College, and has served in a multitude of senior and executive roles during his three decades long career, including providing leadership for Academic, Enrollment, and Student Success divisions and units. Dr. Solis' academic began at Chemeketa Community College, and he later attended Texas A&M-Kingsville, earning honors in his BA in Psychology and Sociology, an MS in Psychology, and a Doctorate in Bilingual Education.
Throughout his career Dr. Solis has been committed to education and serving the community. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Solis is an active community member, previously serving as President of the Community Boxing Club of Brownsville and Chair of the United Way State Employee Campaign. He also contributes to his community as a proud Rotary International member, twice named Rotarian of the Month, and received the 2016 Ignite Member of the Year award for outreach in service of Rotary. In his current role he is a proud member of the Board for the Dream Center and serves as a mentor in the BISD mentoring organization.
Dr. Solis is a sought-after public speaker, addressing audiences at the Department of Education, South Texas Hispanic Male Leadership Summit, Rotary, community groups, K12 settings, and civic/governmental entities. His presentation topics include Artificial Intelligence, Understanding Poverty, Technology, and Leadership.
He is a fervent advocate for education, frequently sharing his personal narrative of transformation from a high school dropout and youngest child of migrant workers to a professional educator, illustrating the profound and transformative power of education.
We have been hearing so much recently about the FBI and other law enforcement organizations, now is your chance to ask questions directly to the head of the FBI Office in Houston. He will provide an overview of the Houston Field Office, discuss lawful access, and answer your questions.
Tony's 3755 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77046
Thursday, August 8, 2024 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Douglas A. Williams Jr. Special Agent in Charge Houston FBI Office
Special Agent in Charge, Douglas A. Williams Jr. began his career as a Special Agent with the FBI in 2002 and was assigned to the Miami Field Office. During his tenure in the Miami Field Office, Mr. Williams investigated drug trafficking organizations, violent crime and organized crime.
In 2008, Mr. Williams was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at FBI Headquarters (FBIHQ) where he worked in the National Gang Targeting Center. During this time, Mr. Williams completed a four-month TDY to LEGAT Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom where he investigated public corruption in support of the International Contract Corruption Task Force. In 2010, Mr. Williams transferred to the Special Operations Division at FBIHQ where he served as an operations SSA.
In 2011, Mr. Williams was assigned as the SSA of the Cincinnati Field Office, where he oversaw the violent crime, transnational organized crime and violent crimes against childrenprograms. During this time, Mr. Williams was the Cincinnati Division SWAT Team Supervisor. In 2016, Mr. Williams was assigned as the SSA of the Cincinnati Division’s public corruption and complex financial crimes squad where he oversaw public corruption and complex financial crime investigations.
In 2016, Mr. Williams was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of theHouston Field Office, Criminal Branch II, with oversight over the violent crime, transnational organized crime, violent crimes against children and civil rights programs.
In January 2020, Mr. Williams was promoted to Section Chief of the Office of Congressional Affairs (OCA) at FBIHQ. During this time, Mr. Williams led a team which managed all FBI interactions with Congress, advised FBI executive leadership on Congressional matters, and oversaw the FBI’s Congressional oversight and investigations response.
In May 2021, Mr. Williams was selected as the Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Office.
In December 2023, Mr. Williams was selected as the Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Field Office.
Prior to his FBI career, Mr. Williams served as a Police Officer for the Kenton County (KY) Police Department. Mr. Williams earned a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, KY and a Master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Western Governors University.
Dr. David Persse Director of Emergency Medical Services for the City of Houston Public Health Authority, City of Houston EMS Physician Director, Houston Fire Department Chief Medical Officer for the City of Houston Chairman of the Board for SETRAC, SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council
As hurricane clean up is still a work in progress for many across the city, we need to look to the future. We’ve asked Dr Persse to update us on how we should be preparing for the next emergency, how to identify residents/neighbors who might need special services and not realize what is available, how we can mitigate the loss of life in the next crisis, and the scope of SETRAC in our efforts. Rotarian David Persse is uniquely positioned to explain the many moving parts.
SETRAC has been an effective leader in aligning hospitals, first responders, emergency managers, and public health officials across a 25-county region to plan for disasters and respond in a coordinated fashion.
Dr. Persse's career in medicine started with ten years experience as a field paramedic and paramedic instructor in upstate New York and New Jersey. After receiving his pre-med training at Columbia University in New York, he then attended Georgetown University School of Medicine. Graduating with honors in emergency medicine from Georgetown, he then completed residency training in emergency medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
Dr. Persse is also a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the South East Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council and a previous Chair of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. He is the recipient of the Keith Neely Outstanding Contribution to the National Association of EMS Physicians for his leadership during the Hurricane Katrina response, 2007, and the 2009 Michael K. Copass Award from the U.S. Metropolitan Medical Directors. He is a 2015 EMS Top 10 Innovator Award Winner from the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Dr. Persse received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities in Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine and was awarded the ACEP Outstanding Contribution to EMS Award in 2018. Dr. Persse is a Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School – Houston. He is also a Tactical Physician with the Houston Police S.W.A.T. team.
Ruth N. Lopez Turley, PhD, Professor of Sociology, Director: Kinder Institute for Urban Research Rice University, returns with the latest data about Houston. What responses, priorities, and leadership are needed to address the current conditions. She will show how "magical" numbers can be as they serve as predictions for our city and the U.S. itself.
The 43rd annual Kinder Houston Area Survey provides an unparalleled look at current conditions in the region as well as the “Houston of Tomorrow.” While the same challenges that have weighed on the region over the last few years — crime and safety, affordable housing and the economy — remain at the forefront of people’s thinking, survey results show Houstonians are excited about the next 10 to 20 years and how emerging opportunities may reshape their lives, careers and communities.
After 17 years of research in the creation of a total artificial heart - the world’s first permanent heart replacement was approved by the FDA in November 2023 for an EFS (Early Feasibility Study). Since then behind the scenes, surgeons have been trained, the device has been produced, and patients are now being sought. Small enough for use in a child with enough power for an adult man doing exercise. Dr. William Cohn, MD, Heart Surgeon at The Texas Heart Institute and BIVCOR Chief Medical Officer will amaze us with this life saving and seemingly impossible invention - and you will be able to hold the actual working device!
Dr. Cohn is an active member of the Professional Staff at THI and served as Director of the Center for Technology and Innovation and Director of the legendary Cullen Cardiovascular Research Laboratory at the THI prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, as the Vice President for Medical Devices Companies and Executive Director of the new Center for Device Innovation at the Texas Medical Center in Houston.
Dr. Cohn earned an undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from Oberlin College in Ohio, and went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He then completed seven years of general surgical and cardiothoracic surgical training at the Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals and a one-year cardiothoracic fellowship at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital. After completion of his training, he stayed on as a staff Cardiothoracic surgeon at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and as a full-time faculty of Harvard Medical School for ten years before being recruited back to his hometown.
At THI he has been intimately involved in the development of the continuous-flow, totally implantable, artificial heart and in 2011, Dr. Cohn and Dr. O. H. Frazier successfully implanted the first pulseless total heart replacement device in a human patient.
Medical device development remains his passion and he has been granted more than 90 US patents or patents pending for his medical innovations that have provided the core technology for six venture-backed medical start-ups.
His numerous awards include an honorary doctorate in science from Oberlin College, the Distinguished Scientist Award, given by the MacDonald Fund, and the Edison Award for excellence in human-centered design and innovation for the SentreHEART® Lariat®. In 2000, Dr. Cohn was named the distinguished Inventor of the Year by the U.S. Intellectual Property Owners Association. In 2014 he was named Outstanding Inventor of the Year by the Houston IPO. In addition, in 2014 he received the Innovation award at ICI in Tel Aviv for inventing the TVA everLINQ system for percutaneous AV fistula creation and for founding TVA Medical. In 2015, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for healthcare innovation by the Houston Technology Center.
Before joining J&J, he was a Venture Partner at Santé Ventures and was the Chief Medical Officer for BiVACOR USA and for Reliant Heart.
You are invited to hear Ambassador David M. Satterfield (ret)
Director: Baker Institute: Rice University
THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA-TURMOIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
The Rotary Club of Houston is proud to present Ambassador David Satterfield (ret), Director of the Baker Institute at Rice, in one of his first appearances since retiring from President Biden’s appointment as U.S Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues-charged with coordination with U.N, USAID and partners in the region to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Ambassador Satterfield was present early April in Israel, attempting to bring crucial aid to Gaza when Iran launched its drone/missile attack against Israel. He has spent 40 years in diplomatic service and policy management in the U.S., Near East and Europe.
Issues on the table for discussion:
Can there ever be peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on the generations of hatred and past wars and what has happened this time in Gaza?
Has Diplomacy Failed in the Middle East and Gaza?
How to describe the humanitarian crisis in Southern and Northern Gaza affecting two million Palestinians most of them women and children?
Assuming aid finally begins to enter, is it too late to save the millions living there who have been subjected to the most vicious bombardment in recent modern history?
What obstacles stand in the way of life-saving aid?
What should be the proper U.S. response to the constant wars in the Middle East?
What happens to Gaza and the Palestinians, the day after the war ends? Will Israel rebuild and open it up only to Jewish Settlers as many in the Likud Party champion?
Will Palestinians be allowed to return to a nearly totally destroyed Gaza? If so, what Palestinian government will be strong enough to govern?
Would Hamas have any role?
How will the rebuilding of a nearly totally destroyed Gaza be accomplished and by whom?
How will Middle East politics change as a result of the Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s retaliation?
Has Diplomacy Failed in the Middle East and Gaza?
So many questions, Rotary has the right speaker to begin the discussion of one of the most important issues facing the world. Invite your friends.
Joe Colangelo
Rotary Club of Houston
Program Committee
713-412-1875
The Honorable David M. Satterfield is the director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. He has more than four decades of diplomatic and leadership experience, including service as special envoy for the Horn of Africa, assistant secretary of state, National Security Council staff director and as ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey and charge d’affaires in Iraq and Egypt.
Satterfield’s extensive bilateral and multinational negotiating background most notably includes the 1995 Roadmap for Israel-Palestinian Peace (with the United Nations), the 2000 withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Lebanon and Blue Line boundary agreement (with the United Nations), and the 2008 Status of Forces Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq. As the State Department’s coordinator for Iraq, he managed the largest domestic staff in the department’s history and directed fundamental reforms to the Foreign Service.
As director general of the Multinational Force and Observers, Satterfield conceived and directed the comprehensive modernization of military and civilian peacekeeping operations and led fundraising efforts with the U.S. Congress and donor governments.
Among other honors, Satterfield is the recipient of the highest Department of State recognition, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Award, and the highest award for senior federal executives, the Office of Personnel Management Distinguished Federal Executive Rank Award.
Satterfield is a graduate of the University of Maryland and speaks Arabic, French and Italian. He is married to Elizabeth Ann Fritschle, a career Foreign Service officer.
The Humanitarian Crisis in GAZA and The Mideast in Turmoil
In October, 1887, a Denver woman, a Priest, two ministers and a Rabbi came together to form what is now called the United Way.
Now, one of the world’s largest privately funded charities, they now serve 95% of U.S. Communities and 37 countries and supports 48 million people every year through its network of 1800 local, nonprofit, fundraising affiliates. Revenues exceed five billion dollars-truly a major factor worldwide in helping the needy of our country and the world,
The Rotary Club of Houston is proud to bring to its podium, Amanda McMillian, President/CEO, United Way of Greater Houston, to discuss accomplishments and challenges facing its organization. For over 100 years, (almost as long as The Rotary Club of Houston), the local United Way has brought together diverse parties and novel approaches to get to the root of complex challenges holding back people.
Invite your friends to this important program.
Joe Colangelo
Program Committee
The Rotary Club of Houston
713-4121875
Amanda McMillian assumed her position as President and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston on May 1, 2020. Prior to joining United Way, she served as Executive Vice President & General Counsel for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, where she was a member of the executive committee and was responsible for Anadarko’s legal, human resources, and real estate and facilities functions. Before her tenure at Anadarko, Amanda practiced corporate and securities law at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.
She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Partnership and the Board of Trustees of Southwestern University. She is also a member of the Executive Committee for Upskill Houston, the Advisory Board for the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, the Executive Advisory Board for the Health Equity Collective and the Advisory Board for the Kinder Institute’s Kinder Houston Area Survey. Amanda previously served on the Board of Directors of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, where she was a past President of the Board, and served on the Advisory Board of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University and received both a Master of Arts and a Juris Doctor from Duke University. She was named one of the Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs in 2023; was a Texas Executive Women–Women on the Move honoree in 2022; received the Association of Women Attorneys Foundation Premier Woman in Law Award in 2019; was named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Oil & Gas by the National Diversity Council for 2018, 2017 and 2016; and recognized as one of the Most Powerful Businesswomen in Texas by the National Diversity Council in 2016.
Bill King, Houston’s conscience and commentator is coming to Rotary.
It is no secret that Mr. King has criticized Metro (Metropolitan Transit Authority), for decades, calling some of their plans “the biggest boondoggle” in Houston’s history. But, his arguments are much broader than just Houston.
To quote from Bill: “Mass transit and per-capita-ridership, nationwide, has been in decline for three decades. COVID greatly accelerated the trend. We are entering a new era in personal mobility that is rapidly making the concept of mass transit obsolete.”
Please invite your friends and guests to this important program where our speaker will offer solutions, not just complain and comment.
Joe Colangelo Program Committee 713-412-1875
Bill King is an outspoken independent who has, for years, written about the political dysfunction in our country. But he has done more than just pontificate from an armchair. In 2015, he ran as an independent for mayor of Houston, losing a nail-biting runoff in the closest mayoral race in the city’s history. Prior to running for Houston mayor, King wrote over 500 opinion pieces for the Houston Chronicle and served a stint of that paper’s editorial board. Today he publishes a widely read newsletter and blog, www.BillKingBlog.com.
Over the years he also served as the mayor of his hometown, Kemah, Texas, was a successful businessman and lawyer, and served in many other public and civic capacities. He is perhaps best known for his work on Houston’s evacuation procedures in the wake of the disastrous Hurricane Ike evacuation. His work on a Gubernatorial commission and a regional task force charged with review evacuation procedures won the National Hurricane Conference’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 2006.
Bill’s father was a union pipefitter and he spent much of his formative years “pipelining” across our country with his family, providing him early lessons in the diversity of America and its great natural beauty. He worked his way through the University of Houston as a pipefitter summer apprentice eventually earning political science and law degrees.
The road was not always smooth for Bill. Shortly after leaving law school he was recruited by Houston firm specializing in representing Texas savings and loan association, leading him to enter that industry as principal. After much initial success, he was swept up in the collapse of Texas oil and real estate in the mid-1980s eventually losing everything he had built. He chronicled that life-changing experience in his 2008 book, Saving Face.
Bill has enjoyed a vast variety of experiences during his life, ranging from traveling to Cuba with the late Congressman Mickey Leland to negotiate the release of political prisoners with Fidel Castro to captaining his own boat on a 10,000 nautical mile tour of America and Canada. It is this incredibly diverse set of experiences that have provided the context for his “search for a rational center in American politics.”
RE-EXAMINING THE VALUE & VIABILITY OF MASS TRANSIT
J.P. Bryan is known to many for his amazing collection of Texas history in the beautiful 19th century building that was the former Galveston Orphan Home. Saddle up and get ready to travel with him as he shares the vision of the history of the west through his one of a kind artifacts. We will be at Tony's Restaurant, but perhaps a field trip is in our future!
J.P. Bryan, Jr., a native Texan and lateral descendant of Stephen F. Austin, has been involved in the energy and investment industries for more than five decades. He began his career in investment banking serving as Assistant Treasurer for J. P. Morgan (1966-69), Executive Vice-President and Director of Dominick & Dominick, Inc. (1969-74), President and CEO of The Mortgage Banque (1974-78), and First Vice-President of E.F. Hutton & Company and Director of Investment Banking-Southwest Region (1978-81). Navigating to the energy sector, J.P. served as Chairman & CEO of Torch Energy Advisors (1981-2012), CEO at Bellwether Exploration (1987-97), CEO of Nuevo Energy (1990-95), and President and CEO of Gulf Canada Resources Ltd. (1995-98).
Among his numerous business awards are Texas Entrepreneur of the Year (1994) and Canadian Oil Producer of the Year (1995).
J.P. received his B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin (1958-62); his LLB from The University of Texas Law School at Austin (1963-65); and his BFT from the American Institute of Foreign Trade at Phoenix, Arizona (1966). While at UT, J.P. was President of his law school and was a member of the Student Honor Council and founder of the International Law Society. JP was a participant of the law school’s winning team’s 1st School of Law’s Moot Trial debate challenge. He also started a rare book and printing business at UT, the Pemberton Press which published and reprinted books on Texas history, such as the first biography of Frank Dobie and Frank Hamer; it was then that his passion for collecting Texana and Texas art expanded. Over the years, Bryan has purchased important art and artifacts important to the history of the settlement of the West and Texas.
J. P. has also devoted much of his life to his passion for historic preservation. He has been president of both the Texas Historical Foundation and the Texas State Historical Association and was appointed commissioner for the Texas Historical Commission by Governor George Bush.He served on the advisory board for the Brazoria County Historical Museum and was the chairman of the board for the Institute of Texan Cultures. He received an award for historical preservation from the Museum of Southern History, the Wheat Award for historical preservation from the Texas Historical Foundation, the Stephen F. Austin Leadership Award from the Brazoria County Museum, the Briscoe Achievement Award from the National Western Art Foundation, accolades from Architectural Digest, the T.R. Fehrenbach Award for distinguished service and contribution to the promotion and preservation of Texas history, was named a Texas State Historical Association Fellow in 2012, received Preservation Houston’s Good Brick Award in 2013, was presented with the Star of Texas Award by the Texas Historical Foundation in January 2014, and named Houston History Hero 2015 by the Houston History Association. In 2016 J.P. was made a Commissioned Admiral in the Texian Navy and in 2017 was awarded the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Medal.
In 2019 Texas Governor Abbott appointed J.P. to the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Galveston County Ports. OnApril 7, 2021, the city of Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, signed a proclamation proclaiming, “J P Bryan, Jr. Day”.In 2023 JP was the recipient of the Houston Treasure Award and has been named one of the 2024 Houston Man of Distinction.
Over the years, J.P. has given, and continues to give, hundreds of speeches to various groups on the history of Texas and the American West. He has written numerous booklets and book introductions, including one on the history of Lonesome Dove and another about artist Tom Lea. Just recently, after years of extensive research, J.P. submitted his book for publication concerning the Texas Revolution and the Battle of San Jacinto. He is currently working on compiling material for 5 books regarding various aspects and personalities of Texas history.
J. P. and his wife Mary Jon spent two decades restoring the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. The Gage Hotel has been awarded several distinctions: Geographic Travel Magazine“Stay List”, voted the#1 Hotel in Texas and #17 in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, and the hotel’s famous White Buffalo Bar was selected by Texas Monthly Magazine as “Best HotelBar” in Texas. J.P. and Mary Jon have overseen the restoration of 26 buildings in the town of Marathon.
In October 2013, J.P. purchased the 1895 Galveston Orphans Home in Galveston, Texas. Today, the restored building houses The Bryan Museum and contains the world’s largest collection of over 70,000 rare artifacts, documents, maps, and works of art relating to the history of the American West. The Bryan Museum was presented the Texas Historical Commission’s John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums in September of 2016, and also in that year was named the “Best Art Gallery” by the Galveston Daily News, the “Best of the Island “Gold” Award for the Best Museum” by Galveston.com, and named the “Best Attraction” by the Texas Travel Industry Association/Texas Department of Transportation. In 2017 the Museum was given the Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Art Gallery and Museum” by the Galveston Daily News, voted “Best of the Island “Gold” Award for Best Wedding Venue” by Galveston.com, and was again voted “Best of the Island “Gold” Award for Best Museum” by the Galveston Daily News. The following year in 2018, the Museum was again voted “Best of the Island “Gold” Award for Best Museum” by the Galveston.com and received the Reader’s Choice Award as “Best Art Gallery & Museum” by the Galveston Daily News. In addition to the restoration of the Galveston Orphans Home, J. P. and Mary Jon recently restored 3 historical homes in the city of Galveston.
J.P. Bryan, Jr.: Maybe The Best Little Museum in Texas
"MY LIFE IN POLITICS: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY"
Edward M. Emmett is a Fellow in Energy and Transportation at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Currently, his research efforts are focused on freight mobility, building a resilient global supply chain and understanding the past, present and future role of highways. Emmett also leads the team that sponsors the annual Houston Global Freight Summit.
Emmett’s background in transportation policy spans decades. A member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987, Judge Emmett was chairman of the Committee on Energy, a member of the Transportation Committee, and represented the state on numerous national committees relating to energy and transportation policy.
In 1989, President George H. W. Bush nominated Emmett as a Commissioner at the Interstate Commerce Commission. After being confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate, Judge Emmett served on the commission for three years.
Following his service at the Interstate Commerce Commission, Emmett was president of The National Industrial Transportation League from 1992 until 2003, when he created The Emmett Company, a transportation policy consulting firm.
Emmett has received international recognition for his work in transportation and logistics policy. He was named Transportation Person of the Year by Transportation Clubs International and one of the Top 20 Logistics Professionals by Logistics Forum.
Currently, Emmett has several key roles in the development of transportation policy. He chairs the Texas Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Committee and is on numerous transportations related advisory boards.
In addition to his role at the Baker Institute, Emmett is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Northeastern University’s Global Resilience Institute, where his focus is on emergency preparedness and response and community resilience. As Harris County Judge from 2007 until 2019, Judge Emmett was Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the nation’s third largest county. His actions in dealing with Hurricane Ike, the floods of Hurricane Harvey and other community disasters garnered national and international recognition.
Emmett attended Bellaire High School. He graduated from Rice University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974 with a Master of Public Affairs degree.
Emmett has received numerous awards and honors, including Distinguished Alumnus of Rice University, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and the Presidential Call to Service Award.
ED EMMETT - "MY LIFE IN POLITICS: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY"
FEATURING JUDGE LINDA F. GARCIA AND JUDGE ERIC ANDELL, MODERATED BY ROTARY CLUB OF HOUSTON PRESIDENT, ROBERT ECKELS
Thursday May 2, 2024 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Tony’s 3755 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77046
On May 2, Rotarians and guest will be treated with an important program presented by two distinguished former Judges, lifetime attorneys, public servants who will be part of Rotary’s Celebration of Law Day-a day in the year when we focus on the laws as the rules that bind people living in our country/community and we remember that laws protect our general safety, and ensure our rights as citizens against abuses by other people, by organizations and by government itself. We have laws to help provide for our general safety: they establish standards, maintain order, resolve disputes and protect liberties and rights.
It is no secret that public trust and confidence in the Rule of Law is at a very low level. Institutions are under siege, law enforcement, Congress and our leaders are under siege. The country is at a low point in its life and much of our governmental structures and political parties are in conflict.
What better time than to have our distinguished President, Robert Eckels, in conversation with two distinguished former judges, all three lifetime Attorneys and major political personalities in Houston and Texas, discuss these important issues.
Please invite your friends to this important program presented by the Rotary Club of Houston-112 years young and still relevant in our community. They can sign up by using the guest prompt In the invitation.
Joe Colangelo Program Committee Rotary Club of Houston 713-412-1875
Linda Garcia Assistant County Attorney at Harris County
Linda Garcia currently works as an Assistant County Attorney in Harris County, representing the Department of Family and Protective Services in cases with allegations of the abuse and neglect of children.
She began her legal career in 1993 as an Assistant District Attorney under Johnny Holmes. Linda worked at the DA's office from 1993-1999 and then again from 2008-2015, when she left to become the first-ever Presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court No. 16. From 1999 - 2008, Linda served on the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles making release and revocation decisions for incarcerated offenders throughout Texas.
Although she is committed to her practice and public service, nothing is more important to her than her family - husband, Tom Butler, proud Aggie son, Trent, and the three ridiculous dogs they all share.
Judge Eric Andell - Justice, First Court of Appeals, State of Texas 1992 – 2000
In 2018, Judge Eric Andell was appointed by Judge Michelle Moore as Associate Judge to the 314th District Court. Judge Andell served as the Judge of the 315th District Court and the First Court of Appeals. In those capacities he was named “Outstanding Texas Judge” by the Texas Bar Association and was twice recognized as “Appellate Judge of the Year” by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. After the Court of Appeals, Judge Andell served as Deputy Undersecretary of Education in Washington D.C. After his return to Houston, he served as an assigned Judge, Mediator and Arbitrator for over 10 years.
Judge Andell has been a community leader involved with children’s issues for over 40 years. He has served on countless boards and commissions, including serving as Vice Chair of the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County and Chair of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. He also sat on the boards of Lemonade Day, Prepared for Life, Harris County Education Foundation and Brilliant Lectures, Inc. Judge Andell has received numerous awards and honors including the “Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service” and is a radio personality on 700AM KSEV’s Talk of Texas Show – The Amigos.
Dr. Duncan F. Klussman and Taylor Landin: In Conversation with Bill King
Tony's 3755 Richmond Ave.
Houston, TX 77046
Thursday March 28, 2024
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Rotary Club of Houston is pleased to present this very important program, featuring Dr. Duncan Klussman, currently Clinical Asst. Professor, Department of Education Leadership & Policy Studies, Univ of Houston, and Bill King, who has been the voice of moderate Houstonians seeking common sense solutions to our problems for over thirty years.
The Houston Independent School District, largest in Texas, was taken over in 2023 and became a dependency of the State of Texas using the power granted to it by a 2015 Texas law allowing the takeover if one school failed state standards for 5 years running. Wheatley High failed to allow the state to either close it or take over the entire school district. Of course, there were more reasons for the takeover-allegations of misconduct by school board members and the ongoing presence of a state conservator who had been overseeing the district for many years.
Formerly, Dr. Klussman spent 11 years in SBISD (Spring Branch Independent School District) as Superintendent of Schools. During that tenure Dr. Klussman passed the largest bond program in the district’s history, helped create SKY Partnership with SBISD and KIPP and YES Prep, an innovative partnership between a school district and charter schools; a-one-of-a-kind-event.
Problems facing school districts are enormous: Teacher burnout, wholesale resignations, lack of quality replacements, low teacher pay, bloated bureaucracy, unwillingness to fund schools at the federal/state level, unequal resources for schools, elimination of stimulus money to schools from federal sources by Sept 2024, COVID setbacks, the threat from Charter Schools, deteriorating mental health of students.
Can the rigid reforms being implement by State of Texas’ appointed Supt. Mike Miles turn around the mostly Black, Hispanic and low-income students in Houston and what is the future impact of the many millions of undocumented border crossers to our schools?
Please invite your friends and prospective members to hear one of the most important programs that The Rotary Club of Houston will present this year.
Joe Colangelo Rotary Club of Houston Program Committee 713-412-1875
Duncan F. Klussmann served as the Superintendent of Schools in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) from December of 2004 until June 30, 2015. On July 1, 2015 he assumed the title of Superintendent Emeritus. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Klussmann served as an interim superintendent and area superintendent for SBISD. His vast experience includes periods as a school principal and assistant principal, as well as a classroom teacher.
During his 11 year tenure in SBISD, the school district passed the largest bond program in the history of the school district. The $597 million program replaced 13 aging elementary schools, renovated all remaining campuses, provided for new school buses, enhanced athletics facilities, and greatly expanded technology use in the school district. The original program called for the work to be accomplished over a 10 year period of time. As the result of a carefully designed management program, the bond work is scheduled to be completed well ahead of schedule with significant financial savings.
In 2012, Dr. Klussmann helped create the SKY Partnership, which joins together SBISD with KIPP Houston (KIPP) and YES Prep Public Schools (YES Prep) at two district middle schools where new campus program charters now operate. In August of 2015, the partnership expanded into high school. In the Houston region, such an innovative partnership between a school district and charter schools is one of a kind.
In addition, Dr. Klussmann worked closely with the board of trustees, community, staff and students on the creation of the Spring Branch Plan 2012-2017 Goal and Belief Statements. Utilizing a single-focused goal, SBISD doubled the number of students completing a technical certificate, military training and two or four-year degree. This ambitious goal is referred to as Spring Branch T-2-4.
Dr. Klussmann has twice served as president of the Texas School Alliance, an association of 39 of the largest and most influential school districts in Texas. He was recently named one of three 2014 Houstonians of the Year by the Houston Chronicle. A recipient of the Lifetime Member Award from the Texas Parent and Teacher Association, Dr. Klussmann received the TABE Honoree Award for Public Education in 2012. Dr. Klussmann now serves as a board member with United Way, and he remains active with numerous community groups.
A native of Brenham, Texas, Duncan Klussmann lives in Houston with his wife, Marissa, and their three children.
Taylor Landin is Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the Greater Houston Partnership. The Greater Houston Partnership is the principal business organization serving the greater Houston region, with over 900 member companies that together employ about a fifth of all metro Houston workers. The mission of the Partnership is to make the Houston region a great place to live, work, and build a business.
At the Partnership, Taylor leads a team of public policy and advocacy professionals who work to advance the Houston business community’s policy priorities at the federal, state and local levels. This is Taylor’s second stint with the organization where he was previously Vice President of Public Policy for three years before joining AT&T as Regional Vice President for External Affairs where he was responsible for stakeholder relations and advocacy throughout Southeast Texas.
Taylor began his career working on campaigns and for elected officials. These positions included two presidential campaigns, the Office of Legislative Affairs in the White House and staff for two members of Congress from Texas.
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM IN HISD AND EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN
THE RISE OF THE NONPROFIT DIGITAL NEWS ORGANIZATION
THE HOUSTON LANDING HAS LANDED IN HOUSTON
The basic rule of journalism: “If there is no revenue, there is no journalism.” The speed of declining revenues has been breathtaking. Newspapers are closing regularly. Those that survive have downsized at an alarming rate, citing the reasons as the widespread use of digital technology, changes in readership habits and a decline in advertisement revenues. Much of the news from traditional newspapers comes from national feeds with much less from Houston reporters.
Several weeks ago, we hosted the new Executive Editor of the Houston Chronicle, Kelly Ann Scott, and now we are honored to host an entirely different concept in delivering the news, the greatest threat to the Houston Chronicle and traditional newspapers.
Into all this turmoil strolls The Houston Landing which has landed in Houston as an independent, non-partisan news organization, non-profit, digital platform. No advertisement, free content, no paywalls, no subscription fees. The new concept landed funding from Houston Endowment, the Kinder Foundation and Arnold Ventures and is staffed with brilliant news reporters and experienced executives.
Rotarians and guest, The Rotary Club of Houston (112 years young in Houston and still going strong) is proud to present this important program featuring Peter Bhatia, a multiple Pulitzer Prize-winner Editor, the Chief Executive Officer of Houston Landing, which launched in Houston in the spring of 2023.Peter is a Graduate of Stanford University and one of the most honored editors in service to the journalism profession.
Please invite your friends to attend this very important program presented by The Rotary Club of Houston, 112 years young and still going strong in Houston, Texas.
Joe Colangelo
Program Committee
The Rotary Club of Houston
713-412-1875
Peter Bhatia, a multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning editor who has spearheaded meaningful journalism and digital advances at numerous news sites across the country, is chief executive officer of Houston Landing, a non-profit, non-partisan, no-paywall local news site that launched in spring of 2023.
Previously, he was editor and vice president at the Detroit Free Press from 2017-2023, and served as a regional editor for Gannett, supervising newsrooms in Michigan and Ohio.
He was named the Benjamin C Bradlee editor of the year in 2021 by the National Press Foundation. He was honored as Gannett’s employee of the year in 2022. He won the 2018 Robert McGruder Diversity Award, presented by Kent State University for commitment and service to the profession.
Prior to Detroit, he served two years as editor and vice president of audience engagement at the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he led the paper to its first-ever news Pulitzer Prize, for a project that documented the impact of opioid addiction on the Cincinnati area. Bhatia came to Cincinnati from Arizona State's Cronkite School of Journalism. He joined the university in June 2014 as a visiting professor in journalism ethics after a 21-year career at The Oregonian in Portland, where he was editor.
His resume includes helping lead newsrooms that won 10 Pulitzer Prizes, including six in Portland. He is a seven-time Pulitzer juror. He is the first journalist of South Asian heritage to lead a major daily newspaper in the U.S., running The Oregonian from 2010 to 2014. He served as president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors in 2003-04.
Bhatia was executive editor of The Fresno Bee, managing editor of The Sacramento Bee, editor of the York (Pennsylvania) Dispatch and Sunday News, managing editor of the Dallas Times Herald, deputy managing editor of the San Francisco Examiner and a reporter and editor at The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington.
He is a leader in journalism education, having served 13 years as president of the national organization that accredits college schools of journalism and mass communication. He has led or served on more than 25 Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications accrediting teams in the U.S., Middle East and New Zealand. He was honored with the Gerald M. Sass award for service to journalism education in 2022.
He is a 1975 graduate of Stanford University with a B.A. in history and communications. Peter and his wife, Liz Dahl, have two grown children who live in Spokane and Los Angeles, and two grandchildren.
Rotarians and guests are cordially invited to attend an important conversation between Ambassador Michael Pelletier, a 30-year U.S. Diplomat, now the first Executive Director of the Institute for Global Engagement at University of Houston and Charles Foster, RCoH member and advisor to Presidents on Immigration and Border policies.
The great international problems of the day all require diplomacy. Whether finding a way to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, addressing climate change, preventing a war between the U.S. and China, how to save two million Palestinians, caught in the most brutal war ever seen in the Middle East, how to solve the problems emanating from the great migration of the poor of the world to more affluent nations- Diplomacy has taken a back seat to military might in the minds of world politicians.
The U.S. political dysfunction plus a perceived serious decline in U.S. Influence around the world, at a time when the China, Russia, Iran and N. Korea axis gains economic and military strength, presents even more potential flashpoints.
Please invite your friends to attend this timely program where you will also learn about the Institute for Global Engagement. We look forward to seeing you Thursday at the RCoH weekly program- presenting the most important topics and newsmakers and the opportunity to meet the members of The Rotary Club of Houston-112 years strong, prospering and growing.
Joe Colangelo Program Committee Rotary Club of Houston 713-412-1875
For more than 30 years as an American diplomat, Michael Pelletier worked around the world advancing the goals and objectives of the United States government, most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros. Now Ambassador Pelletier is bringing his expertise in foreign affairs to the University of Houston, appointed this week as the first executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement, an Aspire Initiative.
The new interdisciplinary institute aims to enhance students’ international and cultural understanding by embedding learning and research experiences focused on globally relevant topics within all academic programs and disciplines. By expanding the University’s international footprint, graduates will become global change makers known for their capacity to innovate solutions to complex challenges and devise strategies to drive systemic change.
“The Institute for Global Engagement will equip students with a global mindset to meet the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly interconnected world,” said Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Ambassador Pelletier will play a pivotal role in the future of the Institute and the University. He is a visionary and innovative leader with tremendous international experience and global expertise.”
Pelletier was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros on January 2, 2019, a position he held for more than two years. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, and served as an American diplomat from 1987 until his retirement last summer. From 2016-2019, Pelletier was dean of the School of Professional and Area Studies at the Foreign Service Institute, the U.S. government’s premier foreign affairs training provider.
He has served at eight U.S. missions overseas and in senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of State, including as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in New Delhi, India, and deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs.
"Global engagement enriches everything we do. I am excited to join UH's great team to build on the University’s strong commitment to international engagement and on the diversity of the University and city of Houston to help take UH global," said Pelletier. “We will work to equip our students with the tools to succeed and thrive on the world stage, while adding value to the community and workforce.”
Pelletier is no stranger to leading ambitious global initiatives, responsible for launching the Dubai Regional Media Hub for the U.S. Department of State to improve engagement with the Arab world. Fluent in Arabic, French and English, he spent three years conducting interviews with journalists and building relationships with Arab leaders to ensure that the United States was part of ongoing international conversations.
The UH Institute for Global Engagement seeks to collaborate with industry partners that have international interests and operations, Pelletier said. Houston was recently ranked the most diverse city in America, according to a WalletHub study.
“By all measures, Houston is a great global city, set apart from many of our U.S. peers by our strong cultural and business ties around the world. In our increasingly interconnected world, it’s more crucial than ever for students to have a deep understanding of these connections to not only drive personal success, but to advance Houston’s prominence on the global stage,” said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, the region’s principal business organization focused on attracting investment and trade to Houston, building a strong workforce and advocating for sound public policy.
Pelletier earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, a Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris, and a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University. He is the recipient of 13 senior State Department awards, including a Presidential Meritorious Service Award and the Linguist of the Year.
The Institute for Global Engagement is the first institute to launch from funding from the Aspire Fund, a landmark $50 million gift to build upon the University’s current strengths, support our ability to recruit renowned faculty and expand thought leadership around four complex, global issues that uniquely underpin the social, political and economic future of Houston and the world. The donor, who is remaining anonymous, launched the fund and the University’s $100 Million Challenge to encourage matching investments from other donors.
Rotary is the perfect place to meet new people, take part in activities they are interested in and be part of a community of caring, service-oriented Houstonians. Our Rotary Club of Houston provides the opportunity to connect with others from various backgrounds, with varying world views, while creating lasting memories to enrich each of our lives, plus, making valuable professional connections. Along the way we meet some of the top newsmakers of Houston and Texas.
On a purely voluntary basis, our President and Program Chair will ask members to give us their elevator pitches about their businesses. (maximum 30 seconds).
For all members, again, on a purely voluntary basis, we will ask questions (30 second max), such as:
A piece of advice you would give everyone,
a top item on your bucket list,
where you grew up,
one thing we don’t know about you,
what your perfect day would look like,
a day in your life you would love to relive,
how your life has been different than what you thought,
your best memory about school,
the most important person in your life.
We do not expect every member to respond to every question, just the ones you feel that you want to share and feel comfortable sharing. We should be able to move quickly through questions, saving the ones we don’t ask for later. No pressure, just a heart-warming meeting.
Joe Colangelo Rotary Club of Houston Program Committee 713-4121875
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FELLOW ROTARIANSROTARY MEANS CONNECTIONS
Rotarians and guests are cordially invited to hear Kelly Ann Scott, newly selected Editor-in-Chief of the Houston Chronicle.
The Houston Chronicle has been named Texas’ Newsroom of the Year, for 2022, marking the fifth consecutive year the newspaper has been honored as best in the state by Texas Managing Editors.
The Chronicle staff has won 27 awards across a variety of categories. Additionally, the Chronicle has been awarded two Pulitzer Prizes, most recently in 2022, in editorial writing for a series on voter suppression in Texas and was named a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist for a series of editorials about the Uvalde School massacre.
The Houston Chronicle, founded in 1901, acquired by Hearst in 1987, is part of a conglomerate that publishes 24 daily, 52 weekly newspapers, (San Francisco Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News), as well as cable tv networks (A&E, History channel, Lifetime and ESPN), 35 TV stations,
The Rotary Club of Houston, a 112-year-old institution in Houston, is proud to introduce and welcome Kelly Ann Scott to the Houston community.
Thank you, Kathy Fenninger, Co-Chair, Program Committee, for inviting our distinguished speaker to the RCH meeting.
Joe Colangelo Program Committee
Kelly Ann Scott became the Executive Editor of the Houston Chronicle in September 2023.
From their official announcement: She was previously with “Alabama Media Group, part of Advance Local, where she served as editor-in-chief and vice president of content, leading a team of more than 120 journalists. There, she oversaw the state's largest digital news site, AL.com, and launched several new initiatives, including The Lede, a daily e-edition curated for subscribers in Mobile, Huntsville and Birmingham; the Alabama Education Lab, the state’s first philanthropy-funded journalism initiative; and Reckon, a digital news startup focused on younger readers and those left out of traditional media that has 26 journalists reporting from 15 states.
Mayor John Whitmire has challenged all citizens of Houston to help him solve the crime problems in Houston. The Rotary Club of Houston has responded with a program designed to present the issues in an objective, free of politics (as much as possible), our intent being to continue the dialogue begun by our Mayor including enforcement, prevention, reentry, rehabilitation, border issues and the need for community involvement.
Most cities in the U.S. are at a crossroad with loud arguments being made about crime prevention, but devoid of any real discussion of any value. Police are under siege. Citizens fear them as being too “trigger-happy.” Crime is out of control. Judges are not doing their job. Due Process is cumbersome and very expensive.
Life in some cities resembles a bad “PURGE MOVIE” where criminals are allowed to commit crimes without punishment.
Mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, “suicide by cop” are on the rise. Border crossing by millions of poverty-stricken people, worldwide, including, many organized gangs, will, without doubt, contribute to the crime problem. It seems like every criminal has a weapon, many with automatic weapons.
Consider this: According to a reputable study on criminal behavior, 76% of active criminals and 89% of most violent criminals either perceive “NO RISK” of apprehension or are unconcerned for the likely punishments for their crime.” They assume they will never get caught or, if caught, they will be let off with a lesser penalty, plus, any severe penalty, if it comes, will be many years in the future due to our back-logged criminal justice system.
Please invite your friends and potential RCoH members to this particularly important and timely program. Send out our invitation to your friends. We will fill up quickly.
Joe Colangelo Rotary Club of Houston Program Committee
713-412-1875
Kim Ogg - Harris County District Attorney
Kim Ogg, Harris County District Attorney, is a native Houstonian and has been a lawyer for 35 years.
In 2020, DA Ogg was re-elected to a second term by a margin of more than 120,000 votes. Under her leadership, the Harris County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to community safety through evidence-based prosecution and equal justice for all.
During her first term, DA Ogg successfully advanced major drug policy reform, police accountability through prosecution of police corruption and shootings, diversified the leadership of the District Attorney's Office, and effected protection for crime victims through legislative reform.
As the top law enforcement official in Harris County, DA Ogg's current priorities are to stop the release of repeat and violent offenders on bail through evidence based advocacy in court, to reduce the enormous case backlog, and to push Houston's most important cases to trial and conclusion.
Doug Griffith - Houston Police Officers' Union President
Senior Police Officer Douglas Griffith is a Native Houstonian and a graduate of North Shore High School. He graduated Academy Class 142 and was assigned to the Southeast Command Station in 1991. During his twenty-nine years of service with the department, he dedicated twenty years to the Gang Task Force and Divisional Gang Unit. The served four years as a member of the Southeast Tactical Operations D.G.U. He earned a Masters in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership from California Southern in 2016. Doug was elected to position 11 in 2008, and in 2012 Doug was appointed to the position of Vice President to succeed retired Senior Police Officer J. J. Berry.
Andy Kahan - Crime Stoppers of Houston
(Mr. Kahan will interview 2 victims of serious crimes)
Andy Kahan joined Crime Stoppers of Houston in June 2018 as its first-ever Director of Victim Services and Advocacy.
Prior to Crime Stoppers, Andy served as the Victim Advocate for the Mayor’s Office and Houston Police Department for 26 years before retiring and joining Crime-Stoppers of Houston to resume his career as a Victim Advocate. Andy Kahan received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1983 from the University of Houston. He worked as both a Parole and Probation Officer before becoming the first victim advocate in the country to work in a Mayor’s Office. His responsibilities included working with local crime victim’s rights organizations to facilitate the pooling of resources and the exchange of information, accompanying and representing victims before the Parole Board, putting crime victims in touch with local crime victims support and advocacy groups, and court accompaniment.
Leticia Ybarra - Mother of a Murder Victim
“TWO DAYS NO CRIME VICTIM FAMILY WILL EVER FORGET: THE DAY THEY FIND OUT ABOUT THEIR LOVED ONE’S DEATH, AND THE DAY THEY GET A VEDICT ON THEIR CASE. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO ADEQUATELY EXPRESS THE HEARTBREAK.”
After the 2020 murder of her daughter, Jessica, Leticia has been determined to make some good come out of this tragedy in her memory. She plays an active role in promoting homicide victim advocacy and has participated in multiple local news interviews and press conferences, spoken at homicide victim organization events and traveled to Austin to testify in Senate Committee hearings in support of laws aimed at ensuring justice for homicide victims is served more efficiently. As a result of her efforts in supporting SB 402, sponsored by Texas State Senator John Whitmire, SB 402 is now official and expedites trials for defendants charged with murder and capital murder.
Although nothing can make whole the loss of her daughter, she’s dedicated her time trying to leave the community of victims and their families a little better than she found it. Leticia can often be heard saying or signing off on an email with the quote “Jessica’s mama will never go quietly.”
A native Houstonian, Leticia earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Houston and her Master of Business Administration in Financial Management from Lamar University.
John Whitmire, the former Dean of the Texas Senate, was sworn into office as Houston's 63rd Mayor on January 2, 2024. He has served his community his entire adult life.
As a young boy, John worked odd jobs and learned the value of hard work, even shining shoes at a Harrisburg Beer Hall. He also witnessed domestic abuse and moved frequently as a child.
When a fire burned down his family home, the community wrapped their arms around him, donating clothes and providing shelter. That lesson in compassion and empathy would guide him as a public servant.
In his teenage years, Whitmire settled into a more stable life in Houston with his mother, a nurse, and his stepfather, a social worker. Watching his parents help people as public servants steered John towards a career path of service.
After graduating from Waltrip High School, he soon began working for the Texas “Food Stamp” office, at the time a nutrition initiative for poor families. The case numbers became people and families when he was sent out to do house visits. These real-life interactions would become the base for how John would analyze and shape policies.
At the age of 22, a chance meeting with his UH professor, the legendary Richard Murray, presented the precocious Whitmire with the chance to run for a newly drawn Texas House District. The new single-member district showed his home, high school, church, and hospital where his mother worked.
“It looks like they drew that one for me,” Whitmire recalled. And in that moment, his journey as a public servant was solidified.
Throughout his career as a State Representative for 10 years and State Senator for 40, Whitmire has fought tirelessly for district representation across Houston. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the first Latino state senate district in Harris County and has been a staunch advocate for expanding access to early voting in person and Election Day polling locations in African American and Latino communities. His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights earned him the Harvey Milk Award in 1993 for his efforts against the decriminalization of the Sodomy Law. Whitmire has also been a vocal champion of women's rights, backed by a 100% voting record. He has worked tirelessly to preserve the DREAM Act, ensuring undocumented young individuals can access in-state tuition rates. Additionally, he supported workers' compensation for injured farm workers and unemployment compensation.
In a pivotal moment in his life, Whitmire and his family were robbed at gunpoint, an experience that ultimately led to his chairmanship of the Criminal Justice Committee and his fight for public safety.
As a long-serving chair of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Whitmire has demonstrated his ability to strike a balance between being tough on crime and being smart on crime by implementing intelligent reforms. He authored the Sandra Bland Act, addressing law enforcement training, jail resources, and support for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse, or intellectual differences. He also spearheaded grand jury reform, eliminating the "pick a pal" system and promoting diversity in panel selection. Additionally, he successfully led efforts to decriminalize school behavior and expunged thousands of class C misdemeanors from the records of young Texans.
When called on by the people of Houston to run for mayor, Whitmire eagerly accepted the challenge because he believes in answering the call wherever it leads. With a wealth of experience working alongside nine mayors and seven governors, he possesses invaluable knowledge in public safety, infrastructure, and effective problem-solving.
John Whitmire's extraordinary life experiences, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record in getting things done make him a true public servant committed to the well-being of Houstonians.
Rotarians and guests are cordially invited to attend a very special meeting to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Lombardi Award where we will present the proceeds from that event to our 3 charity partners (American Cancer Society, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Cancer Center) , welcome the 2024 Rotary Lombardi Award co-chairs, Rhonda Walls Kerby and Lindsey Kroll, and recognize Murry Bowden, (The Hanover Company), recipient of our Rotary Community Impact Leader Award. You will also hear from our special guest, Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, (Professor, Pediatric Cancer Survivorship-Texas Children’s Hospital) who has been a unique part of The Award for almost 30 years.
We anticipate being joined by the 2023 Lombardi Award winner, Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and several past winners of the award via zoom.
This is the perfect opportunity for all Rotarians and guests to personally thank the yearlong efforts of Vicki Brentin, for successfully guiding the event and delivering one of the largest contributions to cancer research, ever, in the fabled history of the Lombardi Award. Congratulations, Vicki, on a job well done.
LIVING THE LEGACY OF REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. “A CONVERSATION WITH PAULA HARRIS"
The Rotary Club of Houston is proud to present "A Conversation with Paula McCann Harris" on the occasion of the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King preached nonviolence to solve the many racial and economic divides in America, but he also was a strong advocate on the value of education, a life lived in service to others, and speaking up about things that matter. Paul McCann Harris' life embodies all the attributes Dr. King asked of each American: Graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Petroleum Engineering; distinguished thirty-three-year career with the leading oil driller in the world, Schlumberger; elected to the HISD Board of Trustees with an emphasis on promoting STEM education and increasing the academic achievement of the children of HISD; Board Chair of STEM Charter School. Noted author and publisher of books that introduce girls to STEM education with a focus on coding and robotics. Established workshops and global initiatives promoting STEM, especially Robotics and Coding.
Please invite your friends to this important and inspiring program.
Joe Colangelo Kathy Fenninger
Program Committee
Tony's 3755 Richmond Ave.
Houston, TX 77046
Thursday January 11, 2024 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Paula Harris was hired as the Astros Foundation Executive Director and Senior Vice President, Community Affairs in November 2021 and enters her second season in the role in 2023.
Harris has over 33 years of experience in the Houston community, both in the professional space as an executive with Schlumberger Ltd. and in the community with a passion for civic interest and volunteerism.
Harris has extensive connections throughout the Houston community, as she currently serves on the boards of Chart Industries (GTLS), Helix (HLX), Hunting (HTG), The Houston Children’s Museum, and the Petroleum Club of Houston. She is a founding board member of the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, an all-girl’s engineering school serving primarily minority communities in Houston with the goal to graduate girls prepared to attend top engineering universities. Harris has a particular passion for advancing STEM education and career opportunities for all communities, but especially women and underrepresented minorities.
Previously she served on the boards of the Houston Independent School District, the Permian Strategic Partnership in Midland, Texas, Space Center Houston and numerous other education and outreach associations. In 2020, Harris received the Women Who Mean Business Lifetime Achievement award from the Houston Business Journal and in 2019, the Women on the Move award from Texas Executive Women and the United Nations Global Citizenship Award.
In over 33 years in the international oilfield services with Schlumberger Ltd., Harris, educated as a Petroleum Engineer, worked in many roles over three decades with the company. She worked her way up from Field Engineer, working on offshore rigs to leadership positions such as Director of Community Affairs. She retired as the Director of Global Stewardship.
A native Houstonian, Harris graduated with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education in Technical Instruction and Learning from Abilene Christian.
The owner of her own publishing company, Harris has authored, published and distributed two books, including “When I Grow Up I want to be an Engineer.” The book was translated into four languages and over 150,000 copies were distributed globally to schools, museums, and non-profit organizations.
Paula Harris - SVP, Community Affairs & Astros Foundation Executive Director
Pat Mann Phillips is a standout volunteer who has made significant contributions to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ since becoming a life member in 2001. In 2023, she was elected as the Chairman of the Board and will serve a three-year tenure starting with the 2024 Rodeo. Known for her genuine, compassionate, and confident yet humble nature, Phillips brings a high level of energy, a positive attitude, and unwavering devotion to the Rodeo. Her primary goal as the newest Chairman of the Board is to collaborate with the Executive Committee to lead the Rodeo, focusing on its core mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth and education.
Phillips has an extensive history of volunteer work within the Rodeo. She has served on various committees, including the Corral Club – Suites, Directions & Assistance, Jr. Rodeo, and Special Children's committees. In 2009, she played a pivotal role as the founding chair of the Tours Committee, laying the foundation for its continued success. Her dedication to the Rodeo led to her election to the board of directors in 2012 and her subsequent appointment as a Rodeo vice president from 2016 to 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw the Transportation, Magazine, Special Children's, Agricultural Education (formerly Ladies' Go Texan), Souvenir Program, and Communications & Special Services committees. In 2018, she earned a spot on the Rodeo's Executive Committee.
Beyond committee work, Phillips has served the Rodeo in various roles, including Corporate Secretary, member of the Lifetime Committeemen Review Board and the Educational Contributions Review Committee, chair of the Special Events Day Task Force, and the originator and founder of AG4U Day. Her outstanding commitment was recognized in 2012 when she became a Trailblazer Honoree.
Phillips's passion for the Rodeo is shared by her husband, Tim Phillips, who has also dedicated countless hours to volunteering and supporting the organization. Together, they have contributed financially through auction buying groups, season tickets, and donations to the Rodeo's Educational Fund. Tim Phillips, a former chair of the Jr. Rodeo Committee, continues to serve on the Special Children's Committee.
Pat Mann Phillips holds a BBA in Petroleum Land Management and a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University, where she proudly graduated as a Red Raider. With over 30 years of experience in the energy industry, she currently serves as the executive director of Energy Services for Revenade, a global management consulting firm.
In addition to their involvement with the Rodeo, Pat and Tim Phillips share a love for their ranch in Field Store, Texas, called Trinity Spirit Ranch, as well as the ongoing care and operations of their family ranch in Johnson County, Texas. Pat is also a charter member of Texas Women Venture Fund and a member and former director of Ladies of Texas Tradition. She actively participates as a mentor and board member in organizations such as Amigas Para Niños and the American Association of Professional Landmen.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Chairman of the Board, Pat Mann Phillips
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GERRY K. GROGIN, INTERVIEWED BY RICK OLSEN A regular ol’ Aggie who is lucky he didn’t get his rear shot off in W.W.II
On December14, the Rotary Club of Houston is honored to present our 97-year-young Gerry Grogin, interviewed by fellow Rotarian, Rick Olsen. The program committee decided to feature Gerry while he is still young and able to remember significant events from his colorful life.
Gerry and Rick will converse about Gerry’s life and times aided by Gerry’s best friends, Melvin Maltz, class of 47, who will also offer some observations about an Aggie friendship that has spanned 80 years.
You won’t want to miss this “once in a lifetime” opportunity to hear Gerry, and Rick aided by Melvin, in discussion about Gerry’s ancestors who came from Russia and Poland, how three of Gerry’s ancestors died at the Alamo, how Gerry enlisted in the U.S. Army at 16 and served in the Pacific during W.W.II, you will also hear about the famed Aggie Muster on Corregidor Island April 21, 1946 and why Gerry is thankful for the Atom bomb and the G.I. Bill. You will also learn why Gerry has been called Aggie Royalty. Finally, you will hear about Gerry’s sixty-year love for The Rotary Club of Houston.
Please invite your friends to this incredibly special event in our club’s history.
Ambassador (ret’d) Michael Pelletier was appointed as the founding Executive Director of the Aspire Initiative Endowed Institute for Global Engagement at the University of Houston on August 1, 2021.
Previously, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros from January 2019 through June 2021. Ambassador Pelletier retired as a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of MinisterCounselor, having served as an American diplomat from 1987- 2021. Ambassador Pelletier oversaw professional tradecraft, orientation, and area studies training as Dean of the School of Professional and Area Studies at the Foreign Service Institute, United States Department of State. He also served at eight U.S. Missions overseas and in senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of State, including as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. embassy in New Delhi, India, and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs.
Ambassador Pelletier earned a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University, a Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Institut d’Etudes Politiques, Paris, France, and a M.I.A. from Columbia University. He received thirteen senior State Department awards, including a Presidential Meritorious Service Award and the Linguist of the Year. Amb. Pelletier is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.
Ambassador Pelletier is on the Board of Amideast, a leading American nonprofit organization engaged in international education, training, and development activities in the Middle East and North Africa. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Academy of Diplomacy, the Texas Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and the Public Diplomacy Council of America. He was named an honorary member of Phi Beta Delta, the honor society for international scholars.
Ruth N. Lopez Turley, PhD Professor of Sociology Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research Rice University
Tony's 3755 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77046
Thursday November 30, 2023 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
"Houston's Strengths and Challenges"
Ruth N. López Turley is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, which brings together data, research, engagement, and action to improve lives. In 2011, she founded the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), a research-practice partnership between Rice University and eleven Houston area school districts, representing over 700,000 students. A program of the Kinder Institute, HERC works to improve educational equity by connecting research to policy and practice, working directly with district leaders. She directed HERC from 2011 to 2022, during which she raised over $30M so that school districts would not have to pay for research. She also founded the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships, which connects and supports over 60 partnerships between research institutions and education agencies throughout the country. In 2022, President Biden appointed her to the National Board for Education Sciences, which advises and approves priorities for the research arm of the US Department of Education. She is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard and is originally from Laredo, Texas.
Dr. Weiss earned her Ph.D. at the University of Houston. She has a private practice, Houston Family Psychology, where she focuses on helping individuals and families learn to live happier and more meaningful lives by learning new techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and parenting challenges. She also runs virtual mental resilience groups for sales teams with a partner through Psych & Sales.
Topic: “How to Lead a More Meaningful and Satisfying Life”
Mental health, like physical health, is about more than a lack of symptoms or illness. Many people say that they feel like they’re “just going through the motions” of daily life. There may not be anything particularly wrong, but it feels like something is missing. While trying to keep up with all of life’s demands, it can be easy to lose sight of what makes your life feel meaningful. The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this talk, Dr. Weiss will teach you simple, but effective, techniques for leading a more meaningful life.
This coming Thursday, RCH members and guests will have a unique opportunity to listen to, and question, legendary football coach Jackie Sherrill, as he shares his view that college football is heading down a path that will change it forever. Coach Sherrill will discuss. NIL (name, image likeness), Player Portal Transfers, the new role of NCAA, the breakdown of major college conferences, the impact of unlimited dollars coming from TV and Cable Channels and the effect on other college sports. all leading, inevitably, to a super conference of powerful schools following the NFL model of organization. Interestingly, Coach Sherrill's beloved Texas Aggies are raising the most money through setting up "The Fund" to compensate the "New College Athletes". who are profiting from the new rules. The amateur college football player has died, replaced by the multi- millionaire professional football player. You can bet that the Texas Longhorns, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs and USC Trojans are not far behind.
Following Coach Sherrill's talk, we will open up the discussion to a panel of former College and NFL Football stars who will share their thoughts about the major changes. Please invite your friends to this thought-provoking Rotary Club of Houston event.
Joe Colangelo
Program Committee
Jackie Wayne Sherrill is a former American football player and coach. He was the head football coach at Washington StateUniversity (1976), the University of Pittsburgh (1977–1981), Texas A&M University (1982–1988), and Mississippi State University (1991–2003), compiling a career college football record of 180–120–4. Sherrill is a studio analyst for Fox Sports Net's college football coverage.
Coach Jackie Wayne Sherill, a former American football player and coach. He won two national championships as a football player at the University of Alabama under coach Bear Bryant, coach Sherill then got his first head coaching job at Washington State. A year later he was hired in Pittsburgh. Coach Sherill coached hall of fame quarterback, Dan Marino, the only defensive player to finish second in the Heisman trophy balloting, or at least the only pure defensive player. He also coached Tony Dorsett and many other players. At Pittsburgh coach Sherill also hired Jimmy Johnson who ultimately ended up coaching, both at the University of Miami and for the Dallas Cowboys, and he coached Dave, he hired Dave Wannstedt, who became a pro football coach. Coach Sherill was then hired by Texas A&M. He was the first coach publicly to get paid more than a million dollars in his contract, which was a huge controversy at the time. Coach Sherill basically turned around the Texas A&M football program. After a couple of years at Texas A&M he started winning and winning. When he won three Southwest conference championships and had some of the best football teams Texas A&M has ever seen, he also started the 12th man kickoff squad back in the early 1980s, it has since become one of the coolest traditions ever in college football. Coach Sherill has always been focused primarily on the wellbeing of his players and coaches. He is a true college football royalty.
Chair of the Day:Rob Lynch (A leading sport's consultant and business strategist),
Panel:
Jerry Bell- (Former NFL Star, Tampa Bay Bucs College: Arizona State)
Rob Lynch - (A leading sport's consultant and business strategist)
ADVANCING PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN HOUSTON AND BEYOND
Politicians talk about public safety and crime as being their number one issues but few seem to have any ideas beyond jailing more offenders or defunding the police.
This Thursday, we have a unique opportunity to hear Marc Levin, Texas Attorney and a leading voice for criminal justice reform through his participation as Chief Policy Counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice and Texas Public Policy Foundation. Honored by the Texas House of Representatives for his role in justice reform, that body proclaimed: "Mr. Levin's intellect is unparalleled and his research is impeccable."
Mr. Levin will discuss policing, pretrial justice and bail issues, diversion, prosecutorial practices, indigent defense, jail management, prison conditions and programs, reentry into society. He will also discuss the role that mental health and education play in addressing and preventing crime.
Please invite your friends to this important program from a leading voice in the field.
Marc A. Levin is the Chief Policy Counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice
An attorney and accomplished author on legal and public policy issues, Marc began the Foundation’s criminal justice program in 2005. This work contributed to nationally praised policy changes that have been followed by dramatic declines in crime and incarceration in Texas. Building on this success, in 2010, Levin developed the concept for the Right on Crime initiative.
Marc has testified on criminal justice policy on four occasions before Congress and has testified before legislatures in states including Texas, Nevada, Kansas, Wisconsin, and California. He also has met personally with leaders such as U.S. Presidents, Speakers of the House, and the Justice Committee of the United Kingdom Parliament to share his ideas on criminal justice reform.
Since 2005, Marc has published dozens of policy papers on topics such as sentencing, probation, parole, reentry, and overcriminalization. Levin’s articles on law and public policy have been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Texas Review of Law & Politics, and the National Law Journal, just to name a few. He serves on advisory boards for the Aspen Institute Criminal Justice Initiative and The Marshall Project and on the Executive Committee of the Federalist Society’s Criminal Law & Procedure Practice Group.
In 1999, Marc graduated with honors from the University of Texas with a B.A. in Plan II Honors and Government. In 2002, Marc received his J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law. Marc was a Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow in 1996. He served as a law clerk to Judge Will Garwood on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Staff Attorney at the Texas Supreme Court.
Chris Massey - Vice President Harris County - Houston Sports Authority
(Introduction by J. Kent Friedman, Chairman Harris County - Houston Sports Authority since 2003)
Tony's 3755 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77046
Thursday September 28, 2023 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
HOUSTON TO HOST 2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - JANUARY 8, 2024
Houston is on the clock. In less than four months, the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship will make its way to NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. Today CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock officially handed the game to Houston as the next CFP host city during a ceremonial hand-off. 2024 will mark the 10th College Football Playoff National Championship, which will take place at NRG Stadium on Monday, January 8, 2024.
In continued preparations for next year's game, the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, the Houston 2024 Host Committee, NRG Par, Houston first, and Texas Bowl sent a group of delegates to Los Angeles to experience and learned firsthand the logistical and operational components that go into hosting this marquee event.
"We're honored and privileged to be entrusted with the 10th anniversary of the College Football Playoff National Championship. You can guarantee that these next 12 months will be filled with hard work and dedication from the Houston Host Committee and all of our partners in our entire community," Houston 2024 Host Committee President Chris Massey said at the news conference. "This event is the pinnacle of college football, but also serves as an amazing vehicle to uplift and support our region. Houston prides itself on its philanthropic spirit. Along with the collaboration we look forward to sharing with our College Football Playoff Foundation counterparts, I'm eager and excited as we develop a lasting legacy in education."
The 2024 CFP is just one of many upcoming marquee events Houston has the honor of hosting. Over the years, Houston has set the gold standard for sports commissions all over the country, bringing events and economic value to the city. Along with the 2024 CFP, Houston will bring some of the sport's most significant events to the city, including the Men's Final Four in 2023, the AAU Junior Olympic Games in 2025, 2027, and 2031, and the FIFA World Cup 2026TM.
With just under a year to go, the Houston Local Organizing Committee is in full swing, planning and preparing for 2024. Along with the CFP, community initiatives, ancillary events, and other exciting opportunities will also be coming to the city.
Martin B. Cominsky has been the President and CEO of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, a United Way agency, since 2015. IM collaborates with Houston’s faith community to feed and care for 4,400 homebound seniors through its Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston program; resettles hundreds of refugees from war-torn countries; and fosters youth and community dialogue between and among religions. IM also operates Volunteer Houston, a Points of Light affiliate, which matches people with their passions at area non-profit organizations with a registry of over 100,000 volunteers. He leads a $17 million nonprofit agency with 172 employees.
Previously, Martin served as the Director of the Southwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League, which is headquartered in Houston. Martin was responsible for directing the League’s efforts to combat prejudice, hate and anti-Semitism in this dynamic region. At ADL, Martin developed the school-focused No Place for Hate® program, which now engages and recognizes more than 300 schools in the region in the effort to create K-12 campuses that emphasize respect for diversity and inclusion.
Prior to joining the ADL in 1999, Martin founded the SERVE HOUSTON YOUTH CORPS, which was an AmeriCorps program that recruited high school graduates to serve as tutors and mentors to students in under-resourced schools. Serve Houston received Daily Points of Light Award #1112 for its creative national service work.
In the past, Martin served as the National Director of the Business Volunteers for the Arts program, headquartered in New York City, bringing together the expertise of corporate executives with nonprofit arts organizations. Martin also served as the Assistant to the President of the University of Houston.
Martin has a B.A. from the University of Houston in Journalism, graduating with membership in the UH Honors College, and earned his M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University. He participated in Class XXV of the American Leadership Forum. He is Past Chair of the University of Houston Honors College Advisory Board and is Vice Chair at the Meals on Wheels Association of Texas. Martin was also named as a Most Admired CEO in 2018 by the Houston Business Journal.
Martin graduated in 1976 as a Pasadena High School Eagle. He had many happy times serving as Junior and Senior Class President and was named Mr. Pasadena High School. He received the Pasadena Independent School District Distinguished Alumnus Award of the Year in 2003 and the Pasadena High School Hall of Fame award in 2015.
He is married to Terry and is the proud father of twins.
Todd Frazier Gerald H. Dubin, M.D. Presidential Distinguished Centennial Director Art of Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM)
"A Multi-Media Survey of Houston Methodist's Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM), a Collaborative Arts & Medicine Program Based in the Texas Medical Center"
Todd Frazier has spent 30 years supporting education, research, and accessibility collaborations between education, medicine, and arts & culture communities in America. A composer and graduate from the Eastman and Juilliard Schools of Music, he is the Gerald H. Dubin, M. D. Presidential Distinguished Centennial Director in the Art of Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM). The Mission of CPAM is to effectively translate the collaborative potential of arts and medicine to the holistic healthcare environment of Houston Methodist. Under his Directorship the Center has received the 2023 Texas Medal of the Arts Award from the Texas Cultural Trust, “spotlighting Texas leaders who fuel our state’s economy, improve our health and well-being, and enrich our cultural heritage”, the 2019 International Hamilton Award from the National Organization for Arts in Health, “celebrating the best use of the arts in employee engagement”, and the 2017 Business Council for the Arts Award from Americans for the Arts, “recognizing the best businesses partnering with the arts in America”.
U.S. CITIZENSHIP: WHY IT TAKES "BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS” (ESTA NO TIENE FIN: THIS HAS NO END)
The Rotary Club of Houston is proud to present as its September 7th program, a discussion between Charles Foster, famed Immigration Attorney and advisor to several U.S. Presidents, in conversation with Regina Lankenau, Princeton graduate, Houston Chronicle Asst. Op-Ed Editor, about Regina and her family's travails as they tried to gain U.S. citizenship. It would be a perfect story if Regina and her family's path to citizenship was an easy stroll. In actuality the country that had been so welcoming would one day reject her entirely. Five years after the family arrived in Texas and applied for permanent residency, they received a letter announcing that the green card application had been denied, giving the family 180 days to leave the United States or be branded as Illegals-all based on a technicality. So, the family returned to Mexico feeling "tainted, humiliated and worse just as Regina had received her acceptance to Princeton University.
Regina's story is just one of the millions of stories of families, individuals, seeking to enter the U.S. A few like Regina and her family, will gain entrance by navigating the U.S. Bureaucracy, but most who attempt the process try to cross over illegally at the U.S-Mexico border divided by the Rio Grande River-one of the most dangerous ways to enter the U.S. Most face starvation, extreme heat, kidnappers, bandits, corrupt officials, being shipped to huge U.S. cities, exploitation by drug cartels and by some estimates, 60% of children who cross are caught by cartels and exploited for child pornography and drug trafficking.
Please invite your friends to this very important discussion from two experts in the field.
Thanks for participating.
Joseph Colangelo Co-Chair, Program Committee
Regina Lankenau: Assistant Op-ed Editor for the Houston Chronicle's opinion desk, in charge of editing op-eds and letters to the editor. As part of the editorial board, she helps shape editorials and political endorsements and writes some on occasion. She writes a weekly newsletter column inspired by letters to the editor that comes out on Thursdays and touches on topics as varied as the fentanyl crisis, the menace of leaf blowers and the nuances of physician-assisted suicide.
Regina is a native of Monterrey, Mexico and grew up all over – Vienna, Warsaw, Mexico City, Laredo, and Houston, where she attended Klein Oak High School. She most recently worked as a features reporter at a British expat newspaper in Spain. She also co-founded a business providing editing and mentoring for Hispanic immigrants applying to U.S. colleges.
Regina has a degree in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University, where she wrote for the daily paper and co-founded the school’s only international affairs publication. She also collected resettled refugees’ oral histories and worked with immigration lawyers and academic experts to provide more detailed country and area-specific information in support of asylum cases from Central America, the Caribbean and Africa. She speaks Spanish, French and Italian.
CHARLES FOSTER: Chairman of Foster LLP, based in Houston with offices in Houston, Dallas and Austin. Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America, practice primarily representing multinational companies and foreign investors regarding U.S. immigration law. Charles heads up one of the largest immigration practices in the nation.
Charles has dedicated much of his career to the improvement of his community, serving as senior immigration policy advisor to President George W. Bush, immigration policy advisor to President. Barack Obama, He is the founding Chair of the Immigration & Nationality Law Section of the State bar of Texas, Chairs of Texas Governor’s Task Force on Immigration, chaired various committees on Immigration with Greater Houston Partnership, Governor’s Task Force on Immigration, The American Bar Assn., The State Bar of Texas Immigration committees and was past National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Assn.
Charles has the distinction of having a Hollywood actor, Kyle MacLachlan plays him in a hit movie, Mao's Last Dancer. The1981 movie discusses famed Chinese Ballet Dancer, Li Cunxin, who decided to stay in America rather than being repatriated back to China by Chairman Mao and sought Charles' advice to help him gain release from the Chinese Consulate in Houston.
Show of Hands - Story of Saddam Hussein Author Dr. Joseph Agris
If you'd like to purchase a book, please bring cash or check, Dr. Joseph Agris will be signing copies of his book.
This is the story of how a group of determined civilians — with some "secret" help from the White House — rescued seven Iraqi men whose right hands had been savagely amputated, and their foreheads crudely tattooed, by order of Saddam Hussein. Officially the mutilations were punishment for dealing in gold and foreign currency, though the real reason was that the "seven brothers" had spoken out against Saddam's regime. They had suffered for years, not only from being maimed and disgraced but also from confinement in Iraq's notorious Abu Ghraib prison, where countless innocent people were tortured and executed. (Unfortunately, thanks to a small but notorious group of bad actors, abuses at the prison continued even after the American-led coalition ousted Saddam in 2003.)
When journalist and documentary producer Don North became aware of the plight Of the seven brothers, he set in motion an ambitious plan to rescue them, bring them to America, and have a team of American doctors fit them with prosthetic right hands. That's how renowned Houston plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Joseph Agris (aka "The Crazy Texan") became involved. Doc Joe has never been known to say "no" to a challenge.
And it was indeed a challenge, as the seven men had no passports or other identification papers, and the entire mission had to be accomplished without the "official" blessing of the US government. It was the government's "unofficial" blessing that saved the day, in the form of an executive memo — "The Letter" — issued by the Bush Administration. Even with The Letter, however, the mission to rescue the seven brothers, and a secondary mission to address the brutality at Abu Ghraib prison, were difficult and often dangerous.
This novelized memoir by surgeon and adventurer Dr. Joe Agris, who was a key player in the massive and complex effort to rescue the seven brothers and restore them to wholeness, tells an engaging story not only of an audacious mission of mercy, but also of efforts to bring justice to many thousands of victims of the human rights violations committed both under Saddam and under those who removed Saddam from power. The dramatized narrative describes how the rescuers' efforts were continually stymied by red tape, the egos of military leaders, and the arrogance of contract interrogators (not to mention by various physical miseries such as stifling heat and biting sand fleas, and occupational hazards such as encounters with the occasional murderous band of insurrectionists).
Beyond the main story, this book also touches on larger issues, such as the role news media and government propaganda play in warfare. Also addressed are the unintended consequences of military action in Iraq, which, two decades later, is still reeling from the instability created when Saddam was ousted. But the core message of A Show Of Hands is that even in the darkest of narratives, there is a ray of light. Or, as Doc Joe says in his Foreword, "Everywhere there are decent people who see a wrong and want to right it, and who will do whatever they can to help those who can't help themselves." Doc Joe has seen firsthand that America is full of such altruistic people.
The story of the "seven brothers" is a poignant and powerful reminder that despite mistakes, missteps, and difficulty living up to its highest ideals, sometimes America really does get it right.
First elected to the Senate in 2014, Senator Paul Bettencourt represents Senate District 7, which encompasses most of West Harris County. He previously served 10 years, from 1998 - 2008, as the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, where he introduced “Smart Government” at the Harris County Tax Office and developed a customer service-driven organization. His team created the first major county online property tax payment system and the first county tax office website with online vehicle registration in Texas. (His motto was “Get on-line, not in-line.”) He was well-known as the “Tax Man” for his outspoken efforts to cut property taxes.
In the most recent Legislative Session, Senator Bettencourt successfully passed Senate Bill 2, the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, by a vote of 21-9 to bring meaningful property tax reform and relief to all Texas taxpayers. This was the first major property tax reform legislation in almost 40 years, and the culmination of two decades of advocacy. He also continued his work on adult stem cell therapies in Texas by sponsoring HB 3148, building upon previous legislative sessions to get government out of the way, allowing new therapies to flourish and give terminally and chronically ill patients hope for a better quality of life. His work during the 86th Session earned him the distinction of "Senate MVP" by Capitol Inside, "Bull of the Brazos" by Texas Monthly, the Legislative Legacy Award by Texas Public Policy Foundation and he was given the "Citizen's Choice Award" by Empower Texans.
A champion for conservative solutions to Texas' challenges, Senator Bettencourt has built a strong reputation at the Capitol advocating for taxpayers. In his previous legislative sessions he worked tirelessly to pass conservative budgets, enact a supermajority requirement within a taxing jurisdiction to raise taxes, (which prevented a $100,000,000 tax increase in its first year) as well as author SB 7 which sought to stamp out the growing plague of inappropriate student-educator relationships. A compassionate conservative, Senator Bettencourt has been a leader on "Right to Try" and adult stem cell legislation, fighting for terminally and chronically ill patients across Texas to have better access to treatments and new therapies. Legislation that he sponsored on this important issue was adopted by the American Legislative Exchange Council as a national model other states could follow. He has also greatly expanded dual credit opportunities (SB 1004) for Texas students and Joint-Authored bipartisan legislation to enhance educational opportunities for students through ISD/Charter partnerships (SB 1882).
PROFILE:Dan Parsons, President Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston & South Texas
Joined the BBB in 1983; appointed President in 2002
Formerly served as: Director of Investigations Vice President, Operations Vice President, Government & Public Affairs Executive Vice President
PRIOR CAREER & EDUCATION HISTORY:
News & Public Affairs Director at KODA Radio. Other radio news media work in Houston and Pittsburgh Communications graduate of the University of Houston; journalism major at Duquesne University-Pittsburgh Graduate – Council of Better Business Bureau Executive Development Institute Graduate – FBI Houston Citizens Academy FBI Directors Citation for “Exceptional Service in the Public Interest” for work against telemarketing fraud.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Chairman – Houston Consumer Protection Group (coalition of 20 fraud-fighting government agencies) President – Better Business Bureau Educational Foundation, Inc.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES:
– Musician at St. Vincent de Paul and St. Theresa in the Park and Holy Ghost Catholic Churches
PERSONAL PROFILE:
Special Commissioner – Harris County Civil Court of Law #4
Former Grand Juror – 179th Criminal District Court-Harris County
Downtown Houston resident for 45 years
SAVE THE DATE:
August 24, 2023 - Senator Paul Bettencort
August 31, 2023 - Dr. Joseph Agris
Dan Parsons - BBB of Greater Houston & South Texas
John McClain, a Waco native who graduated from Baylor in 1975, covered the NFL, including the Oilers and Texans, for 47 years at the Houston Chronicle until his retirement in March 2022. He worked for the Waco Tribune Herald from 1973-76, when he accepted a job with the Chronicle. to cover the original Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association.
McClain has a plaque in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio as the 2006 winner of the Dick McCann Memorial Award (now the Bill Nunn Memorial Award) presented annually by the Pro Football Writers of America to a writer for his long and distinguished coverage of the NFL. He is past president of the Pro Football Writers of America. In 2019, he was voted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame’s second class of media inductees and also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Baylor Line Foundation.
He's a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Seniors Committee and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
In 2015, he was named as a Gridiron Legend in Texas, becoming the third member of the media behind Dave Campbell and Mickey Herskowitz. In 2019, he was voted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame's second class of media honorees.
McClain can be heard six times a week on the Texans' flagship station Sports Radio 610 in Houston. He also appears on numerous sports talk shows around the country.
McClain also has appeared in eight movies: The Rookie, The Longest Yard, Spring Breakers, Secretariat, Invincible, Cook County, The Game Plan and Make It Rain.
TECHNOLOGY AND DEMOCRACY - CAN THEY COEXIST IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? (INTRODUCTION WRITTEN BY JOSEPH COLANGELO)
United States society is in the throes of deep societal polarization that not only leads to political paralysis, but also threatens the very foundations of democracy. The phrase “The Dis-United States of America” is often mentioned-the “Us vs Them” mentality.
Widespread social media use has fueled the fire of extreme polarization, which, in turn has contributed to the erosion of trust in democratic values, elections and even scientific facts. Other countries are displaying similar polarization.
How did we get here? What went wrong? Are there any workable solutions and what is the role of government especially since the Russians, Chinese, Iranians and other Governments are already suspected of engaging in widespread programs of social disinformation aimed at the United States. Plus, Chinese social media and business sites spent decades in the U.S. and have complied a vast storehouse of information on most Americans.
Professor Moshe Vardi will explain his theory that the combination of Technology and Economics yielded our current societal polarization and offer some possible solutions.
The Rotary Club of Houston presents a unique opportunity to hear one of the leading Computer Scientists in the country, The product of an Israeli Kibbutz and a veteran of two Middle Eastern Wars, son of two holocaust survivors, unbelievably skilled in technology, but one who advises his Rice University students to consider a life of Service, Dedication and Sacrifice for the betterment of our world.
Please plan to attend and invite you friends as we discuss one of the most critical issues facing our country delivered by one of the most outspoken computer scientists who in 2013 predicted that “INTELLIGENT MACHINES MAY ONE DAY REPLACE HUMAN WORKERS ALMOST ENTIRELY AND…PUT MILLIONS OUT OF WORK PERMANENTLY.”
You won’t want to miss this special Rotary Club of Houston event.
MOSHE Y. VARDI
Moshe Y. Vardi is a University Professor, and the George Distinguished Service Professor in Computational Engineering at Rice University. He is the author and co-author of over 750 papers, as well as two books. He is the recipient of several scientific awards, is a fellow of several societies, and a member of several honorary academies. He holds nine honorary titles. He is a Senior Editor of Communications of the ACM, the premier publication in computing, focusing on societal impact of information technology.
* Doctor of Ministry Degree - Houston Graduate School of Theology; Houston, Texas * Professional Mediation Training - Worklife Institute; Houston, Texas * Master of Arts Degree - Houston Graduate School of Theology; Houston, Texas * Graduate Courses - Texas Southern University; Houston, Texas * Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting (extension course) -The University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School * Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education and Social Sciences - Houston-Tillotson University; Austin, Texas * L.C. Anderson High School, 1962 Graduate, Austin, Texas
Experience
2/2019 - present CEO Consulting and Coaching * Principal 3/1996 - 2019 Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. (Retired 1/31/2019) * Chief Executive Officer 8/1993 - 1996 Julia C. Hester House * Executive Director 8/1967 - 1993 Foley’s Department Store, Now Macy’s
* Store Manager - Almeda Mall * Buyer Budget Menswear - Corporate * Store Manager - Greenspoint Mall * Assistant Buyer Menswear - Corporate * Assistant Store Manager - Sharpstown Mall * Group Manager - Sharpstown Mall * Divisional Manager - Sharpstown Mall * Assistant Department Manager - Corporate
Religious Background
2000 - Present Pastor - Galilee Community Baptist Church Houston (2006-Present) Pastor - Galilee Missionary Baptist Church of Kenedy (2004 – 2007) Pastor - St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Dowling (2000—2003) Associate Minister - Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church (2004 – 2006) 1986 - 1998 Thomas Care Nursing Home Senior Ministry 1983 - 1990 Assistant Pastor - South Post Oak Baptist Church
Current Boards & Community Affiliations PrimeWay Federal Credit Union Board, Center for Pursuit Board of Governors, American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow Class XV,
Past Boards & Community Affiliations Founder & Charter Member of Leadership Houston; Founding Committee Member of Project Blueprint, Spaulding for Children Advisory Board; Rotary Club of Houston & Foundation Board; College of Biblical Studies Board, Immediate Past Chair; Network of Behavioral Health Providers Board; Mayor’s Public Safety Advisory Committee Chair, City of Houston. United Way of Texas: Board Member/Trustee. United Way of Greater Houston: Panelist, Chairman of Adult Service; Chairman of Allocations Committee; Chairman of Planning Allocation-Information and Referral; Member of the Personnel Committee; Allocations Redesign Committee, Chairman of Agencies Campaign 1994-95; Planning Committee 1998-99; Public Policy 1995-99; President, Agency Executive Directors Association 2000; Multi-cultural Committee; Project Blueprint; Funding Task Force Committee. Rotary Club of Houston, Past President; Houston Food Bank Board, Past President; Region 6 Adult Protective Services Advisory Board; Greater Houston Women’s Foundation Board; Disability Policy Consortium of Greater Houston Board; AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence) Interfaith Advisory Council, Target Hunger Advisory Board; The Volunteer Center Board; M.D. Anderson Hospital Volunteer; United Negro College Fund Advisory Board; Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation Board; Texas Commerce Bank-Lockwood/Lyons Board;.
Other: Houston Evaluation of Community Priorities, Red Cross-Market Street; Inter-Ethnic Forum; John Biggers Exhibition Advisory Committee.
Awards: Houston Community College Leadership and Success Honoree 2019, Career and Recovery Resources, In. Barrier Breaker Award 2019, Houston Graduate School of Theology-The Delbert and Carol Vaughn Alumnus Award 2016, Mayor's Disability Advocate of the Year 2002, National Women of Achievement Visionaries of Excellence Award 1996; Citizen of Month, 1995 Houston Defender; United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast Volunteer of the Year 1985; Texas Southern University Humanitarian of the Year 1983.
SPEAKER
Kelly Young, CEO Career and Recovery Resources, Inc.
Kelly Young has 25 years of diverse levels of management experience with a focus on change management, program development, strategic leadership, team building, and organizational design. She has served as an executive position for the last 19 years.
Kelly works with issues involving vulnerable populations, health and wellness, safety and trauma and social justice.
Causes she cares about: Civil Rights & Social Action, Education, Human rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Social Services.
Kelly is the former CEO of AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc.
She has presented at local, state, and national conferences.
She has her bachelor’s degree in psychology, from Portland State and her Master’s degree in Managerial Sciences from Amberton University.
Chase Untermeyer has held positions at all four levels of government – local, state, national, and international — over a period of more than 40 years, with work in journalism, academia, and business as well.
He was born in New Jersey but came to Houston at the age of two. He is a 1968 graduate of Harvard College with honors in government. During the Vietnam War, he served as an officer in the US Navy aboard a Pacific Fleet destroyer and as aide to the commander of US naval forces in the Philippines.
Returning to Houston, Mr. Untermeyer was a political reporter for the Houston Chronicle and executive assistant to the county judge (chief executive) of Harris County, Texas. In 1976, he was elected as a Republican to the first of two terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from a district on the west side of Houston.
Mr. Untermeyer resigned his seat to go to Washington in 1981 as executive assistant to then-Vice President Bush. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. During the first Bush Administration, he was assistant to the President for presidential personnel and director of the Voice of America.
From 2004 to 2007, he served as United States ambassador to the State of Qatar, on appointment of President George W. Bush. He is currently professor of practice at the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston.
He is the author of three volumes of diary-based memoirs of the Reagan-Bush era, When Things Went Right, Inside Reagan’s Navy, and Zenith: In the White House with George HW Bush. He has also published How Important People Act: Behaving Yourself in Public.
He is married to the former Diana Cumming Kendrick of Sheridan, Wyoming, whom he met in the White House. Their daughter Ellyson, a 2016 graduate of Stanford University, works with Facebook.
Please come help us welcome our special guest, District 5890 Governor 2023 2024, Heather Rimato. Heather will officiate the installation of our newest officers and directors for 2023-2024.
Dr. Porsa, MD, MPH, is the CEO of Harris Health Systems, providing Health Care for the over 1 million uninsured & underinsured in Harris County. Despite two hospitals & numerous county clinics, there are far too few facilities, including beds. Yet the physicians working there produce high valued care. Come and hear of his challenges & visions.
Dr. Esmaeil Porsa serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Harris Health System, which is a community-focused, academic and safety-net healthcare system dedicated to improving the health of those most in need in Harris County, Texas, through quality care delivery, coordination of care, and education.
Harris Health operates 45 community-based clinics, health centers and specialty locations and two trauma hospitals: Ben Taub Hospital (Level I) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level III). The system provides high-quality care and treatment for nearly 1.4 million outpatient visits and more than 36,000 hospital cases each year with an operating budget of $2.115 billion.
Prior to his returning to Harris Health in 2020, Dr. Porsa served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Integration Officer at Parkland Health and Hospital System where he had worked since 2007 in different capacities including the Medical Director of the Dallas County Jail Health program, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President for Professional and Academic Affairs and Interim Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Porsa completed a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio before earning his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School in San Antonio. He completed his training in internal medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston where he also served as the Chief Medical Resident. Dr. Porsa completed a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health as well as a fellowship program in primary care at the UTHSC-Houston medical school in 2005. Dr. Porsa obtained his MBA degree in Health Care Leadership from University of Texas in Dallas in 2017.
Dr. Porsa has a special interest in improving community health through addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and health care delivery in correctional setting. He currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and is a member of the Certified Correctional Health Care Professional Board of Trustees for the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).
Dr. Esmaeil Porsa - President & CEO, Harris Health System
Texas Public Education Rubric confusion REVEALED. Learn mystery of multiple Texas Proficiency Exams, but many students can't read, write, or balance a check book? Have some grade books been cooked? Most importantly, will the various voucher, TEA-HISD, other school districts plans address or fix the confusing issues. Presented with narratives & past & present DATA. If you thought of missing ANY RCOH this year- This is not the one. Bring curious guests Reserve early to assure a seat. Potential for overflow
Dr. Paul Klotman began serving as president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor College of Medicine Sept. 1, 2010. He received his B.S. degree in 1972 from the University of Michigan and his M.D. from Indiana University in 1976. He completed his medicine and nephrology training at Duke University Medical Center. He stayed at Duke as a faculty member, rising to the rank of associate professor of medicine before moving to the NIH in 1988 where he became chief of the Molecular Medicine Section in the Laboratory of Developmental Biology. In 1993, he became chief of the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory in the NIDR/NIH. In 1994, he moved to Mt. Sinai School of Medicine as the Irene and Dr. Arthur M. Fishberg Professor of Medicine and the chief of the Division of Nephrology. In 2001, he was selected to be the chair of the Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. The Baylor Board of Trustees named him as the school’s new president in July of 2010.
Dr. Klotman's research has been a blend of both basic and clinical research in molecular virology and AIDS pathogenesis. He developed the first small animal model of HIV-associated nephropathy using transgenic techniques. He is the author of more than 200 publications and he has been a visiting professor and lecturer internationally in the field of HIV pathogenesis. He has been elected to both the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. He is on the editorial boards of journals both in the United States and in Europe and he has served on and chaired numerous study sections including those from the NIH, the American Heart Association, the National Kidney Foundation, and the VA research service.
In addition to his laboratory efforts, Dr. Klotman has been an active clinician, teacher, and mentor. Students from his laboratory have won prestigious scientific competitions. He has trained over 50 clinical fellows, postdoctoral fellows, and students in his laboratory since 1984 most of whom are independently funded. Four of his mentees are now chairs of medicine and four others lead major institutes or centers. He has been listed in both Castle Connelly and New York Magazine as one of the region's Best Doctors. And, he was named Physician of the Year by Mt. Sinai nurses. As the chair of medicine, he moved the Department of Medicine at Mt. Sinai to a top-tier academic program by expanding the Faculty Practice, increasing basic and clinical research revenues, developing new community projects, and focusing on the educational mission.
Dr. Shah holds the Barbara & Corbin J. Robertson Jr. Chair in Psychiatry, and is Executive Vice Chair and Professor of Psychiatry, Family and Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, and Chief of Psychiatry for Ben Taub Hospital/Harris Health System. He is also Chief, Division of Community Psychiatry & Director of Mood Disorder Research Program at Ben Taub Hospital.
He has received two Fulbright and Jaworski Awards, one for "Teaching and Evaluation" in 2012, and the other for "Educational Leadership" in 2014. He further received the “Rising Star Clinician Award" from Baylor in 2014. He received the Children Mental Health Champion AWARD from Mental Health America in 2018. He was appointed to the Texana Center Board of Trustees in August 2019.
Dr. Shah has done numerous media presentations to National and International Radio/TV/Newspapers and has widely presented both nationally and internationally. He is seen on FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, NPR, PBS as an expert analyst. He has about 170 peer reviewed publications and chapters to his credit and two books. He has been named by Houstonia magazine and Castle Connolly on their Top Doctors list for Houston since 2013 every year, and received it in 2023 also. He has received the prestigious “Clark Faculty Service Award” from Baylor College of Medicine in 2020, for his services for the community, and also received “Allies of Women of Excellence award”. He is the past Chair for Mental Health America of Greater Houston and Ibn Sina Advisory Board. Currently he is board Chair for Alliance Texas, a refugees settlement agency and in 2021 he was appointed as Board Chair for Recovery Center Houston/Sobering Center by Mayor of Houston for a 3 year term. In 2020, he received "Medal of Honor" from Government of Pakistan, and was included in Foreign Minister's Honor roll list. Pakistan Psychiatric society named him "Most Eminent Psychiatrist" in 2020.
He received the prestigious Imma Hogg Award from Mental Health America for 2022, joining the club of William P. Hobby, and John P. McGovern. In 2023, American Psychiatric Association (APA) board of trustees elected him as a Distinguished Fellow of APA.
Lauren Sparks founded Agility 2020, Inc., the entity that proposed a federally chartered bank, primarily owned and led by women.
With over three decades of community banking and risk management experience, Lauren is uniquely qualified to foster the growth of a community bank that focuses on digital banking. As a business owner herself, she executed exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially women.
In 2009 Lauren formed Third Party Resources, Inc. (3PR Inc.), a woman-owned consulting firm specializing in community banks and financial service firms. 3PR, which serves more than 30 community banks at any given time, also has become a preferred vendor for one of the world’s largest software providers.
Andrew S. Friedbergwas first elected Mayor of Bellaire in November 2015. He previously served six years as a Council Member, and before that as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. He works as an attorney in the oil and gas industry.
Education and Experience
An honors graduate of Bellaire High School, Andrew completed a triple-major in Economics, Finance and Government at the University of Texas at Austin. There, he was named Parents' Association Outstanding Student and received the University President's Leadership Award, among many others.
After graduating first in his class at UT, Andrew earned his law degree with honors from Harvard Law School, and served as a judicial law clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Prior to returning to Bellaire, Andrew served six years in the United States Army National Guard as administrative specialist for a military intelligence unit, and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal.
Personal Information
Andrew and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of two great kids, a son and a daughter.
"All you ever wanted to know about Lawyers but were afraid to ask"
Note the change of location: May 4, Thursday, 11:30 am - 1:15 pm, Grotto Restaurant, 4715 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77027. Complimentary valet parking and free parking garage in the back.
Please join us for a special program featuring Robert Eckels, Charles Foster and Rick Olsen, aka THE THREE AMIGOS OF LAW, all prominent members of the Rotary Club of Houston and interesting personalities in their own right, as they discuss, their careers in Law, revealing never-before disclosed facts about their early years, what caused them to want to become Lawyers, the "Ups and Downs" of a career in the law- in other words, "All you ever wanted to know about Lawyers but were afraid to ask"
Law Day is held every May 1, to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession and its role in building trust in American Institutions and Advancing Social Justice, Protecting Human Rights and Promoting the Rule of Law The United States has 1,350,000 licensed attorneys, 93,000 in Texas more per-capita than any country in the world. It is fitting and proper that we take this day to honor our Three Amigos of Law. Please invite your friends to this important, fun-filled program.
For info: contact Joe Colangelo, Chair of the Day 713-4121875, or jcolan@gmail.com
ROBERT ECKELS:General Counsel and Director of Greffex, Inc. a company using genetic engineering for research and development of vaccines and genetic therapy. Robert is also Counsel to the law firm of Husch Blackwell, LLP., a national firm where his practice is focused on representing governmental clients and corporate compliance and finance. Robert’s legal career is built on decades in public service and leadership in the state legislature and as County Judge (executive) of Harris County, Texas, with 4 million residents, America’s third largest county. As County Judge, he created the county department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. After Hurricane Katrina, Robert organized the largest shelter operation in US history as over 60,000 evacuees fleeing the floods in New Orleans found shelter in Harris County’s Astrodome and NRG Park. He served 18 years is chairman of the Texas County & District Retirement System, at $34 billion, one of America’s largest and most actuarially sound pension funds. He is a founder and past director of Texas Central Railway, a company undertaking development of high-speed rail service between Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Robert earned a national reputation as a leader in health care, disaster response and recovery, transportation, public private partnerships, and finance.
CHARLES FOSTER: Chairman of Foster LLP, based in Houston with offices in Houston, Dallas and Austin. Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America, practice primarily representing multinational companies and foreign investors regarding U.S. immigration law. Charles heads up one of the largest immigration practices in the nation.
Charles has dedicated much of his career to the improvement of his community, serving as senior immigration policy advisor to President George W. Bush, immigration policy advisor to President. Barack Obama, He is the founding Chair of the Immigration & Nationality Law Section of the State bar of Texas, Chairs of Texas Governor’s Task Force on Immigration, chaired various committees on Immigration with Greater Houston Partnership, Governor’s Task Force on Immigration, The American Bar Assn., The State Bar of Texas Immigration committees and was past National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Assn.
Charles has the distinction of having a Hollywood actor, Kyle MacLachlan play him in a hit movie, Mao's Last Dancer. The1981 movie discusses famed Chinese Ballet Dancer, Li Cunxin, who decided to stay in America rather than being repatriated back to China by Chairman Mao and sought Charles' advice to help him gain release from the Chinese Consulate in Houston.
RICK OLSEN: Founder and principal of The Olsen Law Firm, P.C.—a national litigation firm with an emphasis on commercial and business-related matters. He has successfully represented individual and corporate clients in federal and state jurisdictions throughout the United States for over twenty years.
Prior to practicing law, Rick served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department for more than a decade. There, he served as a member of the elite motorcycle unit, an accident investigator, and inspector within the Traffic Enforcement Division. Rick believes his law enforcement experience and perspective as a trial attorney continue to serve his clients on a daily basis.
Rick has been a member of the Rotary Club of Houston since 2009. He served as President of the Club during the 2017-2018 Rotary year, served as Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5890 during the 2020-2021 Rotary year, and currently serves as Chairman of the Rotary Club of Houston Foundation Board. Rick graduated with honors from South Texas College of Law, where he served as an Articles Editor for the South Texas Law Review. Rick and his wife, Nan, have been married for thirty-one years and reside in Cypress, Texas.
Donna was born in Olympia, Washington and at three months old was transplanted to Houston. After receiving a Bachelor of Music from the University of Houston, she began her 14-year professional career as a music teacher for HISD. Her final three years were spent teaching children with special needs at T.H. Rogers School.
Married to renowned restaurateur Tony Vallone for more than 36 years, Donna was always by his side in life and in business. Together, they were co-owners of Tony’s in Greenway Plaza. When Tony passed away in September 2020, Donna took the reins of Tony’s and continues to work vigorously, keeping her beloved husband’s legacy and vision alive through the culinary arts and dedication to service that he held as a standard at his flagship restaurant of more than 58 years.
Donna is also extremely active in the community, serving on several boards and advisory committees. She sits on the boards of the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Theatre Under the Stars, and Friends of Nursing at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Donna has a passion for life, love, and family. Her greatest loves are her late husband Tony and her family, always putting them first in her life. Her second love is music as she enjoys singing and attending music-inspired events around Houston. Donna is also a proud 15-year breast cancer survivor and an advocate for early detection. She will tell you – “a mammogram saved my life” – and as a result is a champion for annual check-screenings.
FUN FACTS
Donna and Tony Vallone were the recipients of The Rotary Club of Houston's Distinguished Citizen Award in 2018.
Tony's has been the venue for Rotary Club of Houston's weekly luncheons for several years.
Imagine a day when cancer is treated with something as simple as a Z-Pac. Or a day when cancer is preventable through immunization. Or, better yet, a day when we can declare that cancer has been eradicated. While it might seem unimaginable, with the ever-accelerating advancements in technology, artificial technology, etc., such dreams may become a reality in the not too distant future. And it all starts with RESEARCH.
Since 1970, the Rotary Club of Houston has proudly supported cancer research through the Rotary Lombardi Award. The 49th RLA was held on December 7, 2022 and this week we will be presenting checks to the American Cancer Society and MD Anderson. We are pleased to have Jenny Todd, Senior Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, Houston; Emily Koch, Associate Director, Leadership Giving and Philanthropy at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Nicholas Navin, Professor and Chair of the Department of Systems Biology at MD Anderson Cancer Center joining us as representatives of these great organizations. Jenny and Emily will be updating us on their fundraising efforts and how the donations from the RLA and other contributors support cancer research.
Please join us on Thursday, April 20 as we celebrate a successful 49th RLA and turn the page as we focus our collective energies to make the 50th Rotary Lombardi Award the most successful fundraiser we’ve ever had.
Since 2018, Connor Hagan has served as an FBI Public Affairs Officer (PAO) providing media support during critical incidents, answering daily press inquiries related to federal investigations, and highlighting significant FBI cases for public attention. He maintains an active FBI social media presence and enjoys working with numerous media, law enforcement, and community leaders throughout Texas.
Connor Hagan joined the FBI in July 2015 as a member of FBI Milwaukee’s Special Surveillance Group where he conducted covert surveillance of foreign spies and suspected terrorists related to national security investigations. Within a few years, he shifted into a support role where he provided administrative assistance to the counterterrorism, counterintelligence, human intelligence, and violent crime squads. In January 2018, he transferred to the Houston Field Office in his first posting as an FBI PAO. After two years in Texas, Connor transferred to Little Rock as the sole FBI PAO for the entire state of Arkansas. While in this position, Connor was selected for the FBI’s elite Media Fly Team (MFT), where he was deployed to numerous critical incidents and mass casualty events around the nation during his two-year assignment.
After three years in Arkansas, Connor is back in Houston alongside his fiancée and large extended family. Before joining the FBI, Connor studied organized crime and national security while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Brian Murray is the Assistant Deputy Coordinator for Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Public Information Officer, and Communications Supervisor for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM).
Murray supervises a communications team specializing in media relations, marketing, social media, communications planning, and public education. Before becoming PIO in June 2019, he served as the Planning Section Supervisor during Hurricane Harvey and the Deer Park Tank Fire incident.
Developing the processes and technology for communicating with the public during disasters has been at the center of Murray’s career at HCOHSEM. He helped establish the first physical Regional Joint Information Center at Houston TranStar and his work in developing “JIC Strike Teams” earned HCOHSEM an Outstanding Emergency Public Information Aware from the Emergency Management Association of Texas in 2015. In addition, he was the Public Information Officer of the Houston Area Local Emergency Communication Committee and a member of 2 working groups attached to the Federal Communications Commission’s Communications Security Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) charged with charting the future development of Wireless Emergency Alerts and accessible public information.
Murray earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Houston – Downtown as well as a Master of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security from Pennsylvania State University.
Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM)
Mark Illian is an Electrical Engineering graduate of Texas A&M University. He is the father of two wonderful people, a global citizen and founder of the nonprofit Nature Healing Nature whose mission is to eliminate water related illness on Earth by empowering remote, disadvantaged, villagers to embrace pragmatic water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions using only materials and skills that they already have available. He has co-created lasting WASH solutions in Togo, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya, Haiti, Nicaragua, Cambodia and Peru.
His engineering work embraces complex process control solutions with emphasis on combustion systems in power, petrochemical, and heavy industries. He is currently establishing his latest company, RainwaterHarvestingHouston.com, as the premier potable rainwater harvesting design and construction company in South East Texas.
His volunteer emphasis is as a Program Manager, Project Team Lead, and Travel Team Mentor of several Engineers Without Borders projects in the world. His volunteer work also involves the empowerment of youth and adults in overcoming boundaries that are limiting their highest potential.
Each week Project C.U.R.E. delivers approximately three to five semi-truck-sized ocean containers packed with the medical equipment and supplies desperately needed to save lives in hospitals and clinics in resource-limited countries. Janet Thomason and Jo Sullivan will share a behind the scenes look at how this lifesaving work is accomplished. Both Janet and Jo will talk about their first hand experiences working in communities across the US and across the world.
No stranger to the world of nonprofits, Janet has a diverse history of nonprofit management and board development experience. Currently, she serves Project C.U.R.E. as the Director of National Procurement and is responsible for building relationships with manufacturers, distributors and medical facilities in order to secure the product donations which will ultimately help Project C.U.R.E. save lives in low-resourced countries. Each week, Project C.U.R.E. delivers approximately four semi-truck loads of donated medical supplies and equipment to desperately needy people around the world. Under her direction, the organization has implemented numerous programs to strategically increase the supply of life saving equipment available for countries in need. Approximately 200 cargo containers of equipment and supplies are shipped annually from Project C.U.R.E.’s seven distribution facilities.
Janet welcomes opportunities to speak to groups and share how healthcare professionals and related industries can use their resources to strengthen healthcare systems in vulnerable populations.
Janet has an extensive entrepreneurial background as well as professional experience in sales and marketing management. Her professional experience ranges from large to small corporations, having worked with Fortune 500 companies, as well as privately held corporations. Janet particularly enjoys opportunities to work within the international community and considers travel experiences with Project C.U.R.E. some of her most memorable experiences. Bringing past experiences together to improve healthcare for those in need has been extremely gratifying – and tons of fun!
An active member of the non-profit community both locally and globally; Mrs. Thomason serves on the San Jacinto College Biomedical Advisory Committee and on the Executive Board of The Partnership for Quality Medical Donations, a unique alliance of non-profit and corporate organizations committed to bringing measurable health impact to under-served and vulnerable people through active engagement with global partners and local communities.
A native Bostonian, Janet and her husband have lived in Houston for over 35 years. Project C.U.R.E. is all in the family for the Thomason’s. daughter, Dr. Alyssa Kalustian Thomason, volunteers with Project C.U.R.E., and has traveled to Ghana for clinic service. Son, Alexander, is a Biomedical Engineer and regular in our Clinical Engineering department.
Jo Sullivan, LMSW Project C.U.R.E. Houston Executive Director
Jo Sullivan is a dynamic, results-driven Executive Director-level leader with a passion for impacting community systems and growing the capacity of nonprofits.
Jo's current role is the Houston Executive Director for Project C.U.R.E. Project C.U.R.E. is the world’s largest distributor of donated medical supplies, equipment, and services to more than 135 countries. Jo is responsible for philanthropy and community outreach in Houston and across Texas.
Prior to Project C.U.R.E, Jo served as Houston SPCA's Chief Community and Development Officer. In her time there, she built a highly impactful development, communications, and marketing team and launched the first Community Outreach program resulting in food pantries, vaccine clinics, and partnerships with leading Human Services organizations in Texas.
Jo's previous professional accomplishments include notable contributions to Save the Chimps, Wounded Warrior Project, Toys for Tots, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and other respected organizations.
In addition to her professional experience, Jo is a Licensed Master Social Worker and holds a Certification in Addictions Counseling. Jo serves on multiple boards and volunteers in prison re-entry counseling, pet foster programs, and teaches storytelling.
Project C.U.R.E.Delivering Health and Hope Around the World
Sanjay Ramabhadran’s (pronounced Rahm-bud-run) leadership roles with Houston’s influential civic and business organizations have uniquely positioned him to help steer METRO’s future. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston METRO), the largest transit authority in Texas and for the 4th largest city in the United States, with a 1,300 square mile service area and an annual budget of $1.7 Billion. He is a member of the Transportation Policy Council, the Policy Board for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) serving a 13-county region.
Previously as chair of METRO’s Capital and Strategic Planning Committee, Sanjay helped oversee the planning, design, construction, and launch of major projects that enhance mobility throughout the region.
A Registered Professional Engineer, he is a Founding Principal at a consulting firm providing program/construction management services on aviation, transportation, water and flood protection projects. He has served in senior executive and board roles with global and regional firms delivering transportation, water, and flood mitigation projects for 25+ years. He brings this knowledge to METRO at a time when the agency is implementing a $3.5 billion bond program, METRONext, approved by voters in 2019 with almost 70% of the vote.
Sanjay has served as President of The Texas Lyceum, an organization that brings together diverse opinions and expertise to focus on issues of critical importance to the future of Texas and catalyzes constructive private sector, public sector and individual responses to these issues. He is a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Houston, a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, and former President of the HESS Club and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. His civic involvement has included serving as Steering Committee Member – Houston General Plan; Chairperson of the Houston Mayor's International Trade & Development Council (South Asia); City of Houston – Building & Standards Commission; and Connecting Communities Initiative at Rice University's Kinder Institute.
Sanjay’s talent for bringing business and civic leaders together to tackle big challenges has been a hallmark of his leadership. As such, in 2012 he was recognized among Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the United States Junior Chamber. He was previously selected as one of Five Outstanding Young Texans in 2011 by the Texas Jaycees and one of Five Outstanding Young Houstonians for the year 2010 by the Houston Jaycees. Selected as an ASIA 21 Young Leader, he represented the United States at the 2010 Global Asia 21 Leadership Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and BITS – Pilani with executive education at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Reginald DesRoches is Rice University’s eighth president. He also serves as professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and professor of Mechanical Engineering. As president, DesRoches serves as the chief executive officer of the university and its more than 8,200 students, 900 plus faculty, seven academic schools, the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, and many interdisciplinary institutes and centers. He previously served as Rice’s Howard Hughes Provost and William and Stephanie Sick Dean of Engineering. DesRoches’ primary research interests are in the design of resilient infrastructure systems under extreme loads and the application of smart materials. He has published approximately 300 articles and delivered more than 100 presentations in over 30 different countries. He also has mentored more than 30 doctoral students, many of whom hold faculty positions at top universities around the world.
A member of the National Academy of Engineering, DesRoches’ distinctive research record has been recognized for its impact and innovation. He is a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineering Institute. He received the Distinguished Arnold Kerr Lecturer Award in 2019, the John A. Blume Distinguished Lecturer Award in 2018, and the 2018 Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Distinguished Lecturer Award, one of the highest honors in the field of earthquake engineering. DesRoches is a member of the Academy of Distinguished Alumni in Civil Engineering at Berkeley and an honorary alumnus of Georgia Tech.
BECAUSE YOU HAVE REPEATEDLY ASK & REASKED – President Kenneth Mattox has put together a tabletop panel of individuals including himself, Roberto Canavati. Dr. David Persse, Dr. James Harrell, Laura Jahns, Annie Song Torres & others who routinely aid others in “Innovative 24 Access in Navigating Recognizing and Responding to potentially life threating medical conditions.” Without any HIPPA violations, real life cases will be presented and discussed. Houston is home to some of the most fantastic medical, psychiatric, and surgical care anywhere in the world, but is worthless if it cannot be accessed when needed. Mechanisms to get the right person, to the right place, to see the right provider, in the right time, will be discussed.
Every single person attending Rotary Club weekly meetings has experienced those very scary sinking feelings when encountering signs, symptoms, and fears that these perhaps represent the signals that immediate health access is indicated, but concern that an expensive extraneous workup might need to be avoided.
Various public, private, and even purchased services have been arranged, with names such as “Care Navigator; Concierge Services; VIP Response; and 24 Access” are descriptors of existing vehicles to speedy and professional screening and therapeutic evaluation and care.
We will be emphasizing the symptoms which should NOT be ignored and what to do for:
Heart Attack and what to expect ----STEMI Symptom to cath times acceptable
STROKE and what can be done and what should NOT be done.
SOME acute Vascular conditions, some of which have minimal symptoms, but need urgent attention.
Perhaps some septic and infectious conditions, such as flesh-eating bacteria.
Maybe some orthopedic conditions
Maybe some cancer conditions
Children and burn conditions.
What is in place currently.
What is available in HOUSTON via EMS directly.
What is being developed.
When NOT to over react.
Where are the checks and balances on TIME to action in the HOUSTON area.
There WILL be time for questions from the floor. You may want to have some paper to take notes.
"Houston Matters: The Daily Guide to All Things Houston."
For the past ten years, Michael Hagerty has worked as the senior producer for Houston Matters, the daily radio show and podcast about all things Houston that's heard Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. on Houston Public Media (KUHF/88.7FM), our city's NPR and PBS station (KUHT/Ch. 8). Michael has spent more than 20 years in public radio and television in places like Abilene and Waco, Texas, along with Reno, Nevada. There he dabbled in minor league baseball, spending four seasons as the public address announcer for the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He lives with his wife, Melanie (a Houston native), in Clear Lake in a home built for the original NASA employees (how Houston is that?) with his two children, Louis (4), and Cora (2) and cat, Nunzio. He grew up outside Chicago in northwest Indiana before moving to Greater Houston at age ten and loves Houston so much he roots for the Astros almost as hard as he does his first baseball love, the Chicago Cubs.
Michael Hagerty - Senior Producer, Houston Matters
Jackie Wayne Sherrill (born November 28, 1943) is a former American football player and coach. He was the head football coach at Washington StateUniversity(1976), the University of Pittsburgh (1977–1981), Texas A&M University (1982–1988), and Mississippi State University (1991–2003), compiling a career college football record of 180–120–4. Sherrill is a studio analyst for Fox Sports Net's college football coverage.
David H. Robbins City of Houston Airports System Infrastructure Division, Director of Resiliency
David joined the Houston Airports System a little over a year ago to lead Infrastructure, Program Management and Delivery. During this time, he established an integrated centralized program management system, in lieu of one based on spreadsheets and various distributed data repositories. With this intimate understanding of HAS infrastructure, David was recently appointed as Director of Resiliency for the three (3) airports, Ellington Field/Spaceport, Hobby, and Bush Intercontinental.
In this new role, Robbins will (via master planning effort) define, craft and implement the resiliency program in alignment with the City’s 100 Resilient Cities and C40 Network guidance. Addressing workforce, operations, infrastructure and finance in way of business continuity.
Robbins comes to Houston via San Antonio whereas Chief Development officer for the Airports System, he was responsible for development and implementation of the 20 – year Strategic Development Program, and the accompanying 10-year Capital Improvement Program. As well, he was charged with leading Design, Construction, Planning, Maintenance, Terminal Management, Ecology, Environment, Fleet and Central Utilities Plant.
With Chicago Department of Aviation, he held various positions as Senior Project Manager/Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner managing at various times, Design/Construction and Environment/Sustainability. As Sr. PM for the ($8.5 Billion) O’Hare Modernization. Mr. Robbins’s responsibilities included North Airfield PM, U.P./Metra Rail Relocation, Runway 10Center/Center program, among others. Under the O’Hare CIP Robbins led design and construction for 600 – Million BTU high temperature/high pressure water system, along with 42 thousand tons of chilled water and control upgrades, in the second largest central H&R plant in the U.S.
David’s aviation career began with the Wayne County Department of Airports where he worked as Airport Operations Airfield Supervisor and then Manager of Properties, Planning and Facilities. Prior to joining the CDA, Mr. Robbins was Design and Assets Manager VIII for the Wayne County Department of Public Works Division of Parks where he led a team managing design planning, design and construction for the oldest parks systemin the State of Michigan. He served as program manager for the (Platinum LEED) Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Gateway, as well as Detroit and Rouge River AOC Committee Chair. As a graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s College of Technology, Mr. Robbins holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management, and a Master of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Technology, with concentrations in both Emergency Management and Aviation Management.
Juanita and David have a son and a daughter and very much look forward to another 28 – years of friendship/marriage.
Chris Boleman, Ph.D., was named president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ on May 12, 2020. Dr. Boleman joined the Rodeo in 2017 as the executive director of the Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits Division. In 2019, he was promoted to chief mission officer. A native Texan, Dr. Boleman earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, where he also has served as Associate Professor.
As Chief Mission Officer, Dr. Boleman led the execution of all mission-related activities, including the livestock and horse shows, educational and commercial exhibits, donors, auctions, sponsorships, grants, scholarships, and other educational programs. A significant part of this position is working in tandem with 46 of the 108 volunteer committees to provide coordinated and collaborative leadership with the Rodeo’s Executive Committee, vice presidents, committee Chairs and staff. In this position, he provided oversight for an approximately $50 million budget and $27 million given annually through scholarships, educational program grants, and graduate assistantships.
In 2019, under the direction of the Rodeo Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Dr. Boleman was tasked to provide leadership, oversight and management of the Rodeo’s reorganization plan in cooperation with the consultant team. He also led the implementation phase, which took place in the Fall of 2019. Prior to his promotion to chief mission officer, Dr. Boleman served as executive director of the Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits Division, leading the livestock and horse show competition, auctions and wine programs.
Turner was born on September 27, 1954, in Houston, Texas, as the sixth of nine children, and was raised in the Acres Homes community in northwest Houston by his father, a commercial painter, and his mother, a maid at the Rice Hotel. He was senior class president and valedictorian at Klein High School. At the University of Houston he was Speaker of the Student Senate and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. degree in political science. Turner was a finalist in the Ames Moot Court Competition while obtaining a J.D. degree from Harvard Law School. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Mayor Sylvester Turner serves as the Executive Officer of the City. As the City's chief administrator and official representative, the Mayor is responsible for the general management of the City and for seeing that all laws and ordinances are enforced. Administrative duties include the appointments, with Council approval, of department heads and persons serving on advisory boards.
As Executive Officer, the Mayor administers oaths and signs all motions, resolutions and ordinances passed by City Council. The Mayor also serves a legislative function, presiding over City Council with voting privileges.
The Mayor is responsible for advising Council of the City's financial condition and presents to Council an annual budget for approval.
First, this is a greeting to each of you, wishing you a healthy happy and productive year 2023. Many right things are in place for this to be a very fruitful year, in all the things we do, say, and hope for. Imagine Rotary is not only our theme for this year, but we have also together learned and participated in many innovative things, and I have a strong premonition that “we ain’t seen nothing yet.” We are so blessed in our club to have so many forward thinking people in many diverse and balanced areas and disciplines. Both our active members, visitors, and speakers have shared so many “imagine” thoughts this year so far, but we have 6 months more to go as we together rebuild ideas, visions, community, and beyond.
Our first Thursday noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Houston will be on January 5, 2023. I want the program for that day to be US and our visitors, just as we have every week. This should be both a club and individual revitalization. We will involve everyone at every table as we address several things:
Comment about the current and your desired Thursday programs. We will chat about subject matter, titles, as well as specific suggestions. We have a list of ideas which can take us all the way to July 2023, however we do wish to hear from each of you about direction, depth, and ideas.
Your board wishes to know your traditional classification and what projects and committees you are currently on. We want you to give some thought as to whether or not you are currently optimally positioned. Specifically what committee(s) or project(s) do you wish to be involved with. Rule #1 is that everyone must belong to at least one project or committee.
I do want us to also have an in-depth discussion of the projects and committees we currently have and how they need to be restructured. We should NOT have committees with only ONE member. Our committees & projects must be vetted among the entire club, have a chairperson, have a management plan, and have submitted the budget and plan to the budget committee and board.
I am very excited about this upcoming club interaction and strategizing. This is not a member only meeting as many of our visitors and anticipated upcoming new members are part of our 2023 Rotary Imagine good times.
Thank you for the privilege and opportunity of being your President of the Rotary Club of Houston this year.
He’s been a “Billion-dollar Lawyer” for more than three decades, spent time as a clerk to Judge Charles Clark and Judge Thurgood Marshall on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He made a massive impact on antitrust, energy and commercial law in Texas and throughout the U.S.
But what Harry Reasoner would rather discuss as he nears his 60th year of practice are his pro bono matters – from individual child custody cases, to winning the right for prisoners to write confidentially to their lawyers and get books and magazines, to the right of the University of Texas Law School to use race as a factor in admission.
He’s passionate about his work in Guajardo v. Estelle, which resulted in a settlement overseen by the U.S. District Court in Houston that survived for roughly 30 years, granting Texas prison inmates the right to obtain books and magazines and correspond confidentially with their attorneys as well as news reporters.
“One area of our society that could greatly stand improvement is our prisons,” says Reasoner. “We don’t do enough to rehabilitate. You ought to make it so that kids who get there come out with high school degrees.”
Reasoner made partner six years after joining Vinson & Elkins' Houston office. He won a verdict of $1B in 1989 in an antitrust battle over a proposed coal-slurry pipeline and would go on to serve as managing partner for 10 years, 1992 through 2001.
Summary: presentation will go into what Web3 is, some basics of blockchain, and how it is different from the traditional hub and spoke structure of the internet, along with how this technology will change society.
Bonus: How FTX is NOT web3 and is actually an artifact from web 2.0
Bio:
Giorgio is an Italian-American software developer and entrepreneur. While working in the Oil and Gas industry in 2011, he was introduced to the bitcoin white paper. Ever since, he has closely followed developments within the ecosystem. After working 7 years at one of the largest commodity companies, Koch Minerals and Trading, he decided to focus exclusively on crypto and founded the web3 focused software development company, Spindletop Digital, that builds web3 focused applications along with advising on web3 related topics. Within the space he has co-founding various web3 companies, such as Fair Bid, and has spearheaded the tokenization of an established Italian hotel on lake Como. He has also been highly active in the community and participated in various discussions with the LAO, Lex DAO, dxDAO, and Art Blocks. In addition, Giorgio runs the Houston Web3 meetup, a diverse group of crypto enthusiasts dedicated to building community, educating and onboarding and being a platform for innovation. The Houston Web3 meetup, has over the years, introduced many people to the basics of web3 along with hosting hackathons, and paneled discussions within the community.
Consul General Vitalii Tarasiuk has already met with Ukrainian citizens and organizations in the area, such as the Ukrainian American Cultural Club of Houston, Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ukrainian School of Houston, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church and others.
The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), www.USUBC.org, congratulates Mr. Tarasiuk regarding his new appointment and looks forward to working with him and his team in Houston. USUBC members worked very closely with Vitalii from 2014 to 2019, when he was Minister-Counselor, Head of Economic and Trade Office at the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA in Washington, D.C.
“The members of USUBC wish Vitalii the best of success in enhancing business, cultural andtrade cooperation between Ukraine and the states of his district”, said President of USUBC Morgan Williams.
Vitalii Tarasiuk received a Distinguished Service Award (DSA) from the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) in 2019 in Washington, D.C. before he was assigned back to Kyiv. To read more, please follow the LINK
Vitalii Tarasiuk - Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston
Stephen L. Klineberg, Ph.D. Founding Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Rice University
Dr. Stephen Klineberg has been shaping local thought on the ongoing trends in Houston for almost forty years. As the director of the annual “Kinder Houston Area Survey” (1982-2020), he has tracked the economic outlooks, demographic patterns, life experiences, and beliefs of area residents through 39 years of remarkable change. His book exploring the national implications of the first 38 years of this research, entitled Prophetic City: Houston on the Cusp of a Changing America, was published in June 2020 by Simon & Schuster. Klineberg is the recipient of twelve major teaching awards at Rice and a much sought-after speaker in the Houston community and beyond. He is a graduate of Haverford College, with an MA from the University of Paris, and a PhD from Harvard. He and his wife Margaret have lived in Houston since the early 1970s; they have two children and five grandchildren.
Ray Hunt is a native Houstonian and product of the Houston Independent School District. Ray graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and has been employed as a Police Officer at HPD since 1989. Ray worked night shift for 18 years in SW Houston where he served as a Field Trainer and Evaluator for new officers. In 1999, Ray was appointed by then-Governor George Bush as a Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Ray has served as a Board Member, Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union prior to being appointed Executive Director. Ray is married to his high school prom date and they have 2 grown children, 4 grandchildren, and 1 more on the way.
Please join us September 22, 2022, we will be packaging meals for homebound seniors and disabled adults meals as well as their pets.
Meals on Wheels Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston 3303 Main St. Houston, TX 77002
September 22, 2022 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Meals on Wheels/Animeals
Meals on Wheels
Interfaith Ministries’ Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston and Galveston County program provides home-delivered meals to over 7,300 unduplicated homebound seniors and disabled adults in five counties – Harris, Galveston, Montgomery, Liberty and Chambers. The program also delivers weekend meals and a week’s worth of breakfast to about a quarter of our most frail and isolated clients. This nutritional support helps people stay independent and in their own homes. Sign up by contacting us at 713-533-4978.
Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston and Galveston County is able to serve clients with the help of partners like Harris County Area Agency on Aging, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and Managed Care Organizations serving Southeast Texas. In conjunction with the Harris County Community Services Department, Interfaith Ministries reaches out to the remote areas of Harris County, serving elders across the county. Interfaith Ministries also partners with organizations in Liberty, Chambers and Montgomery Counties to deliver these meals.
Additionally, our Animeals program delivers pet food to over 1,300 cats and dogs of Meals on Wheels clients. Interfaith Ministries collects donated pet food that volunteers deliver each month to clients. Learn more about Animeals.
Animeals
The Animeals program was founded so that homebound clients on Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Meals on Wheels program would not feel compelled to share their limited food and resources with their four-legged friends. Thanks to partnerships with other non-profit organizations, we can assist our Meals on Wheels clients with receiving much needed veterinary services (such as vaccinations and spay/neutering).
Volunteers are needed to make monthly deliveries of pet food, adopt a senior and their pet(s), host pet food drives, assist with inventorying donations and organizing the Animeals pets, food room, repackage pet food donations, pick up donations of pet food throughout the community and represent Animeals at special events. Please click here if you are interested in volunteering with us!
If you are unable to donate dog or cat food, Interfaith Ministries can purchase the product on your behalf if you choose to donate online.
Medicine & Surgery has become extremely complex with fantastic advancements in Diagnostics, Procedures, Technology, and even Regulations. Todays definitions of the terms: advanced technology, monitoring, cardiac support, chemotherapy, reconstructions, emergency procedures, etc. are different than just 5 years ago. Navigating the complex jungle of registrations, regulations, insurance, copayments, consultants, critical care units, telesurgery is frustrating for family, patients, quality reviewers, as well as physicians and trainees. A rare look into this world will happen this coming Thursday at the Rotary Club of Houston, September 15, 2022 in Tony's Wine Cellar. Space is somewhat limited, so be sure to register early at the Rotary Club of Houston website. Drs. Loor, Ramsey, and Savi of Baylor College of Medicine who lecture to young trainees and staff on these subjects will share with attendees on these challenges. This is one of those "MUST ATTEND" events for all Rotarians individual and for their families.
Kenneth L. Mattox, MD President TRCOH 2022-23
Michele M. Loor, M.D. is a board-certified surgeon in Houston, Texas. Dr. Loor earned her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in 2001 and completed general surgery residency training at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois (2008). During that time, she spent two years completing a Burn Research Fellowship (2005). She then went on to complete her training in a Critical Care and Burn Fellowship at the University of Chicago Hospitals (2009).
After completing her training, Dr. Loor had faculty appointments at both Cleveland Clinic and the University of Minnesota. Her training and time spent at these institutions fostered her interest in the care of patients with complex abdominal wall problems. Dr. Loor offers robotic surgery as an option, which can decrease hospital stay and overall recovery time for her patients.
Dr. Loor’s research interests include surgical critical care, surgical infections, preoperative optimization, and enterocutaneous fistulas.
Savitri Fedson, MD, MA is an Associate Professor in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine, a Clinical Ethicist at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, and an Associate Professor in Cardiology at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. She is a graduate of the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics Program as a Clinical Fellow at the University of Chicago where she served as a consult attending for inpatient ethics consultation. Dr. Fedson is an advanced heart failure/transplant cardiologist and before her move to Texas, worked with the busiest heart transplant center in Illinois. She has been a speaker at national and international heart failure and transplant meetings on topics such as of End of Life, Ethical Dilemmas in Heart Transplant Candidacy, and Candidacy for Mechanical Circulatory Support.
Dr. E. Ramsay Camp, M.D., FACS, is professor and chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his undergraduate degree at Davidson College and his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. He performed his general surgery training at the Shand's Hospital at the University of Florida and went on to complete a surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2007. He joins the faculty of Baylor as the Chief of Surgical Oncology coming from the Medical University of South Carolina where he has practiced for the last twelve years. Dr. Camp’s clinical practice and expertise has focused on treating patients with complex gastrointestinal tumors including pancreatic and gastric malignancies as well as sarcoma and melanoma.
Dr. Camp has an active externally funded research laboratory supported by a VA Merit Award with a focus on mechanisms of chemotherapy and radiation resistance in pancreatic and colorectal cancer. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of various oncology societies including the American Surgical Association, the Southern Surgical Association, Society of Surgical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Association of Cancer Research, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), and the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG).
Dr. Kenneth L. Mattox is a Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Chief of Staff and Surgeon-in-Chief at Ben Taub Hospital, where he has worked since 1973. BTH has been at the forefront of surgical critical care, breaking ground with its automated system for the storage and retrieval of laboratory data in 1975. Dr. Mattox helped develop the internationally renowned Ben Taub Hospital Emergency Center and its equally respected Trauma Center. His reputation as an innovator in trauma care is known worldwide. Dr. Mattox is past President of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and Secretary-Treasurer of the Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society. He previously chaired the Mayor's Red Ribbon Committee to address Houston Fire Department Emergency Medical Services and sat on the Hospital Subcommittee of the Mayor's Special Task Force on the Medical Aspects of Disaster. Currently, Dr. Mattox serves as consultant to the Center for Biologic Evaluation and Research of the FDA. Dr. Mattox has served on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Houston, Doctors’ Club of Houston, Wayland Baptist University, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, the Southeast Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council, the American College of Surgeons Board of Governors, and serves as Chairman of the Board of the John P. McGovern Museum for Health & Medical Science.
Since 1957 the skyline of many cities across the globe have been impacted by Hines. 285 cities in 28 countries, $90.3 billion of investment assets under management, and so much more.
Have you visited the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park?
Join us on September 29th as we visit the world of Hines with speaker:
George C Lancaster
Hines Global Head, Marketing and Communications / Houston, TX
Tony's 3755 Richmond Ave.
Houston, TX 77046
September 29, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Mr. Lancaster is the firm’s Global Head, Marketing and Communications. He is responsible for internal and external global marketing and communications, including media relations. Lancaster serves as a central resource to Hines’ offices worldwide in the areas of corporate and project marketing and public relations. He also has extensive experience in branding, leasing and property management. Previously he worked in the firm's mixed-use division in retail marketing for the Dallas and Houston Gallerias where he was later responsible for the redevelopment and repositioning of Canal Place, a market-dominant, mixed-use center in downtown New Orleans.
Lancaster graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BFA in Communications. He has been recognized with numerous industry marketing awards including several from the International Council of Shopping Centers. He holds a CRX (Certified Retail Property Executive) designation from the ICSC. He is involved with numerous philanthropic efforts and serves as board chair of Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston and is a member of the Houston Arts Alliance Advisory Council.
Mark Illian is an Electrical Engineering graduate of Texas A&M University. He is a father of two wonderful people, a global citizen, and founder of the nonprofit Nature Healing Nature whose mission is to eliminate water related illness on Earth by empowering remote, disadvantaged, villagers to embrace water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions using only materials and skills that they already have available. He is and has co-created lasting WASH solutions in Togo, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya, Haiti, Nicaragua, Cambodia and Peru.
His engineering work embraces complex process control solutions with emphasis on combustion systems in power, petrochemical, and heavy industries. He is also a Program Manager, Project Team Lead, and Team Mentor of several Engineers Without Borders projects in the world.
Taylor Rainosek is on a mission to liberate people worldwide from the entanglements of poverty. As a servant leader, she empowers hard-working men and women through education and training. She has traveled to Peru, Mexico, Haiti, and across the US to witness the way infrastructure connects communities and brings them out of isolation. Taylor applies her knowledge, as a first-generation Professional Engineer, to bridge the gap between poverty and prosperity. Her professional career has focused on reinforced concrete and steel structure design in the civil engineering industry. Taylor is a fourth generation Aggie and sixth generation Texan. Besides making a difference in the lives of others, Taylor enjoys outdoor activities with her fiancé, Philip Washington, and duck dog, Banjo.
Dedicated to helping his clients realize financial independence, David offers comprehensive, sophisticated guidance aimed at demystifying the complexities of the financial world. He understands the hard work clients put into cultivating their wealth, and not only works to preserve the fruits of their labor, but also helps them address the important questions of legacy planning.
From helping clients pursue their philanthropic aspirations, to establishing strategies that help ensure their loved ones are taken care of, David is proud to assist his clients with all of the essential matters money touches. At the end of each day, David sees his job as a catalyst for doing good, and even has specialized experience serving the philanthropic community. When it comes to describing his practice, David closely relates to the book “The Go-Giver,” by Bob Burg and John David Mann. “A good friend introduced me to this book and it validated the way I’ve been running my business for years. It describes almost exactly how our practice is run, particularly when it comes to their Five Laws of Stratospheric Success,” he says.
Dr. Persse's career in medicine started with ten years experience as a field paramedic and paramedic instructor in upstate New York and New Jersey. After receiving his pre-med training at Columbia University in New York, he then attended Georgetown University School of Medicine. Graduating with honors in emergency medicine from Georgetown, Dr. Persse then completed residency training in emergency medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
After residency, Dr. Persse completed a resuscitation research fellowship at the Ohio State University. Dr. Persse was then awarded a grant from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and completed fellowship training in emergency medical services and resuscitation at the Baylor College of Medicine and the City of Houston Emergency Medical Services program. Following his EMS fellowship Dr. Persse became the Assistant Medical Director for the Emergency Medical Services system of Houston. He then moved to California to become the Medical Director of the Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute, and the Assistant Medical Director of the Los Angeles County EMS Agency.
Many RCOH members, have weekly requested of me that we have more interactive discussions relating to LOCAL crisis social & community issues, avoiding politics, but data driven and be a blue skying broad based strategic planner & resource. On 7/28 we will have the first such session on Houston/ Harris County/ Texas rising rate of violence associated with deadly weapons of many sorts. The views/data expressed off line by many in this club to me will be discussed, looking for root causes, process analysis, & possible options for community improvement via Truth, Fairness, Trust, GoodWill, Respect, Benefit. The composite brain trust of RCOH will make this philosophical social exercise an enjoyable, needed, and outcomes directed locally beneficial function, facilitated by KLM (Kenneth L. Mattox).
The Health Museum - Past, Present, Future Roles in Community Education & Development
The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, or The Health Museum in short, is a museum in the Museum District of Houston, Texas. The museum is a member institution of the Texas Medical Center
John Arcidiacono, The Health Museum President and CEO, has 30 years of senior marketing experience helping companies build awareness and drive revenue. Prior to coming to The Health Museum, he served as Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and was responsible for all marketing and public relations activities across the institution including advertising, national sponsorships, market/customer research and analytics and media relations. Prior to joining MD Anderson, he was Chief Marketing Officer at Stewart Title, and in addition to being responsible for all marketing activities, served on the Leadership Team, and was a member of the National Sales Council and Crisis Management Team.
John is a native Houstonian with four children. His family was forever changed 20 years ago by a fatal car crash when their oldest son, Johnny, lost his life, and his second son, Christopher, sustained a traumatic brain injury. The accident has impacted the family in many ways and drives much of their community service. John served on the board of The Institute of Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) Foundation as Christopher spent time there after the accident. John has always been involved in the schools and activities of his children and in the community at large. Prior to joining the museum he raised money for various charities including, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Houston Botanic Garden, The Women’s Fund and Bo’s Place to name just a few. John is an active sportsman, marathoner, and cyclist – putting into action the healthy habits the museum promotes.
The Membership Committee is pleased to announce RCoH's first Happy Hour event of 2022. We will be gathering informally at Decant Urban Winery in the Heights at 5:30 on Thursday, July 28th. It is located at 948 Wakefield Dr. Houston, TX 77018.
In an effort to increase member engagement in the club, we will be having more informal events like this moving forward. Our hope is that this will give our club an opportunity to form deeper connections with members throughout the organization and strengthen our ability to all contribute to the success of our service projects.
With that in mind, we look forward to seeing each of you there.
In a summer setting record high temperatures in Houston, we are entering the height of the Atlantic/Gulf hurricane season. From Hurricane Carla in 1961 to the more recent Tropical Storm Allison, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike and Harvey, Houston knows the challenges of building resilience into our community.
Five years ago, the voters of Harris County approved a record setting $2.5 billion for flood control projects in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Charged with the planning and execution of those projects is the Harris County Flood Control District.
In our meeting on Thursday July 21, Scott Elmer from the Flood Control District will visit with our club about the progress of that plan and a look at the future of stormwater management to protect the people of our community.
On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Dr. Billy Cohn, MD, Vice President of Innovation for the world’s largest medical Company, Johnson & Johnson will speak on “IMAGINE PERSONIFIED REAL TIME” to start the exciting new year for the Rotary Club of Houston. He is part of a group who developed a one moving part artificial heart constructed in the innovation lab on a 3-D Printer. ( Note: This is one of those “not to miss” lectures). Dr. Cohn is also a Professor of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine having been trained by 3 RCoH DCA recipients, Drs. DeBakey, Cooley, & Mattox.
Dr. Cohn is a Vice President at Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies (JJMDC) and the Executive Director for the Johnson & Johnson Center for Device Innovation at the Texas Medical Center. He is also a professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and an adjunct professor of Bioengineering at Rice University, the University of Houston and Texas A&M. Prior to joining JJMC, he served as Director of the Center for Technology and Innovation and Director of the renowned Cullen Cardiovascular Research Laboratory at the Texas Heart Institute.
Dr. Cohn has been deeply involved in developing the continuous-flow, totally implantable, artificial heart. In 2011, Dr. Cohn and Dr. O. H. Frazier successfully implanted the first pulseless total heart replacement device in a human patient. Dr. Cohn has been granted more than 90 US patents or patents pending. Since 2012, Dr. Cohn has served as the Chief Medical Officer and on the Board of Directors for BiVACOR and CSI Inc.
Charles C. Foster is Chairman of Foster LLP, and has thirty plus years of experience representing and advising multi-national companies on U.S. immigration law.
Long recognized as a national expert in U.S. immigration law, Mr. Foster has served as senior policy advisor to both Presidents Bush and Obama during their Presidential campaigns and has testified before both the U.S. House and Senate Subcommittees on Immigration on a variety of occasions. Mr. Foster has led for a decade the Greater Houston Partnership Task Force on Immigration Reform. He is the founding Chair of the State Bar of Texas Immigration & Nationality Law Section. He also serves as Honorary Consul General for the Kingdom of Thailand, and has received several high Royal Decorations from His Majesty, King Bhumibol. Additional service activities include: Chairman of Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston Advisory Board; Chairman of U.S.-China Partnerships; KIND Houston Advisory Board and Chairman of Americans for Immigration Reform. Executive Committee Member of the Greater Houston Partnership; Member of the Board of Directors of the Asia Society Texas Center; American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Houston Ballet, the Hobby Center for Public Policy, Barbara Bush’s Celebration of Reading and Invest in the USA (IIUSA).
While Rotarians are committed to improving the lives of humans both globally and locally, some of our clubs in the U.S. are not growing in membership. Maintaining the status quo means future business leaders are missing an opportunity to serve their local communities through Rotary.
In our next meeting, sales trainer and author, Catherine Brown, will be sharing a strategy for communicating the value of Rotary membership to the next generation of Rotarians.
About our speaker: Catherine Brown is a veteran of 25+ years of B2B (business-to-business) selling and recruiting. She runs the sales training firm, ExtraBold Sales, where she coaches others to sell with confidence. Her sales system includes psychology research that gets at the heart of why people don’t sell effectively. In her new book, How Good Humans Sell: The Proven Path to B2B Sales Success, she combines best sales practices with social psychology principles. The training can be used in combination with other programs to help people overcome the hesitation that keeps them from recruiting members, fundraising, and closing new business. You can learn more about Catherine on LinkedIn Here.
Bucky Ribbeck is a board certified pediatrician currently training as a fellow in sports medicine at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital. Bucky's introduction to the medical field was as a patient in 2009 when he was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma (a rare type of bone cancer). He was treated with chemotherapy at Texas Children's and with a surgery to remove the tumor at MD Anderson. While he was a patient, Bucky was invited to be a Front Line Kid at the Rotary Lombardi Award, and he was further honored to have presented the award and spoken at following events. He is a living and breathing example of the benefits of cancer research, and he hopes to be an example for how people can make the best out of any poor situation with which they are faced. That is what has kept Bucky involved with volunteer organizations such as The Periwinkle Foundation, The Snowdrop Foundation, and The Rotary Club: all of which provide a great deal of hope and charity for those affected by cancer.
Chris Hollins has shown what local government can achieve when new ideas and accountable leadership are met with real purpose.
Chris led the 2020 elections effort in Harris County as County Clerk and gained national acclaim for protecting and expanding voting rights for 2.5 million Houston-area voters during the most important election in our lifetime. His innovations – which included drive-thru voting, 24-hour voting, online mail ballot tracking, and tripling the number of early voting centers–led to eye-popping record voter turnout despite the ongoing global pandemic.
Chris developed a commitment to public service through the selfless example of his parents and their devotion for improving the lives of others. His father, George, served for 34 years in the Houston Police Department, and his mother, Christie, managed a career as an administrative assistant while raising Chris, his two sisters, and more than 20 young foster children. Chris has served as a mentor to youth for over 20 years and has been a Big Brother for over a decade.
Today, Chris serves as a volunteer member of the METRO Board of Directors, where he is helping to oversee METRO's $1.3 billion budget, shaping its $7 billion expansion plan, and leading its full transition to renewable fuels by 2030. He is active in his church and civic club, and he serves on the boards of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and the East Downtown TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone).
Edward M. Emmett is a Fellow in Energy and Transportation at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Currently, his reaearch efforts are focused on freight mobility, building a resilient global supply chain and understanding the past, present and future role of highways. Emmett also leads the team that sponsors the annual Houston Global Freight Summit.
Emmett’s background in transportation policy spans decades. A member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987, Judge Emmett was chairman of the Committee on Energy, a member of the Transportation Committee, and represented the state on numerous national committees relating to energy and transportation policy.
In 1989, President George H. W. Bush nominated Emmett as a Commissioner at the Interstate Commerce Commission. After being confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate, Judge Emmett served on the commission for three years.
Following his service at the Interstate Commerce Commission, Emmett was president of The National Industrial Transportation League from 1992 until 2003, when he created The Emmett Company, a transportation policy consulting firm.
The BBRC Committee would like to provide an update on our success this fiscal year. We were able to deliver career training with Harris County Juvenile Detention Center (Downtown) and help connect students that are often overlooked to career possibilities. Our club sponsored an Introduction to the Metaverse class taught and led by Kai XR. Attached are some of the results from the program.
As a highlight, we were able to survey the students and captured the following results:
Seventy percent (70%) of students reported increased knowledge and interest in the Metaverse.
Fifteen percent (15%) increase in the number of students interested in pursuing a career in VR technologies/Metaverse, etc.
Thirty-four percent (34.2%) increase in the number of students interested in seeking out information about the Metaverse, 360° video and/or AR/VR/XR, careers, projects, equipment, or how they can incorporate the technologies into their everyday life.
We are very excited to continue to partner with preparing our community youth for reaching their highest potential and plan to continue the Metaverse program in the fall.
In addition, our committee has been highlighted in the Houstonia this month. Thank you for your continued support for the oldest committee in Rotary. We continue to strive to serve youth above self. Special thanks to our committee members (Phil Hampton, Jim Behrmann, Joel Levine and Monique Johnson-Garner) and friend of Rotary, Valene Samuels.
Championing the Cause of Leadership: A Look at the Baseball Dynasties
Ted Meyer is a highly rated labor and employment lawyer who represents organizations nationwide in matters relating to leadership and organizational excellence. He has counseled some of the largest employers in the world on how to improve their organizations and has done similar work for smaller teams and groups including churches and non-profits. Ted is also a self-taught baseball historian with a deep understanding and respect for the history of the game and the value of inclusiveness within it. Ted has pursued both passions side by side for over 30 years.
Big Data. 24-7 information. Robo Calls. Click Bait. Ransomware. Dark Web.
What can do in our business and our homes? How safe is your personal data?
Prepare to be surprised at how vulnerable your computer is and how easy it is to locate your most personal and important information.
James Morrison joined Ntirety in January 2022 as CISO after working for two years at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) as a Distinguished Technologist - Cyber Security.
Prior to working at HPE, James spent 22 years with the FBI as a Senior Computer Scientist, focused on cyber security. He worked on numerous national security and criminal intrusion investigations, as an active Cyber Security Expert, identifying security vulnerabilities and implementing solutions. He was a Regional Program Manager for the FBI Computer Science program and Adjunct Faculty Member for the FBI, teaching multiple classes at Quantico and internationally.
Prior to his career in the FBI, James was an engineer for Lockheed Martin and a System Administrator the US Air Force at Schriever AFB and Clark AB, RP.
James lives in Houston with his wife Angi and their furry companions.
Theodore S. "Ted" Hirtz, Jr. was born 6 March 1936 to Viola Stamer Hirtz and Theodore S. Hirtz, Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri; called to the Bar in Austin, Texas, December 1963; and headed into the sunset 21 February 2022 from his home in Houston, Texas.
Barbara Darnall Clinton, beloved wife, mom, and gramma went home with the Lord on April 8, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Barbara was born in Austin, Texas on September 19, 1934 to Dr. Charles Milton and Gertrude "Queenie" Miller Darnall.
Barbara graduated with honors from Austin High School. She represented the City of Austin in the Tyler Rose Festival, the Buccaneer Days in Corpus Christi, and in San Antonio's Fiesta.
Barbara attended Sweet Briar College for two years before transferring to The University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1956 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Music and History. While at UT, she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma and served as their song leader. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Barbara began her working career at Tennessee Gas in Houston, Texas. During this time she met the love of her life, Daniel D. Clinton, Jr., on a blind date on a July 4th weekend in 1957. They were married on September 6, 1958.
Randy McIlvoy, 4-Time Emmy Award winning Sports Anchor/Reporter with KPRC Channel 2 in Houston will emcee.
History and how you can get involved? Presented by the 49th Annual Rotary Lombardi General Chairman, Tom Vann
Net proceeds donation from the 48th Annual Rotary Lombardi Award to Dan D'Armond Executive Director for the Greater Houston Area of the American Cancer Society - presented by the 48th Annual Rotary Lombardi General Chairman, A. David Schwarz III.
Several of our 2022 Camp Enterprise students will join us this Thursday, April 7, for our regular Thursday luncheon at Tony's (3755 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046): 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM.
Come see the recap about what our club accomplished through our Camp Enterprise Committee this past weekend!
You'll also EXPERIENCE a taste of camp when, at the meeting, our campers square off against our club in 4 Quarters of CAMPERS vs ADULTS - Business Simulation Competition.
Please click the appropriate "Online Registration" link ("Member" or "Guest") on this page and join us for this fun filled Wrap-up and Recognition Luncheon!
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND IN PERSON... ...the meeting can be attended virtually via Microsoft TEAMS, click here this Thursday between 11:30AM and 1:00PM to join us online.
Microsoft TEAMS Link (for copy/paste) if above hyperlink doesn't work: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3a10e6a0ea314b4d128d68554dab1e6fec%40thread.tacv2/1649082784253?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2209a54eb0-775b-490b-89a6-efda8bc70f57%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e99b369a-b91c-498b-b86a-9985c30662d1%22%7d
Joey Sanchez is passionate about Houston, Texas and the future of our city. As Sr Director of Ecosystems his focus is to develop the startup/investor ecosystem. Connections are key to innovation and The Ion is the place to connect.
WHERE IS THE ION?
Ground breaking for The Ion at 4201 Main Street (The former Sears building in Midtown) took place in July 2019 and opened July 31, 2022.
The Ion anchors a 16-acre innovation district, the epicenter for Houston's innovation ecosystem, as an inclusive, dynamic, vibrant, and dense hub focusing on quality collaborations between entrepreneurs, incubators, accelerators, corporations, academics, and the Houston community. The 266,000-square-foot building accommodates multiple uses, including class-A office space, shared workspace, prototyping and maker resources, event space, classrooms, food and beverage offerings as well as indoor/outdoor communal areas with shared amenities.
The Ion's Mission:
The Ion anchors, activates, and accelerates the innovation ecosystem through partnerships, pathways, and programs that create opportunities to advance and sustain resilient economic growth in Houston.
Born in Puebla, Mexico in 1982, Betirri is a local artist in Houston, Texas, internationally recognized primarily by a series of paintings depicting bodiless sport figures in motion.
His work ranges from figurative to conceptual always expressing the essence of an idea or subject.
He is also the official artist of the Houston Lamborghini Festival since 2014.
Some of his clients include Reebok Brazil, Major League Soccer, NFL & Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. His work has been published and featured in magazines and newspapers in Italy, Romania, Brazil, United States, and Mexico.
His exhibit trajectory includes solo shows in Puebla in Mexico, Vancouver in Canada, Moscow in Russia, Houston in the US, and art fairs in Milan, Italy, and Miami Basel. Currently, twelve of Betirri's paintings are part of an international tour called 'Ball in Art' which is organized by a Russian Foundation that started in Moscow in 2018 and touring East Europe and Asia countries until 2022. The exhibit is formed of different artists around the world who paint the subject of football and it will be presented in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.
Betirri's background is in architecture. He has used his skills in the development of a themed park proposed in East Downtown, Houston. Named Goal Park, it will be the enhancement of the Columbia Tap Trail using it as a platform for the community to practice public health and enjoy public art. This has been a volunteered work since 2015.
Betirri has practiced art professionally since 2012 as an independent artist sustaining one hundred percent from commissions and the sell of his paintings and drawings.
STATEMENT
Sports and a healthy lifestyle play an important role in society in any country. Sports are a way of identity for many. Sports keep us in constant motion, motivated, inspired, and alive. Sports are full of emotions and discipline, just like art. When I was a kid, I wanted to become a professional football (soccer) player, but my asthma condition didn't let me go further as I wished. However, art was the only path to stay as close to the sports as an athlete or manager. Although I admire certain athletes, I believe more in the team effort of most sports. I create timeless masterpieces that express that team effort through a bodiless figure in motion.
My mission as an artist is to reflect the impact that sports have in our society by different visual creative outlets such as painting, muralism and graphics.
As we watch the news wondering what is really happening in the Ukraine, our speaker will share her experiences with us. Oksana grew up in the Ukraine during the former USSR where even freedom of speech was denied. She was given the opportunity to study in the U.S. and learned the true meaning of that word.
Oksana Khariv works in the investment banking division of Citigroup, focusing on energy transition. Prior to joining Citi, she served as an Advisor at ExxonMobil, overseeing global corporate and market development efforts.
Combining her passions for development and philanthropy, Oksana founded Omnis, a non-profit organization committed to restoring communities facing crises through health and education programs.
Oksana studied and lived in Ukraine and the United States, speaks 4 languages and has worked on projects globally. She holds an MBA from SMU and a BA from Lviv State University.
ZOOM INFORMATION
The Rotary Club of Houston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Zoom room opens at 11:30 a.m. Meeting begins at noon.
Henry deForest Ralph, Jr., age 88, passed away on January 25, 2022, after a sudden, brief illness. "deForest" is survived by his two sons and their wives and children: Forest III, Felicia, Carolyn, Emily, and Noah Ralph; Randal William, Catherine, Austin, and Brooks Ralph; sister Elizabeth Ralph Mertz; sisters-in-law Ruth Page Lawrence and Susan Page; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. deForest was born at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC on April 11, 1933, the second of three children of Dorothy Walker and Henry deForest Ralph. (Coincidentally, both his sons would obtain their undergraduate degrees at GU, taking classes in the same, converted old hospital building.) When he was fourteen, he was struck by rheumatic fever and appendicitis. To convalesce, he spent a year in Madeira Beach, FL where his grandfather, the Rev. Philip Ralph, had founded, and was the first minister of, the Church by the Sea. After his return to DC, the Ralph family moved to Tulsa, OK, which is where deForest met his wife-to-be, Martha Austine Page. They graduated together from Tulsa Central High School in 1951.
What’s next for Houston – aka The Energy Capital of the World?
Journalist and author Ralph Bivins discusses Houston real estate, growth issues and challenges facing the nation’s fourth largest city.
Ralph Bivins - bio
Journalist and author Ralph Bivins, editor of Realty News Report, has written about real estate and growth issues for years.
His column recently won the Best Real Estate Column award presented by NAREE – the National Association of Real Estate Editors.
Bivins, author of Houston 2020: America’s Boom Town –covered real estate for the Houston Chronicle for years. As a staffer for four daily newspapers, he written about politics, scandals, and the hotel-room murder of a West Texas priest.
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Mark D. Solano is a native Texan born and raised in the Greater Houston Area. He holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from the University of St.Thomas. Mark serves as the City and Community Engagement Manager for Nuro, Houston’s first autonomous vehicle delivery service. Outside of work, Mark sits on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline and serves as the 5890 District Chair for RYLA. Mark and his wife who is also a Rotarian, foster and adopt from their local shelter and currently have 3 dogs who enjoy raising hell and barking while Mark is on work calls.
Nuro’s self-driving vehicles are bringing affordable, convenient delivery to Houston in partnership with popular stores and services. That means fewer trips to the store, safer neighborhoods, and more time to do what you choose.
Chris Boleman, Ph.D., was named president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ on May 12, 2020. Dr. Boleman joined the Rodeo in 2017 as the executive director of the Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits Division. In 2019, he was promoted to chief mission officer. A native Texan, Dr. Boleman earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, where he also has served as Associate Professor.
As Chief Mission Officer, Dr. Boleman led the execution of all mission-related activities, including the livestock and horse shows, educational and commercial exhibits, donors, auctions, sponsorships, grants, scholarships, and other educational programs. A significant part of this position is working in tandem with 46 of the 108 volunteer committees to provide coordinated and collaborative leadership with the Rodeo’s Executive Committee, vice presidents, committee Chairs and staff. In this position, he provided oversight for an approximately $50 million budget and $27 million given annually through scholarships, educational program grants, and graduate assistantships.
In 2019, under the direction of the Rodeo Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Dr. Boleman was tasked to provide leadership, oversight and management of the Rodeo’s reorganization plan in cooperation with the consultant team. He also led the implementation phase, which took place in the Fall of 2019. Prior to his promotion to chief mission officer, Dr. Boleman served as executive director of the Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits Division, leading the livestock and horse show competition, auctions and wine programs.
* Doctor of Ministry Degree - Houston Graduate School of Theology; Houston, Texas * Master of Arts Degree - Houston Graduate School of Theology; Houston, Texas * Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education and Social Sciences - Huston-Tillotson University; Austin, Texas * Professional Mediation Training - Worklife Institute; Houston, Texas * Graduate Courses - Texas Southern University; Houston, Texas * Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting (extension course) -The University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School
Please join members of the Rotary Club of Houston as we participate in our annual “Holiday Wreaths for Veterans” service project on Saturday,December 18, 2021 from 11:00 am to Noon. The Rotary Club of Houston has partnered with “Wreaths Across America-Houston” to place holiday wreaths on the headstones of our fallen veterans at Houston National Cemetery. Bring your family and friends to this memorable holiday event.
Brandon De Hoyos has been with ABC13 since 2015. Prior to his role as director of community engagement, he served as the station's digital producer supervisor and web producer. ABC13 is one of the eight Disney-owned ABC stations, and this marks Brandon's 7th role with the Company. Previously, he managed restaurants as an intern at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and was a writer and editor with Disney Publishing Worldwide. Next year, Brandon will celebrate his 20th year working in the news industry. Before joining ABC13, he worked at the The New York Times Company and Houston Community Newspapers.
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Susan V. Brodbeck Rotary Club of Lake Houston Area
Susan Brodbeck is retired from a buying and merchandising career of 31 years in May Co. Department Stores in Indianapolis and at Foley’s in Houston.
Susan graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business and Retailing and then from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. After graduating she was a buyer and a merchandise manager for L. S. Ayres Department Stores in Indianapolis, Indiana for 24 years. In 1992, as a result of a merger, Susan moved to Houston as the Ladies Coat Buyer for Foley’s. Now, ask yourself...how is anyone successful at selling coats in Texas?? But, during her 9 years at Foley’s Susan earned “Buyer of the Year” 2 times.
She has been a member of Rotary since February 2007 and currently serves as the Rotary Youth Exchange Officer for the Lake Houston Area Club. During her tenure she has coordinated 26 Inbound and 65 Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Students. She also serves as the liaison for the many wonderful Host Families who have hosted the Inbound Rotary Exchange Students from around the globe. She has also served on the District 5890 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee. Additionally, Susan served as President of The Rotary Club of Humble in 2014-15. Organizing and planning are two things Susan really likes to do.
Maria Aguirre joined Port Houston in 2021 as the Director of the Community Relations & Events Department, which focuses on outreach activities involving Port Authority and Port of Houston community stakeholders.
Prior to joining the Port, Aguirre worked at Avenue CDC where she served as the Director of Community Initiatives. Her accomplishments include securing a $750,000 grant for the Northline Community and a $675,000 grant for capacity building and advocacy efforts in the Greater Northside. She also implemented the BUILD health challenge grant that helped refer 700 homes to the Health Department Lead Abatement program.
Maria was also selected as the 2020 Houston Texans Campeón de la Comunidad, which honors an outstanding leader in the Latino community who is making a positive impact on the city of Houston through service and dedication to a local non-profit.
Maria is a Cum Laude graduate of Baylor University, with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree from Harvard University – Extension school.
Garret Berg Manager, Community Relations
Garret Berg is the Manager of Community Relations for the Port of Houston Authority. Garret is a graduate of Texas Tech University, where he earned his B.A in Business Administration and Public Relations. His 10+ years of experience in the marketing and healthcare industries, including his previous position with the Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner’s office, has helped to create a focused passion for working in the community. His current role with PHA focuses on the maritime industry and stakeholder engagement near and within the Houston port region.
Garret enjoys spending his free time with his wife and sons.
Joining the Harris County Flood Control District in 2004 as the District’s first meteorologist is one of many precedents set by Jeff Lindner. In his primary role as Director of the District’s Flood Operations Program, Jeff implements regular communication with the National Weather Service and the Harris County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM) during times of flooding while monitoring 154 rainfall and stage gages and collecting data at over 400 bridges located on many of Harris County’s 2,500 miles of channel. In addition he oversees the operation of the Harris County Flood Warning System, the Discharge and Rating Curve Program, and is currently developing a real time flood forecast system. Jeff has developed multiple presentations and preparedness materials on hurricane impacts, flooding, and drought and how to prepare and respond to these weather episodes. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology from Texas A&M University. He is a member of the national and local chapters of the American Meteorological Society and of the Texas Gulf Coast Emergency Managers Association, the National Hydrological Warning Council, Texas Flash Flood Coalition, and ALERT Users Group.
PRESIDENT-ELECT Term: July 1, 2022-President-Elect; July 1, 2023-President; July 1, 2024-Immediate Past President
Robert Eckels
Joined Rotary: 2004 Rotary Service: Board of Directors (2 terms); Public Health Committee Chair; Various committees; Paul Harris Fellow +4 Education: J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston; B.S., University of Houston Family: My wife and life partner, Jet, and I have been married for 27 years. Our daughter, Kirby, 26, now lives in New York City. Hobbies/Interests: Public policy and public service. I enjoy travel and the outdoors, (I am a dismal failure at golf.) I enjoy building things. I am probably happiest just watching a movie with Jet on a Saturday after-noon.
TREASURER-ELECT Term: July 1, 2022-Treasurer-Elect; July 1, 2023-Treasurer
Elizabeth Pena Jackson
Joined Rotary: 2018 Rotary Service: Finance Committee, Board of Director (current), Rotary Cook-off committee (Current) Education: I have a Bachelors of Accounting and Masters of Finance from Texas A&M University. I am a CPA. CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) Family: Born and raised in Houston, a few miles from my Husband Ben Jackson. We have been married for 11 years and we have two boys, Pierce and Porter, ages 7 and 5. Hobbies/Interests:I love traveling, reading and working out (weightlifting, cycling, yoga). I spend most of my free time watching Pierce's sports games (soccer, baseball, football or basketball) or Porter's gymnas-tics.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Term: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Nathan Allen
Joined Rotary: 2015 Rotary Service: RCoH Board of Directors; Camp Enterprise Chair; Paul Harris Fellow Education: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor—degree in Mathematics, minor in P.E., and Texas teacher’s certification Family: Three sons: Caleb 16; Toby 13; Spencer 10 Hobbies/Interests: baseball, basketball, swimming, mentoring, board games with family, movies and 90”s sitcoms
DIRECTORS Term July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Hussain Ali – AKA Hussain Ali Jabalpurwala
Joined Rotary: 2018 Rotary Service: Rise Against Hunger, Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP), Youth Committee Chair and Interact Education: Sustainable Business Strategy, Harvard Business School, 2021 Bachelors of Science, Information Systems Technology, University of Houston, 2005 Family: Wife Zahra Ali , 11-Year-old daughter Lamya Ali and son Mohsin Ali who is in 1st Grade. Hobbies/Interests: Hiking/Kayaking/Camping with family and friends. 2019 I summited 18,240 ft Rush Peak in the Northern area of Pakistan.
Brandon Cofield
Joined Rotary: 2016 Rotary Service: Rotary Lombardi Award Committee as well as Director At-Large Education: University of Minnesota- B.S.; University of Kentucky- MPH; Texas A&M University- J.D. Family: Originally moved to Houston in 1994 when I was 4 years old. Since then, I have a 16 month old son Brandon Jr. Hobbies/Interests: I am an avid traveler, bourbon fanatic, and a foodie. I also enjoy finding treasures at thrift stores.
Lisa Dobey
Joined Rotary: 2000 Rotary Service: Membership Committee member, Rotary Club of Houston; Paul Harris Fellow +5 Membership Chair, Rotary Club of Greater Bend District 5190 Centennial Projects Chair; Past President, Rotary Club of Truckee; Treasurer, Rotary Club of Truckee Education: BA/BBA English and Economics, SMU MA Public Administration, UTA Family: Married for 31 years Hobbies/Interests: running and swimming; weekly volunteer at Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry
Charles Foster
Joined Rotary: About 1970 Rotary Service: In 1964 I was the recipient of a Rotary Foundation Fellowship to do graduate studies in international and comparative law in the Republican of Chile ; Paul Harris Fellow Education: UT BA and JD degrees Family: Wife Lily and 4 children Hobbies/Interests: Reading, politics and travel
Reed Lackey
Joined Rotary: 2020 Rotary Service: Barbecue Cook Off Competition Committee. I was a part of the team responsible for setting up the rules and logistics of the competition. Education: I graduated with a BBA in Finance from Baylor University in 2014 Family: I have an uncle in Houston. The majority of my family lives back in my hometown of Lubbock, Texas. I make a point of getting out there to see everyone multiple times a year. Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time playing banjo and keeping up with college football
Thomas “Kelly” McKee
Joined Rotary: 2021 Rotary Service: Rotary Cookoff Committee Education: Bachelors of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate by the University of Houston. I also hold a certification in corporate intrapreneurship from the University of Houston. Family: My mother was a nurse ; my father is in IT; my daughter is a lover of the arts; my significant other is passionate about the latest trends in beauty and fashion. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, writing, hunting, music, movies, motorcycles, and video games.
Sherry Menger
Joined Rotary: 2019 Rotary Service: Director at Large in 2020 and volunteered at Be a Resource for CPS Kids in 2020 and I'm on the Lombardi Award fundraising committee for 2021. Education: Texas A&M University 1976-1978; Graduated University of Houston 1979 with a BBA in Marketing; Rice University Masters Design and Applied Arts 91-92 Family: have two adult children, Misty and Matt. Misty has 3 daughters,; Matt has 2 sons, and another boy due in December. I'm the proud grandmother of five....going on six grandchildren. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, cooking and spending time with friends and my precious family.
Bob Seekely
Joined Rotary: 2017 Rotary Service: Camp Enterprise Committee; Finance Committee; Membership Committee Treasurer- Elect; Treasurer; RCoH Bookkeeping + Financial Management Systems + Processes Clean-Up + Streamlining Project . . . 500+ Volunteer Hours ; Paul Harris Fellow Education: BS in Business Administration, Ohio State University, 1981 (Honors Accounting Program; Cum Laude Graduate; Pacesetter Award) Family: Spouse: Gabrielle (2004) . . . Children: Christopher (1991) + Alexandra (1994) Hobbies/Interests: Family Man, Motorcycle Sport Touring Enthusiast (BMW), Dogs (Kai), Baseball (Astros)
Edward M. Emmett is a Fellow in Energy and Transportation at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. As a professor in the practice, Emmett teaches classes in transportation economics and policy as well as social policy. In addition, Professor Emmett is a Distinguished Senior Fellow within Northeastern University’s Global Resilience Institute.
Since 2005, Emmett is the owner of The Emmett Company, a consulting firm advising public and private entities in transportation policy, emergency management, international marketing and strategic development.
From 2007 until 2019, Emmett served as County Judge of Harris County, Texas. As County Judge, Emmett was the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a role which established him as a national leader in emergency response and community resilience.
A member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987, Judge Emmett was chairman of the Committee on Energy, a member of the Transportation Committee, and represented the state on numerous national committees relating to energy and transportation policy.
Kim Ogg is the elected Harris County District Attorney. She is a native Houstonian licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 1987 and recognized as a specialist in Criminal Law by the Board of Legal Specialization since 1992. Upon taking office, she promised a new era of criminal justice by insuring a just process for the victim, the accused, and the community in every case. She has focused her prosecutors on public safety by prioritizing disposition of crimes against people and property.
Kim's legal career began in 1987 as a line prosecutor for the Harris County D.A. While serving as a Chief Felony Prosecutor, she was appointed Houston’s first Anti-Gang Task Force Director in 1994. From 1999 - 2006, Kim served as the Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. In 2006, Kim transitioned to private legal practice and became the managing partner of her own law firm.
Kim now brings her strong track record of public service and thirty years of criminal justice experience to the position of Harris County D.A. During the first six months of her Administration, she has successfully advanced major drug policy and bail reform, diversified the leadership of the District Attorney's Office and effected legislative reform on behalf of crime victims.
Devon Anderson has devoted her career to public service. She was a prosecutor for 12 years at the Houston DA’s office and tried over 100 felony jury trials, including 7 capital murders.
She left the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in 2005 after being elected to serve as State District Judge in the 177th Criminal District Court. While serving as District Judge, Devon also volunteered her time to preside over one of four STAR Drug Courts.
In 2009 Devon left the bench and started her own criminal defense firm. At the end of 2012, Devon ended her practice when her husband was elected Harris County District Attorney.
In 2013, Devon was appointed Harris County District Attorney to succeed her late husband, Mike Anderson. The following year, Devon was elected by the voters of Harris County to finish out his term. After serving in that position for over three years, Devon transitioned from the legal profession to nonprofit work.
She is now the CEO/President of Justice Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals in the 18 Houston Specialty Courts.
Dr. Robert Sloan began his term as the third President of HBU on Sept. 1, 2006. Under his leadership the university has achieved unprecedented growth in programs, facilities, and enrollment.
Dr. Sloan came to HBU from Baylor University, where he served as President and Chancellor from 1995 to 2006. Previously, he was a faculty member at Baylor U., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Hardin Simmons U. He also served as a pastor at more than 20 churches in Texas and Oklahoma. Sloan has written three books and has published extensively during his career.
Dr. Sloan graduated from Baylor U. in 1970, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1973, and a Doktor der Theologie insignia from the U. of Basel, Switzerland in 1978.
He is a native Texan, having been born in Coleman and raised in Abilene. He and his wife have seven children and five grandchildren.
Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E. Harris County Precinct Three
Tom Ramsey has a long track record of improving the safety, infrastructure, livability, and financial health of the communities he serves. An award-winning civil engineer turned senior executive and public servant, Tom has led companies, a city, key action groups, and more throughout his 42-year career.
As Mayor of Spring Valley Village from 2012-2020, Tom reduced the city’s tax rate by 21%, invested more than $38 million in infrastructure, and oversaw Spring Valley’s ascent to safest neighborhood in Harris County, according to relevant FBI statistics. A trusted expert often called upon by his peers and other community leaders, he served on the Harris County Storm Water Task Force and the Imelda Assistance Fund Board.
Tom’s private sector experience spans more than four decades. He served as Senior Vice President of Klotz Associates before selling the company in 2017.
Tom’s deep project portfolio includes the Hardy Toll Road, Brazoria County Master Drainage Plan, Galveston County Master Drainage Plan, Harris County Drainage Plan Update, Houston Safe School Sidewalk Program, Precinct 3 road improvements, multiple hike and bike trails for the Houston Parks Board, and successful infrastructure projects for more than 50 Texas cities and 20 counties.
Much of his work has also included creating sustainable solutions for street and drainage assignments throughout Harris County including the ACEC Award-winning Birnamwood Roadway improvements.
Wayne Staton was born in the Lynchburg, Virginia area in 1951and lived there most of his life. He contracted polio at the age of 8 months. It left him with a weak right hip and leg.
In high school he was valedictorian of his class. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Physics with honors. After college he started his career in computers and has worked in that field ever since. Since 1999 he has worked at BMC Software, where he is a Lead Technical Support Analyst.
In Virginia, he was a Briefing Leader for the Hunger Project and President of the Boonsboro Ruritan Club in Lynchburg, Virginia. Here in Texas, he is active with Rotary International and Landmark Education. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Sharpstown.
Wayne is married to Gwen Corolla (past president of the Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch). Together they have 6 grown children, 5 grand-children and 1 one great-child. She and he are partners in making the world a better place.
Wayne became a Rotarian in 2007. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a Paul Harris Society member, a Polio Plus Society member, a Bequest Society member, and a Major Donor. He is the past District 5890 Polio Plus Chair. In 2014 he was District 5890 Rotarian of the year and has twice been named his club Rotarian of the year. In 2016 he received the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World from Rotary International.
Commissioner R. Jack Cagle Harris County Precinct 4
Commissioner R. Jack Cagle has served as county commissioner for Harris County Precinct 4 since 2011. He was re-elected in 2014 and most recently on Nov. 6, 2018.
As commissioner, Cagle represents nearly 1.3 million residents and manages a staff of 445 employees with a Precinct 4 budget of $290.5 million.
For more than 30 years, he has worked with and served the residents of Harris County Precinct 4 as an attorney, an elected judge, and now as county commissioner.
Until his appointment to Commissioners Court, Cagle served 11 years as judge of Harris County Civil Court-at-Law No. 1. Harris County voters elected him to the bench countywide in 2000 and re-elected him in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
As judge, Cagle consistently earned high ratings from the Houston Bar Association and received numerous awards from legal, business, political, and community groups. Twice recognized as “Judge of the Year” by law-enforcement groups, Cagle was also recognized by the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston and served as an officer in the Association of Women Attorneys. He was elected by his peers to be Administrative Judge for the County Civil Courts and as President of the Texas Association of County Court-at-Law Judges.
He previously served as a representative on the board of the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Board of Directors of the statewide Public Power Pool.
Cagle is a graduate of Rice University with triple majors in economics, history, and managerial studies, as well as a graduate of Baylor Law School. He is married to Janet, and they have three children: Richard, Victoria, and Elizabeth.
First elected to the Senate in 2014, Senator Paul Bettencourt represents Senate District 7, which encompasses most of West Harris County. He previously served 10 years, from 1998 - 2008, as the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, where he introduced “Smart Government” at the Harris County Tax Office and developed a customer service-driven organization. His team created the first major county online property tax payment system and the first county tax office website with online vehicle registration in Texas. (His motto was “Get on-line, not in-line.”) He was well-known as the “Tax Man” for his outspoken efforts to cut property taxes.
In the most recent Legislative Session, Senator Bettencourt successfully passed Senate Bill 2, the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, by a vote of 21-9 to bring meaningful property tax reform and relief to all Texas taxpayers. This was the first major property tax reform legislation in almost 40 years, and the culmination of two decades of advocacy. He also continued his work on adult stem cell therapies in Texas by sponsoring HB 3148, building upon previous legislative sessions to get government out of the way, allowing new therapies to flourish and give terminally and chronically ill patients hope for a better quality of life. His work during the 86th Session earned him the distinction of "Senate MVP" by Capitol Inside, "Bull of the Brazos" by Texas Monthly, the Legislative Legacy Award by Texas Public Policy Foundation and he was given the "Citizen's Choice Award" by Empower Texans.
ATTEND VIRTUALLY ---> Teams August 12, 2021 <--- ATTEND VIRTUALLY (Instruction for Microsoft Teams under Read more... below)
Inquiring minds want to know what’s happening in Houston’s larger than “Central Park” construction, huge tunnels, and land bridges. If you recently saw (or missed!) the special report on KPRC TV, join us on August 12th to hear the complete story directly from the President & CEO.
Shellye Arnold's Bio:
Shellye joined the Conservancy in 2013 and has led the creation and adoption of the 2015 Memorial Park Master Plan, launched its associated Capital Campaign, initiated project execution and transitioned the management and operations of 1,100 acres of Memorial Park to the Conservancy. Shellye and the Conservancy leadership team grew the organization from 3 employees to over 50 and from a $500K annual budget to over $30M in operating and capital annual spend. In 2018 the Conservancy announced the largest private donation in the history of the Houston parks system which established a $205 million public-private partnership commitment for Memorial Park’s capital campaign and secured maintenance and operations funding for the Park. This forged a project partnership between the Conservancy, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Kinder Foundation and Uptown Development Authority to accelerate the delivery of a significant portion of the Master Plan by 2028. She and her team have also delivered additional Park improvements including the planting of over 100,000 trees/seedlings, ecological restoration work applied to 600 acres of Park space, amenity upgrades, and enhanced user experience. Shellye brings a background in executive leadership and change management from her nearly 20 years at Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq Computer Corporation and McKinsey & Company. Having studied public policy, Shellye spent the first part of her career with the Texas State Legislature, the Texas Department of Commerce, and the U.S.. Department of Commerce. She previously worked as a volunteer in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru delivering public health programs and speaks Spanish fluently. Shellye holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master in Public Policy from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. As a native Houstonian, Shellye cares deeply about our parks, bayous, green spaces and the wildlife that inhabit them. Shellye volunteers in animal rescue and served for 8 years as a leader for Girl Scout Troop 21, the nation’s only special needs Girl Scout troop.
Dr. William Phillips was born in Buffalo, New York and grew up in the Midwest. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Notre Dame. He received his medical degree and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Chicago, followed by a fellowship in spinal deformity surgery at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. After serving briefly on the faculty at University of Chicago, he began his career in pediatric orthopedics at Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He moved to Texas in 1988 and has been on the faculty at UTMB and Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Phillips now serves as chief of orthopedics at Shriners Hospital Texas. He has a long history with Shriners. While an orthopedic surgery resident in Chicago, he spent 6 months at the Chicago unit under Dr. Edward Millar. Shortly after coming to Houston in 1988, he joined the volunteer staff at the Shriners Hospital Houston unit where he served for 27 years.
VIRTUAL - CLICK HERE --->AUGUST 26, 2021<--- VIRTUAL - CLICK HERE (See instruction below for first time users on Microsoft Teams)
Marilyn Burgess is your Harris County District Clerk.
A seasoned businesswoman with leadership skills and administrative experience, Ms. Burgess graduated from Louisiana State University with an accounting degree in 1975 and practiced as a CPA for more than 30 years.
Besides her work in the private sector, Ms. Burgess has also served the community. Ms. Burgess led the Texas Parent Teachers Association (PTA) as Executive Director from 1999 to 2001. In that role, she worked with state lawmakers to pass legislation that benefited the health, education, and welfare of Texas children. Ms. Burgess also stood firm against school vouchers that would have redirected tax dollars to private schools.
During her time leading the Texas Parent Teachers Association, Ms. Burgess found her calling to advocate for causes that improve the lives of working and middle-class families, single mothers, and teachers.
Marcel Khouw Senior Project Manager Public Works Department - IDS Engineering Group
Marcel Khouw is a Senior Project Manager in the Public Works Department at IDS Engineering Group. He is a licensed professional civil engineer in the State of Texas and the State of Hawaii. His career has focused on the planning, engineering, construction, and maintenance of public works utilities in the Houston region. He has worked on projects for municipal utility districts in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties as well as the cities of Houston, Sugar Land, Pearland, Galveston, and Pasadena. Marcel also serves as the engineer for the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority and the North Channel Water Authority, where he has managed the implementation of the Groundwater Reduction Plan and the conversion to surface water.
Paul Walker Senior Vice President Carollo Engineers, Inc.
Paul Walker is a Senior Vice President at Carollo Engineers, Inc. He has a B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering and an M.S. in limnology. He has worked on water projects throughout the United States for over 25 years serving a variety of municipal, agency, and private sector clients. He is currently serving as the Senior Advisor to the City of Houston on the Northeast Water Purification Plant Expansion.
For further information, see the Houston Chronicle article "Water officials designing, building multi-billion water purification plant near Summerwood."
What do you know about Houston’s History? Our speaker for July 22nd will challenge your knowledge as he embarks on a fast-paced look at what made Houston what it is today. Remember what happened in 1912?
About Houston Historian Mister McKinney......
Join Houston Historian & TV's Mister McKinney as he talks about his series, Mister McKinney's Historic Houston, which travels to HISD and La Porte ISD elementary, middle and high schools, educating and informing Houston's future about its past.
Mister McKinney is an active member in the historical community, he lectures, gives weekly tours onboard Houston's only mobile history classroom, the Houston History Bus, and serves on the boards and commissions of numerous non-profit museums, libraries, educational organizations, including the Harris County Historical Commission, The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, the LaPorte Bay Area Historical Society, president of the Bellaire Historical Society and vice president of the Harris County Historical Society, the oldest area historical non-profit started in 1923.
ERNIE MANOUSE Senior Producer/Host Houston Public Media
Thursday July 15, 2021 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO --->JULY 15, 2021<--- CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
Eleven-time Emmy Award winner Ernie Manouse currently hosts and executive produces Houston Public Media’s daily radio program/podcast Town Square with Ernie Manouse,
Manouse is a native of Binghamton, NY, and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago. Manouse started his broadcasting career split between television (with NBC News) and radio (working for iconic Chicago radio station WLS-AM). In 1996, Ernie joined Houston PBS (now Houston Public Media), as an anchor and producer. Over the years, in addition to his Emmy Awards, Manouse has garnered five KATIE Awards, a Houston Press Club Lone Star Award, “Viewer’s Choice” recognition from multiple local and regional publications, and the title of “Ultimate Interviewer” from the Houston Chronicle.
His wit, natural curiosity, and ability to help people tell their stories have been hallmarks of Ernie’s many television projects, such as InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, an Emmy-nominated and nationally-broadcast interview series, which ran for 15 seasons; his weekly program Arts InSight, which explored issues of importance to Houston arts lovers; and his nationally-syndicated and widely successful Downton Abbey-inspired talk show Manor of Speaking.
Manouse has also hosted and produced the series WeekNight Edition,The After Party, and Houston 8. The list of special and documentaries he has created includeA Mother’s Account: The Stella Byrd Interview;The Last 24;A Murder in Montrose; Houston in Black and White;Getting Here: Journeys from Vietnam, and the annual Houston Public Media Spelling Bee. Additionally, Ernie has moderated numerous televised debates for Council, Mayoral, and U.S. Senate candidates. Manouse can be seen nationally as co-host to finance expert Suze Orman on her bi-annual PBS programs – the most successful series of fundraising specials in PBS history.
Ernie’s commitment to public television extends beyond creating compelling programs. As a pledge spokesman, he has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for Houston Public Media, and his talents have helped PBS affiliates across the country raise over $100 million in support of educational outreach, broadcasting, and programming needs.
Outside of television, Ernie dedicates tremendous time and expertise in support of the arts, education, and equality. He has served on numerous boards, including terms as vice president for Stages Repertory Theatre, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, USO of Greater Houston, PRIDE Houston, and Q Fest. Ernie is also a popular host, master of ceremonies, and auctioneer, working with events as diverse as The Pride Parade, the U.S. Military Ball, Houston Grand Opera, and the “Big Board” at the Cattle Baron’s Ball. For the last seven years, Manouse has been touring with Al Pacino in PACINO: One Night Only, a live show where Manouse interviews the acting icon to help raise money and awareness for various arts organizations across the country.
Ernie and his cats Champ & Scout make their home in Houston’s historic Fourth Ward.
Creating an environment so that everyone feels comfortable reporting crimes whether they are a victim or a witness
Biography
Troy Finner was born in the 5th Ward area of Houston
Raised in the Hiram Clarke neighborhood
Madison High School graduate
Bachelors of Science, Criminal Justice, Sam Houston University
Masters of Criminology, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Professional Development
Graduate of Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP)
Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI)
Federal Bureau of Investigation National Executive Institute (NEI)
Began his law enforcement career in 1990. 31-year veteran of serving the citizens of Houston at the Office of Public Affairs, Southwest Division, South Gessner Division, and the Internal Investigation Command.
Al Smith shares his personal experiences and the lessons he learned from his mother. Included are 17- lessons on what it takes to go from amateur to Pro in all aspects of life, not just in sports or in business.
This book will encourage you, maybe even challenge you to take an all-in, all-pro mindset embracing the attitude and character it takes to both think like a pro and act like a pro!
Al Smith is a former National Football league player. He learned discipline, structure, and values from his mother. Al continues to help people strive toward and achieve their goals. Al is a former executive with the Tennessee Titans, NFL Alumni President, Sports Analyst and former Director of Player Development of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Al serves on the Board of Directors for the NFL Alumni Association and the American Cancer Society and has contributed to multiple organizations including Big Brothers Big Sister, Bridges Domestic Violence, and the Ronald McDonald House. Al is also an Ambassador with the "Fuel Up in Play 60 Organizations". A standout collegiate defensive player of the year award winner and team leader, Al was inducted into the Utah State Athletic Hall of Fame and selected for the State of Utah's All-Century team, in 1987, he was drafted by the Houston Oilers. The Oilers finished 9-6 that year and was second in their deviation. Al's career in the NFL included Pro-Bowl selections and first team All-Pro Honors.
Common myths, truths and (sometimes odd) frequently asked questions about Alaska. Join us for fun, fact, and fallacy about the largest state in the U.S.
About the Speaker: Gayle Knepper, Rotary District 5010
Gayle is a member of Rotary e-Club of District 5010 International (Alaska) and is past governor of the largest geographic district in the Rotary world (Alaska, USA; Yukon, Canada; Siberia & Far East, Russia). She has also served in a range of regional and international Rotary leadership roles.
Her professional background is in strategic business and market development, with a specialty in working with companies entering new and rapid-growth markets. She is chief executive of a strategic development firm working with organizations in North America and internationally.
KPRC Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley first called Houston home in 1989, now forecasting Houston weather for 31 years.
For more than three decades, he has made weather clear and easy to understand. “The challenge is taking a complicated subject and making it simple, but I really enjoy it," he says.
"Of course, since Hurricanes Harvey, Ike, Rita and Tropical Storms Allison and Imelda, we've all learned how powerful weather is and while I can't control what happens, I can be there to warn people when their lives or property is in danger. That's what I most love about my career. I feel like I have a chance to give back to the world," Frank said.
In September 2018, Frank made public his Prostate Cancer diagnosis and his decision to pursue a treatment in clinical trials known as Aurolase. The procedure infuses gold nanoparticles into the cancer lesion followed by laser ablation. So far, the treatment has been a success. Frank says, “All men need to pay more attention to their health and, hopefully, my going public has inspired more awareness and action. A simple PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test can save lives.”
Of the millions of people touched by Medical Bridges that we never meet, we got to know this beautiful little girl who was struggling. With the right care and equipment and a first surgery, we celebrated modest improvement. She could breathe a little better and suckle a little longer and smile a little brighter. But there was still a long way to go. The tumorous mass had grown exponentially, and time was running out.
Despite helping Midelovka with every ounce of energy and resources we had, she did not survive the second surgery. It was unavoidable to think "what if." What if the process had been quicker? Would she still be here with us? What if the solar-paneled operating room had been equipped and fully operable? Would local leaders and our resources have been able to save her?
Regardless of these questions, the sad reality is that children and families in need of medical and surgical care are enduring inadequately supplied and broken healthcare systems. Our team grieves. Midelovka will not be forgotten. She is a constant reminder that we must do more to improve healthcare accessibility in Haiti and around the world.
Midelovka is now an angel who is fondly remembered as we continue of mission. Over 100 healthy babies have been born at the Haitian hospital Medical Bridges has equipped. We have photos of every one and we share the joy of the blessings of each birth and the promise of new life.
Much has been accomplished but more needs to be done!
Haiti Babies
Of the millions of people touched by Medical Bridges that we never meet, we have had the pleasure of seeing over 100 babies born in a newly opened hospital in Haiti. In 2019 United Light of Hope partnered with Medical Bridges to help equip a new hospital being built to replace facilities destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Along with hospital beds, incubators, IV poles and so much more, there was a birthing bed. That bed has been put to good use – opening its doors on December 15, 2019, with 300 patients seen in just the first day. Just one month later Medical Bridges received news and a picture of the first baby born at the hospital on January 14, 2020. Since then, we have received over 100 notifications most with pictures of babies born using the supplies and that one birthing bed sent to Haiti via a 40-foot shipping container. On December 10, 2020 baby number 100 was born and on April 1, 2021, we received the picture below of the first set of twins.
Charles C. Foster is the Chairman of Foster LLP and is based in the Houston office. Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America, Chambers USA Senior Statespeople, Who’s Who Legal: Corporate Immigration Thought Leader, Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employer Lawyer – Immigration, and Top 100 attorney in Houston, his practice focuses primarily on representing multinational companies and foreign investors regarding U.S. immigration law.
Charles received both his J.D. and undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He lectures frequently before legal, academic, and professional organizations in Texas, throughout the United States and abroad and has published numerous articles on U.S. immigration law.
Helping Kids Develop Critical Executive Functioning Skills to Thrive in this New Educational Paradigm
Evan Weinberger will define executive functioning skills and discuss their importance in the changing world of education. He will offer helpful tips to parents and grandparents about how to encourage the ongoing development of these critical skills for kids, including those struggling with learning differences. Evan will address important topics such as habits, routines, organization, time management, and more. All participants will leave with creative new ideas they can implement immediately at home.
Dr. Geovanny Ponce Houston ISD - East Area Superintendent
Thursday April 1, 2020
Raised in an impoverished neighborhood in his native Honduras, Dr. Geovanny Ponce experienced first-hand the hardships of poverty. But it was his persistence of going to school and love of reading that opened doors for a better future. Today, through his work in education, Dr. Ponce continues to make a difference in the lives of children, who like him, have little or no opportunities. His calling is that every student, no matter their background or lack of resources will succeed.
For more than two decades, Dr. Geovanny Ponce has proven to be an innovative and knowledgeable educator. His childhood experiences have fueled his passion for supporting the growth of the urban child. Dr. Ponce, an immigrant from Honduras, instills collaborative leadership to ensure students from all social, economic and ethnic backgrounds have equal access to high-quality learning opportunities.
Mary E. Klotman, MD (SPEAKER) Duke School of Medicine, Dean Duke University, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs
Mary E. Klotman, MD, was chair of the Department of Medicine at Duke University March 1, 2010 through July 1, 2017. On July 1 she became dean of the Duke School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Duke University.
Klotman earned her undergraduate (zoology) and medical degrees from Duke, and then completed her internal medicine residency and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at Duke. She became assistant professor of medicine at Duke before moving to the National Institutes of Health, where she was a member of the Public Health Service and trained and worked in the Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology under the direction of Robert C. Gallo, MD.
In 1994, Klotman joined the faculty at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, where she was a tenured professor of medicine and microbiology and associate professor of gene and cell medicine; she held the Irene and Dr. Arthur M. Fishberg Chair in Infectious Diseases. She served as chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases for 13 years and co-director of Mount Sinai’s Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute. She returned to Duke in March 2010 to become chair of the Department of Medicine.
Klotman is editor of Annual Reviews of Medicine. She was elected to membership in the Academy of Medicine in 2014 and has served as councilor and is past president of Association of American Physicians and past president of the Association of Professors of Medicine. She is a former president of the Duke Medical Alumni Association, and she received a Duke School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015.
Klotman is married to Paul Klotman, MD, a former resident at Duke, now CEO and president of Baylor School of Medicine in Houston. They have two sons.
Paul Klotman, MD (SPEAKER) President and CEO Executive Dean Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Paul Klotman began serving as president, CEO and Executive Dean of Baylor College of Medicine on September 1, 2010. He received his B.S. degree in 1972 from the University of Michigan and his M.D. from Indiana University in 1976. He completed his medicine and nephrology training at Duke University Medical Center. He stayed at Duke as a faculty member before moving to the National Institutes of Health in 1988, where he became chief of the Molecular Medicine Section in the Laboratory of Developmental Biology. In 1993, he became chief of the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory in the NIDR/NIH. In 1994, he moved to Mount Sinai School of Medicine as Chief of the Division of Nephrology. In 2001, he was selected to be the chair of the Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
At Baylor College of Medicine, he oversees the only private health sciences university in the Greater Southwest United States, with total research funding of more than $500 million. The medical school is ranked among the top 25 institutions for research and the top 5 for primary care by U.S. News & World Report. The School of Health Professions is among the best in the nation as is the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. As the CEO of Baylor College of Medicine, he oversees approximately 15,000 employees, 3,500 students, residents and fellows, and is responsible for the Baylor medical staff at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, the DeBakey VA Medical Center, Ben Taub Hospital and its affiliated clinics, the Menninger Clinic and the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. He serves on the Board of Directors of St. Luke’s Health System and the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, the College’s jointly owned and governed private adult hospital. The enterprise revenue is over $2 billion dollars with net assets of approximately $2 billion.
Gerry has been a faithful member of our club since 1964 and we can't wait to see him in person as soon as in person meetings are possible. Thanks to Dan Clinton for sending this article.
Impact starts with our Houston Rotarians! We're people like you that have a mission to see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Jennifer Scott Williams NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Manager, Applications Client Support Office
Thursday March 11, 2021 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
CLICK HERE --> March 11, 2021 <-- CLICK HERE (Click Read more... below for instructions)
The International Space Station: A Cool Place for Science
Mrs. Jennifer Scott Williams was born in Oklahoma City, OK. As an Air Force dependent she moved around often, which contributed to her ability to adapt to new environments quickly. After living in Tennessee, Washington, D.C., and Ohio, her family made its permanent home in Panama City, FL, where she graduated with honors from Bay High School in 1996. Thereafter, Jennifer attended Spelman College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she received dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and in Electrical Engineering via the Atlanta University Center Dual Degree Engineering Program in 2001.
Once Jennifer graduated, she moved to Houston to work for NASA Johnson Space Center Mission Operations (MOD) as a Space Shuttle flight controller in the Instrumentation and Communications Group (INCO). While there she obtained 8 certifications and supported 24 Shuttle flights, three of which she served as Lead INCO. She attended the University of Houston part time in the Telecommunications program, where she graduated with her Master of Electrical Engineering in 2005.
After her last lead flight, Jennifer took on a rotational opportunity in the JSC Office of Education as the Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP) manager, where she managed 8 JSC programs with a team of 4 people, all for the benefit of providing research opportunities to minority students in Higher Education.
David J. Firestein is the inaugural president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations (Bush China Foundation) and a founding and current member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Bush China Foundation, Firestein was the founding executive director of The University of Texas at Austin’s (UT) China Public Policy Center (CPPC) and a clinical professor at UT’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Before moving to UT, Firestein served as senior vice president and Perot Fellow at the New York City-based EastWest Institute (EWI), where he led the Institute’s track 2 diplomacy work in the areas of U.S.-China relations, East Asian security and U.S.-Russia relations; Firestein, who held EWI’s lone endowed chair, remains one of the longest-serving senior executives in EWI history. A decorated career U.S. diplomat from 1992–2010, Firestein specialized primarily in U.S.-China relations. Among the honors Firestein garnered during his diplomatic career were the Secretary of State’s Award for Public Outreach (2006) and the Linguist of the Year Award (1997). Toward the end of his State Department career, Firestein served as an elected member of the Board of Governors of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the union and professional association of the United States Foreign Service; in this capacity, he represented and worked to advance the interests of several thousand State Department constituents. He also served as the elected president of the large community associations of the U.S. embassies in Beijing and Moscow.
Rick received Bachelor of Building Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He was a practicing architect in Manchester, CT for 46 years until his retirement in 2015 when he and Elin made Ft. Lauderdale their residence and began spending summers in Rhode Island.
He joined the Manchester, CT Rotary Club in 1978 and in 2000 received the first of six Paul Harris Fellow awards. For the past six years he has served as District 7890 Chair for Water & Sanitation Projects. In 2014 Rotary International presented him with the “Service Above Self” Award – Rotary’s highest honor and awarded annually to a maximum of 150 individuals throughout the world.
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While vacationing in Guatemala in 2006 Rick attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of La Antigua, Guatemala, making the initial connections that resulted in twenty-five sustainable clean water and sanitation projects completed from 2007 through 2020. His presentation today describes the efforts to fund another two villages in Rotary years 2019-2021 utilizing the ninth and tenth Global Grants.
Genevieve is a 3rd generation Houstonian who graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from Texas A&M University. She has been married for over 20 years and has 2 children: Garrett and Brianna. She initially worked as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America and then went to work in the Audio Visual industry where she designed and sold A/V systems for almost 20 years. She has since pursued her passion and is now a successful REALTOR with many designations for Keller Williams Realty where she helps people navigate through the real estate process.
Genevieve is involved with many organizations in the Houston area including The Boy Scouts of America, Church Activities, Rotary International, and has been with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on the Speaker’s Committee for over 20 years.
She will speak to us about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and what to expect when you visit, as well as interesting Texas Town Trivia.
Gerald B. Smith Chairman and CEO Smith Graham & Co.
Thursday February 25, 2021
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
CLICK HERE --> February 25, 2021 <-- CLICK HERE (See Read more... below for instructions)
Gerald B. Smith is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SGIA (Smith Graham & Co.), a high-quality, competitive investment management firm headquartered in Houston with a full-service office in New York, New York. Founded in 1990, SGIA has served diversified, institutional clients, including public funds, corporations, endowments and Taft-Hartley plans and currently manages over $6 billion in fixed income, Mortgage & Real Estate Debt and equity institutional assets. SGIA is one of the nation’s largest minority-owned investment management firms and one of the largest investment management firms based in Houston. A founding member of the New York Futures Exchange, Mr. Smith has worked with institutional investors to hedge their interest-rate risk by using financial futures.
Houston is suffering through two epidemics, the COVID one and a major crime spree. Our judges and politicians are making it easier for violent criminals to obtain a "get out of jail card for cheap." The new system of Justice seems to tilt in favor of the violent offender being given every consideration, while the victim must live in fear that the perpetrator will exact vengeance against the victim. Is it political correctness gone wild, or a more humane form of justice? If the latter, can our society continue to overlook the spiraling violent crime statistics for Houston?
This Thursday program promises to be one of the most significant programs we will hear this year. Andy Kahan, East Coast Transplant, has spent the last thirty years in Houston in the Mayor's office, as a Houston Police officer, and, lastly, as the Victim Services and Advocacy Director for Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Why, you ask, do we need such an office in Houston? Simply because serious violent crime committed by serious, violent criminals, many of whom are on low bond for violent serious felonies, are being set free by our legal system, only to commit more felonies, including murder... Lenient judges are allowing murderers out on small bonds, many of whom have been previously released on numerous low-cost bonds, still outstanding. No one speaks for the numerous victims of violent crime.
Some blame COVID. Others blame lenient, unqualified judges and lax politicians for the epidemic of violent crime.
You are invited to hear and question the leading expert in Houston regarding the crime epidemic. Interestingly, this crime fighter, a tough-hardened policeman, started his business career while at Northeastern University, Boston, Mass, doing "Singing Telegrams dressed in a chicken Outfit." I feel confident that Andy will discuss those early days when life was easy, crime was minimal, and he did not have to console victims of violent crime.
Invite your friends to attend.
Regards,
Joe Colangelo
Andy Kahan joined Crime Stoppers of Houston in June 2018 as its first-ever Director of Victim Services and Advocacy.
Prior to Crime Stoppers, Andy served as the Victim Advocate for the Mayor’s Office and Houston Police Department for 26 years before retiring and joining Crime-Stoppers of Houston to resume his career as a Victim Advocate. Andy Kahan received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1983 from the University of Houston. He worked as both a Parole and Probation Officer before becoming the first victim advocate in the country to work in a Mayor’s Office. His responsibilities included working with local crime victim’s rights organizations to facilitate the pooling of resources and the exchange of information, accompanying and representing victims before the Parole Board, putting crime victims in touch with local crime victims support and advocacy groups, and court accompaniment.
Charles Denyer was in Washington on 9/11, the day the terrorists attacked the Pentagon. Seeing the events unfold and how the nation responded put a new face on our country and inspired a new mission for him. For the last two decades, Denyer has worked with hundreds of US and international organizations in helping them obtain a true competitive advantage with cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. He is a frequent guest speaker to organizations throughout North America, while also providing essential national security, cybersecurity and advisory services to some of the world’s most recognized brands. He is a founding member and senior partner in two consulting and compliance firms, and is also co-founder of the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA), set to launch in early 2021, and positioned to become North America’s signature voice for today’s current and emerging information security, cybersecurity, data privacy and regulatory compliance laws and regulations.
Hope Houston is a Holistic Humanitarian Initiative to Re-Build & Re-Juvenate “In Need” areas in US cities via Education, Housing, Community Centers & Employment.
Education: We are collaborating with the principals & wrap around specialists and our education stewards at elementary schools merging the gap of children, teaches & families and Their success. We’re outlining their statistics, programs, initiatives, partnerships, their challenges, barriers, needs, goals & their dreams; putting an action plan & program together to reduce and diminish obstacles. Re-igniting The Soul’s “Light”.
Housing & Community Centers: Buy, Build-out & Provide Transitional Housing, permanent Housing & potential Home Ownership, Community Centers, Family Resource Centers, babysitting, tutoring, support groups, mentors, sports, music, arts, choir, after school programs, Partner with Churches to Reach their Community’s & Share the 9 Fruits of The Holy Spirit, collaborate with local gov’t – HISD, Sherriff’s, Precinct Commissioners, Judges, Univ of Houston, Police Dept, personal development for ALL children to clear out the emotional, physical & spiritual abuse. . . So, they can Grow to Be Who They Were Born To Be!!! Re-Building Heart’s & Hope
Virtual-Q was founded in 2009 by CEO, Victor Quinones. With more than 32 years of experience in the information technology industry, his mission was to make IT smart, simple, and scalable for their clients. Virtual-Q provides IT as a Service ™ which features a hosted desktop solution – the “Q”. Designed for companies of any size, the Q reduces on-going costly IT capital expenditures related to the end-user computing experience. Virtual-Q has become a leader in the managed IT services field delivering the highest levels of customer, partner and employee satisfaction and results.
Mr. Quinones serves on the advisory board for Dun & Bradstreet, has received two BBB Winner of Distinction awards and was honored with The Best Place to Work for Commuters and the Clean Air Champion designation by the by the Houston Galveston Area Council. Virtual-Q was recently recognized as The Houston Business Journal’s top 2020 Largest Houston-area cyber security companies and Best Places to Work.
Mr. Quinones studied Computer Science at The University of Houston and was on the Dean’s List. He has received his Microsoft Certified Network Engineer, VMware and Cisco Certified Engineer Certifications.
CLICK HERE --> JANUARY 28, 2021 <-- CLICK HERE (Click on Read more... for Microsoft Team instructions)
Since 1998, Habitat for Horses has worked closely with law enforcement throughout Texas and across the nation, assisting in investigations, temporary holding, documentation, and court presentation in abuse and neglect cases.
The purpose of Habitat for Horses Inc. is a) To promote and secure the safety, well being and health of horses. b) To encourage education concerning the physical and mental health of horses. c) To utilize horses in the growth and mental health of humans, either adult or children, through education, demonstration and connection. d) To study, promote, and enhance the proper training of horses through positive training techniques. e) To provide a home for those horses who are no longer able to be productive. f) To return to health, if possible, those owned horses that are deemed sick or injured.
Rabbi Steve Gross was ordained in 1996 as a rabbi from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio where he also received a Masters of Hebrew Letters. He has served the Houston Jewish community ever since his ordination and is currently the rabbi at Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism where he brings energy and enthusiasm to the pulpit using his guitar to shape the worship experience for young and old alike.
Rabbi Gross sees every religious endeavor as an opportunity to promote community and establish an intimate relationship with God, and he commits a major part of his religious mission to building tolerance and understanding between and among faith communities throughout the city. He is a founding member of T.R.U.T.H.(Travels Revealing Understanding – Trust – Hope), which is dedicated to recruiting and engaging faith leaders from all religious backgrounds to build relationships of understanding and trust through shared experiences of travel and immersion. He is an active participant in the Anti-Defamation League’s Coalition for Mutual Respect and works closely with the Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston on a wide variety of projects which seek to strengthen relationships between faith communities.
With a heavy heart, I announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend and fellow Rotarian, Jason J. Guillory. Jason, armed with an ever-present smile, was a member of the Rotary Club of Houston’s "Back Table Committee."
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason’s family and friends.
Celebrate the Life and Cherish the Memories
Jason J Guillory
Viewing: Thursday January 14, 2021 6:00pm to 8:00pm There will be a rosary at 7:00pm
Dettling Funeral Home 14094 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079
281-497-2121
Funeral Service: Friday January 15, 2021 10:30am
St. Cecilia Catholic Church 11720 Joan of Arc Dr. Houston, TX 77024
713-465-3414
Donations in lieu of flowers please send to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 S Danny Thomas Blvd Memphis, TN 38105
Bill Truman Teague(age 83) passed away peacefully at his Nacogdoches home on December 25, 2020. Bill was born October 24, 1937, in Freer, Texas, to Carl Leroy Teague and Gladys Ethel Wade Teague, who both preceded him in death. He grew up in Abilene, Texas; attended Abilene Senior High School; and graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a BS in Medical Technology in 1960 and a commission in the US Army. A lifelong professing Christian, Bill was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches. He served on the Missions Committee; as a member of the FUMC Day School Board; and as a Sunday school teacher. While living in Houston, Bill was active on many levels at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Upon completion of his military obligation, Bill moved to Galveston, TX, where he enrolled in the Blood Bank Specialty course at UTMB. Bill excelled in the program and was soon attracted to Ortho Diagnostics in Raratan, NJ, where he worked with the team that developed RhoGam, the vaccine for Rh negative mothers that would protect their unborn babies. Bill’s gift of leadership propelled him quickly up the professional ladder with administrative stops in Florida and Austin, TX, before being hired in 1975 by the Harris County Medical Society as the founding CEO of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. Upon his retirement, he was named President Emeritus of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. As a committed Rotarian, Bill believed in the Rotary motto of “service above self” and lived that creed in all he did. While in Houston, Bill served the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as a Lifetime VP; as a member of the Harris County Sports and Convention Board; a past President of the Rotary Club of Houston and was instrumental in seeing Rotary House International become a reality. On a professional level Bill was one of the few non-physicians to serve as President of the American Association of Blood Banks. Upon retirement Bill and Lynn moved to Nacogdoches, TX, where Bill continued his desire to serve others. He quickly became involved in community activities through the Nacogdoches Rotary Club; the Nacogdoches Booster Club; the SFASU Foundation Board and the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, where he served as interim President and CEO while the search for a permanent CEO was conducted. Bill’s passion beyond his family and his professional life was hunting, fishing, and his deep love for the sport of competing with his beloved Labrador retrievers. Bill approached this hobby with the same vigor and commitment as he did his professional career. In addition to hunting with and competing with his dogs, he was a Past President of the Master National Retriever Club and the current President of the MNRC Foundation.
Marvin Pierre 8 Million Stories Executive Director
Thursday December 17, 2020 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Marvin Pierre is a native New Yorker. He currently serves as the Executive Director of 8 Million Stories. Prior to joining 8 Million Stories, he was selected as a Bridge Fellow with The New Teacher Project (TNTP), Marvin focused his fellowship on developing an alternative education program called “8 Million Stories”. The program seeks to upend the school-to-prison pipeline by supporting previously incarcerated youth as they re-enter school, and curbing unnecessary referrals from schools to the justice system in Houston, TX. Marvin also served as the Assistant Principal at KIPP Polaris Academy for Boys in Houston, Texas. Prior to joining KIPP Polaris, he served as the Dean of Students at Excellence Boys Charter School in Brooklyn, NY. Marvin also worked in the finance at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Marvin holds a B.A. in Economics from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) and a Masters in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston. Marvin is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is an American Leadership Forum Fellow (Class XLI) alumni and was selected into the inaugural class for Leadership ISD. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Tabor Academy. Marvin desires to pursue opportunities in community development and co-found a K-8 school for young boys of color in Houston, TX.
Founding Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research
Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Rice University
Dr. Stephen Klineberg has been shaping local thought on the ongoing trends in Houston for almost forty years. As the director of the annual “Kinder Houston Area Survey” (1982-2020), he has tracked the economic outlooks, demographic patterns, life experiences, and beliefs of area residents through 39 years of remarkable change. His book exploring the national implications of the first 38 years of this research, entitled Prophetic City: Houston on the Cusp of a Changing America, was published in June 2020 by Simon & Schuster. Klineberg is the recipient of twelve major teaching awards at Rice and a much sought-after speaker in the Houston community and beyond. He is a graduate of Haverford College, with an MA from the University of Paris, and a PhD from Harvard. He and his wife Margaret have lived in Houston since the early 1970s; they have two children and five grandchildren.
CLICK HERE --> January 14, 2021 <-- CLICK HERE (See Read more... below for instructions)
Bio:
Dr. Geetinder Goyal is the founder and CEO of First Primary Care. He attended medical school at the Government Medical College in Chandigarh, India. Following that, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch– Galveston. Dr. Goyal then went on to Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT where his fellowship was in Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine. He is now on a mission to deliver the best primary care in Houston.
Volunteering and Nonprofit Operations During a Global Pandemic
Companies rapidly transitioned to remote and virtual work environments upon the spike of COVID-19 infections throughout Houston. As we adjust to adjust to masks, distancing, online grocery shopping (with curbside delivery) and working from home…What is one thing we can do to uplift our spirits and help others during these challenging times? What does volunteering look like during a global pandemic? Join us as we dive into the Foundation’s virtual volunteering opportunities and learn more about what we are doing to offer safe in-person events.
SPEAKERS:
Kime Smith graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans with a BA in Mass Communications and a minor in Business Administration. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kime served as the Director of Recruitment for Big Brothers Big Sisters helping to mobilize volunteers, as well as creating corporate and community partnerships in the Houston area. She has served as a Big Sister for the last 10 years, and is currently matched to a 11-year-old Little Sister. Kime is passionate about empowering youth to reach their fullest potential, and loves spending time with her Little – baking, reading, and attending Houston sporting events.
José Paulo Calvillo has more than 10 years of experience in the private and K-12 education sectors. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served for five years as an executive assistant to the Houston Independent School District’s Chief Academic Officer and Chief Major Projects Officer. In this role, Jose led several high-profile special projects, was responsible for coordinating administrative staff across nine departments and served as a liaison within the community. Jose earned his Bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University.
DAN KNECHTGES is the Artistic Director at Theatre Under The Stars where he most recently directed the 2019 production of Elf - The Musical. He is a Tony-nominated director and choreographer working in theater, opera, concert dance, television, film and music videos.
When Dan started at TUTS, he wanted to return to the roots of TUTS by creating incredible musicals that were produced right here in Houston. When he programmed the shows for the musical theatre company’s 50th Anniversary Season, he did so with the intention of having a six-show season that was all self-produced. That season was one of the most successful seasons in the eyes of critics and audiences alike in recent years. Through the shows produced during that season, Dan was also able to re-establish TUTS commitment to casting a mix of local and national theatre artists creating an environment where they can nurture their craft. TUTS 50th Anniversary Season also won four Houston Press Theater Awards: Best Musical (Ragtime), Best Choreography (Stanton Welch for Oklahoma!), Best Musical Director (Marcia Milgrom Dodge for Ragtime) and Best Season. Under his leadership the artistry coming out of Houston’s home for musical theatre is thriving.
CLICK HERE ---> Virtual Meeting <--- CLICK HERE (Click on Read more... below for instructions)
Fake News or Fair and Balanced? Distinguishing Fact from Fiction
Brief Description
How can you help your family separate Fake News from fair and balanced, especially now that most Americans get their news from questionable and deeply partisan sources? In this funny, non-partisan, and interactive online program, former Rice business-school professor Lydia Musher will introduce us to the fascinating technology and counterintuitive techniques that businesses and politicians employ to persuade and manipulate us from both sides of the aisle. You will leave better armed with the tools and resources to help your family make smart choices.
Bio
Lydia Musher is an experienced, parallel entrepreneur whose 20+ year career has been built at the intersection of computer science and communication. For the last seven years, in addition to owning an executive search firm, Lydia was a professor in the business school at Rice University. She holds an MBA from The Wharton School focused on marketing and entrepreneurship as well as MEng and ScB degrees in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Finally, Lydia is a CBY congregant, the mother of four current and former BYDS students, and the wife of sometimes-cantor, always-oncologist Benjamin Musher. She invites you to submit any questions in advance at http://lydiamusher.com/contact.
Jon Eliot King has been a member of the Rotary Club of Houston for 20 years, he will be missed by all.
Jon Eliot King (1942 – 2020)
Jon Eliot King passed peacefully at his home yesterday, Oct 21st, 2020 with his faithful canine companion "Tiffany" at his side.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be conducted on Wednesday, October 28th at 1:00 PM at Second Baptist Church located at 6400 Woodway, Houston, TX 77057. The service will be in the main Sanctuary. For directions and more information on the location go to www.second.org/locations/woodway
The Ceremony is anticipated to be approximately one hour. Second Baptist Church adheres to current CDC guidelines which in summary include 1) masks are recommended and will be provided on site if you do not have one, 2) social distancing seating will be facilitated, and 3) high risk individuals are encouraged to stay home and view the ceremony online at www.second.org/liveevents.
Final burial arrangements are being made with the Houston VA National Cemetery in Houston, TX. More information on that will be provided at the Celebration of Life Ceremony.
For floral arrangements, The Second Baptist Church recommends a nearby florist, Blossoms Floral Designs at (713)780-7838 which is the preferred method of ordering. Their website is www.blossomsfloral.net For guaranteed on time delivery, please place your order no later than 12:00 PM on Tuesday, Oct 27th.
CLICK HERE --> Nov. 5, 2020 <-- CLICK HERE (Please see Read more... below for instructions)
"Why We Need Our Veterans More Than Ever!"
Born on 1 July 1952 in Pennsylvania as the son of a US Marine World War II veteran, Lieutenant General Hummer retired from the US Marine Corps on 1 Aug 2015 after 41 years of active service. After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1970, and an honorable discharge as a sergeant in 1973, Lieutenant General Hummer was commissioned following graduation from Albright College, PA, in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psycho-Biology.
His assignments in the operating forces included: Rifle Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Commander and Regimental Commander within 1st Marine Division; Chief of Staff, Joint Special Operations Command; Director of Operations, US Forces-Iraq; and Deputy to the Commander for Military Operations, US Africa Command. Lieutenant General Hummer participated in combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Supporting establishment duties included: Ceremonial Company Commander, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C; Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Deputy Commander, Marine Forces Pacific; Chief of Staff, US Special Operations Command; and Commander, Marine Corps Forces Reserve and Marine Corps Forces North.
Lieutenant General Hummer is a graduate of several schools within the Marine Corps University; and earned a master’s degree in International Security Studies from the Air War College.
His decorations include: Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and other personal awards and decorations.
Lieutenant General Hummer currently volunteers to support veteran service organizations and mentors veterans. He is currently enrolled in seminary working on his master’s degree. He and his wife, Sheri, support fund raisers in support of veterans and their families.
Lieutenant General Hummer and Sheri reside in The Woodlands, Texas. Lieutenant General Hummer and his wife, Sheri, have a son, David, daughter-in-law, Stephanie, grandson Jaxson, and granddaughter, Isla.
CLICK HERE ----> October 29, 2020 <---- CLICK HERE ( See below Read more... for Microsoft Team instructions)
Bio:
Kaveh Badrei graduated from Princeton University in 2020 with a B.A. from the School of Public and International Affairs and certificates in French and the History and Practice of Diplomacy. His academic concentrations include human rights, public policy, and international law. His senior thesis at Princeton studied hybrid human rights tribunals in international criminal law in Cambodia and Sierra Leone. He is particularly interested in the ways that international and domestic institutions can contribute to lasting change and progress in issues pertaining to conflict resolution, social and political justice, and the protection of human rights. At Princeton, he wrote for the Daily Princetonian and was involved with the Pace Center for Civic Engagement. In the past, Kaveh has worked within local government as well as regional and international non-profits––such as the Anti-Defamation League, Danish Institute for Human Rights, and Office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo––in public policy, legal services, and human rights. He hopes to continue his education and earn his master’s degree in international public policy and human rights.
Summary:
Kaveh is pleased to speak with the Rotary Club of Houston about his passion for public policy, international affairs, and global justice and his vision of a more just, more peaceful, and more humane world. Drawing upon his education in the classroom at Princeton University, his professional experiences at home and abroad, and his own independent research on international justice, Kaveh hopes to share his own practical ideals for a world made more peaceful, more just, and more equal for all and looks forward to discussing his personal aspirations based on the fundamental notion of service above self with the Rotary Club of Houston.
Dena Marks Anti-Defamation League - Southwest Regional Office Senior Associate Director
October 22, 2020 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
CLICK HERE ----> Thursday October 22, 2020<---- CLICK HERE (See Read more... for Microsoft Teams instructions)
"ADL: How It Strives for Justice and Fair Treatment for All"
Dena Marks is the Senior Associate Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Southwest Regional Office. Her main responsibility at ADL is publicity, but she also serves as a liaison with law enforcement, facilitates various training sessions, coordinates regional fact finding, handles some discrimination complaints, and staffs ADL’s International Affairs Committee and Committee on Law Enforcement, Extremism and Antisemitism. Before joining the ADL in April of 1999, she spent 21 years in television news. She also has worked as a group exercise instructor, personal trainer, freelance writer, waitress, janitor, and for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. She is a native Houstonian.
The virtual presentation will cover some of the history, details, and benefits of a single Rotary Club project which the presenter feels is one of the most helpful projects in all of Rotary. It will include the partnership of the Rotary Club of Houston, the Rotary Club of Houston Foundation, Houston Endowment, and the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. He believes it to still be the largest project by any single Rotary Club and feels the project epitomizes Rotary and the reason one becomes a true ‘Rotarian’. He feels it is something everyone, especially Rotarians and their families, can be justifiably proud and should promote regularly!
Resume of Speaker:
Bill T. Teague
Rotarian since September 1967 (St. Petersburg, FL. President 1972-3) to present, about 53 years.
RCH
Active member 1975 to 2006
Past RCH President. 1986-87
Past RCHF President 1987-91
Elected Emeritus Life Member, January 6, 2006
Paul Harris Fellow-x4
Past Chairman of: Jesse Jones RCH Committees: Rotary House International, Distinguished Citizen Award, Rotary Lombardi Award, Membership Development, Red Badge; and others
Greater Houston Community (member of boards* and graduate**)
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center* (founding CEO and stayed as such on a handshake, no written document, for 31+ years)
Justin Wells is the current Executive Assistant Fire Chief over Emergency Response for the Houston Fire Department. He previously served as the Assistant Fire Chief over Emergency Medical Services. He is a 24 year member that has risen through the ranks from Firefighter to District Chief prior to being appointed to a staff position in 2017. He is crossed trained in both Fire and EMS and has been a certified paramedic for over 20 years. He is now oversees the Department’s response to Fire, EMS, Rescue, Hazmat, and Aircraft incidents along with managing the Department’s 3500+ personnel, 250+ response units, and 93 fire stations covering an area of over 650 square miles. When he isn’t working, he spends time with his wife chasing their children around, coaching little league baseball, and trying to find time to travel. He can be contacted at justin.wells@houstontx.gov.
Dr. Giulio Draetta, MD, PHD UT MD Anderson Cancer Center Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer
Thursday September 24, 2020 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
CLICK HERE ----> Virtual Meeting <---- CLICK HERE ( See Read more... below for Microsoft Team instructions)
"Of Moonshots and More"
Dr. Giulio Draetta , MD, PHD, is a Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) and Co-Leader of the CCSG Developmental Therapeutics Program. Dr. Draetta graduated summa cum laude from the University of Naples Medical School in Italy and spent many years in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry where he led drug discovery research in oncology.
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Joseph Agris, M.D., has been going on medical missions around the world for decades, providing not only basic medical care but also much-needed reconstructive surgery to children and adults who would otherwise be shunned, even by their own families, due to their appearance. He has also provided critical instruction and education to hundreds of physicians and surgeons at various medical institutions throughout the world.
Aside from his medical mission, Dr. Agris is an accomplished author. His novel, entitled “Mission Divided” is considered his third book in a compilation entitled, the “Dr. Angel” series (following “Tears on the Sand” and “Miracles in Bedlam”). “Mission Divided” is a compelling story of a physician who must on occasion put down his scalpel and take up arms against some of the gravest threats he encountered while serving in Pakistan. Coming this fall, he has a new book coming out about Abu Ghraib during the Iraq war.
Dr. Agris is a graduate of Temple University of Dentistry where he received a D.D.S. degree with honors, a graduate of Albany Medical College where he obtained a M.D. degree, and served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, also referred to as the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, as Chief of Surgery. Dr. Agris also stablished the first “Plastic Surgical Program” at the Federal Correction Institute in Long Beach, California in conjunction with the University of California at Irvine. Dr. Agris and his wife, Terry, are residents of Bellaire, Texas.
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Scott Rainey was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma and is a proud Sooner! Scott is married to Martha Bowles, who he met in church in Clear Lake, TX. Scott has a daughter Taylor McConnell who has blessed him with three granddaughters Parker Anne, Charlie Mae, and Mason Rayne. Scott’s Step-Son Chase Cusack lives in New York City. Scott and Martha have three dogs, Desmond, Sophie Ann, and Macie, all Yorkies.
Scott started in the oil and gas business as a Landman in the early 1980’s. When the oil crash of the mid ‘80’s occurred, Scott transitioned into the chemical and environmental business. He moved to Houston in 1990 to work full time in the environmental business doing hazardous waste disposal, and in plant work including tank cleaning. Scott was a part of a startup environmental company that was sold in the late 90’s. He then started his current company, Hydrocarbon Resource Recovery, which trades petrochemicals and fuel products.
Scott is involved in several charitable organizations including Space Center Rotary where he has served in several capacities. He was Club President in 2014-15 and was honored as the Large Club President of the Year. He was an Assistant Governor in 2016-17 & 2017-18, and AG of the Year 2016-17. He was selected to be District Governor for the year 2020-21. Scott is a Major Donor and member of the White Hat Society.
He has served as a member in the Church Council of Gateway Community Church, and he is also a past member on the board of the Clear Creek Education Foundation, where again he has served in serval capacities.
Scott’s passions include His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, and Sooner football.
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CHARLES C CANTON The Center for Pursuit President and CEO
Charles C. Canton is President and CEO of The Center for Pursuit. He joined our organization in 2018, bringing with him 15 years’ experience as a distinguished non-profit leader and more than four decades of success in management. Charles was previously Vice President of Operations for Goodwill Industries of Houston from 2002 through 2017, overseeing 65 stores and 48 donation locations. During his tenure, he was responsible for growing the organization into a nationally recognized system of retail operations. Charles holds both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Management and an MBA from Houston Baptist University, where he is also a former Alumni Board Chairman. Charles is committed to the growth and improvement of ways to empower the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is impressed daily with the motivation of the Board, staff, and clients at The Center. He has been married 40 years and devotes time to family, his first grandchild, and his garden.
Dr. Mary Lee Webeck, HMH Holocaust and Genocide Education Endowed Chair
Take a virtual tour through our Bak Gallery and see a short video with our CEO giving a brief museum overview.
The Samuel Bak Gallery and Learning Center in loving memory of Hope Silber Kaplan is home to the nation’s only permanent Samuel Bak collection with 130 pieces rotated periodically. Holocaust Museum Houston is exceptionally honored that the Samuel Bak Gallery and Learning Center serves as a permanent, international gallery for his paintings, works donated directly to the Museum by the artist. The Bak Learning Center will help visitors understand the content of his works, as well as the rich symbolism used in his paintings. A rarity in the U.S., the gallery itself is circular, comprised of three intimate galleries.
Bak was born in 1933 in Vilna, Poland. His artistic talent was first recognized during an exhibition of his work in the Vilna Ghetto when he was nine years old. Bak and his mother survived the Holocaust through the efforts of his father, his aunt and a Benedictine nun known as Sister Maria who gave Bak and his mother shelter in a convent in Vilna. While both Bak and his mother survived, his father and four grandparents all perished at the hands of the Nazis. Bak’s life-and-death experiences inspired his prolific collection of artwork.
The galleries will continuously display the exceptional work of the artist while teaching children and adults to apply an understanding of the events of the Holocaust and other genocides to their own lives and respond to them successfully by developing social resiliency.
Kirk Watson has been described by Texas Monthly as “A man with a vision of what the community wants, and the moxie to carry it out.” He has been immersed in public policy in Texas for the past three decades, serving first as an appointee of Gov. Ann Richards before being elected mayor of Austin in 1997. First elected to the Texas Senate in 2006, he represented the Austin-area for 13 years.
Watson has been selected to be the Founding Dean of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs and began his position on May 1, 2020.
Watson’s policy experience spans local and state government. As Senator, he championed education, health care, transportation and government transparency. During his tenure in the Senate, he served as a member and vice- chair of multiple standing and special committees. Most recently he was Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Nominations and also served on the committees overseeing State Finance, Education, Higher Education and the Sunset Advisory Commission. His peers elected him President Pro Tempore of the Senate in 2019.
Art Acevedo was sworn-in as Chief of the Houston Police Department (HPD) on November 30, 2016.
Chief Acevedo leads a department of 5,200 sworn law enforcement officers and 1,200 civilian support personnel with an annual general fund budget of $825 million in the fourth largest city in the United States.
Chief Acevedo believes good communication is vital for a successful community and steadily works to strengthen the bond between the community and its police department. A proponent of community policing, Chief Acevedo refers to the proven practice as “Relational Policing,” an opportunity to forge a relationship with each citizen an officer comes in contact with.
The first Hispanic to lead the HPD, Acevedo brings a unique understanding to the concerns of the diverse communities in the City of Houston. Born in Cuba, he was 4 years old when he migrated to the United States with his family in 1968. Acevedo grew up in California and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne in California. Acevedo began his law enforcement career in 1986 as field patrol officer in East Los Angeles with the California Highway Patrol. He rose through the ranks and was named Chief of the California Highway Patrol in 2005. Acevedo most recently served nine years as Chief of the Austin Police Department.
Chief Acevedo holds various leadership positions with the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He is married to Tanya Born Acevedo and is the father of Melissa, Matthew and Jake.
The Innocence Project of Texas (IPTX) is the largest, most effective organization in the state dedicated to seeking the exoneration of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and reuniting the innocent with their families.
Anna Vasquez, Director of Outreach and Education for IPTX , and also on the Board of the Houston Forensic Science Center, will speak about her first-hand experience with being a wrongfully convicted individual. Her story and those of three other women can be seen in the award-winning documentary www.Southwestofsalem.com about “The San Antonio 4”. She will speak also to the issues for prisoners now living under even more isolation with COVID-19, as she was placed in solitary during some of her prison time as she would not sign a confession for the crime she did not commit.
Mike Ware is the Executive Director of IPTX and directs investigative and legal services for the organization. Mike worked for the Dallas County District Attorney’s office and while there, formed the first Conviction Integrity Unit in the nation. These units, now in almost every major county in the country, including Harris County, review legitimate claims of innocence.
Mike will speak on the difficulties of working on forward momentum with cases as many courts are currently shut down, and on the inability to meet with IPTX clients in prison amid statewide lock downs. He will share the latest details on the nationally known Houston case of Lydell Grant and unraveling the actual perpetrator of a case by working with the FBI DNA database. He’ll also briefly discuss the Amicus brief filed by IPTX attorney on another Houston case: Alfred DeWayne Brown. Subject of Episode 8 of the highly watched new Netflix series, Brown spent over a decade on death row. His attorney, Brian Stolarz, will be the guest speaker on an IPTX conference call Thursday evening, April 30th at 7:15 pm. www.innocencetexas.org
First time using Microsoft Teams? Here's what you do. A few minutes before noon, click
If you've previously installed the Teams application, you'll be asked if you want to open it. Click 'Cancel'.
Then click the option to 'Join on the web instead'.
Chrome will ask you if you want to allow teams.microsoft.com to use your microphone and camera. Select 'allow' (or block if you don't want to be seen or heard in the meeting).
You'll be prompted to enter your name. Then click 'Join now' to join the meeting.
The message 'Someone in the meeting should let you in soon' will be displayed. Be patient - the meeting organizer will admit you.
Once admitted, you can click on the movie-camera icon or the microphone icon to toggle your video and microphone on and off.
Judge Lina Hidalgo is the head of Harris County’s governing body. She is the first woman to be elected County Judge and only the second to be elected to the Commissioners Court.
Harris County is the third largest county in our nation. Its population of more than 4.5 million rivals that of the entire state of Colorado. The Harris County Judge and four County Commissioners oversee a $4.3 billion budget that helps fund key county services and institutions.
The County Judge is the presiding officer on the Commissioners Court. As the main governing body of Harris County, the Commissioners Court plays a critical role that is part administrative, part legislative, and part judicial. Its many responsibilities include adopting a budget; setting tax rates; calling for bond elections; building and maintaining county infrastructure such as roads and bridges; and overseeing county courthouses, jails, libraries, parks, and the Harris County Flood Control District.
By state law, the County Judge is also the county’s director of emergency management, leading the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM). In addition to her formal duties, Judge Hidalgo plays an important advocacy role for the County.
Judge Hidalgo believes that our region will remain competitive only through proactive and creative leadership on issues like flood control, transportation, criminal justice reform, and education. She is committed to ensuring that Harris County government is transparent, accessible, and accountable to every resident. She wants Harris County to be a place where everyone can attain the American Dream.
We've missed our in person meetings and will now begin weekly virtual events. First up is Bob Wells who will clarify the SBA's Payroll Protection Plan. Several of our members heard him at a breakfast meeting and said he cleared up the mystery and others would greatly benefit from hearing him.This will be at noon 4/16/20. You are welcome to share the link with your friends and associates.
Prior to this we will hear our weekly COVID update hosted by our member, Stephen Williams. We are so excited the dynamic team of Stephen and the City and Harris County chief health doctors will again answer our questions. Please submit them to me today and log in to HTV at 11 a.m. This time is always subject to change because we are using the City of Houston TV station and breaking news and the Mayor will always come first.
Bob acts as a trusted advisor to owners of small to medium sized businesses. Bob has been a member of our club for four years and is a member of the Board of Directors and past-Treasurer of the club. Bob has nearly 25 years of commercial banking experience with large and small businesses as a loan officer at Northern Trust, Union Bank of Switzerland and Bank of America. He served on the Credit Committee at UBS. He has been a CFO to multiple businesses over the past 15 years and has been a business owner, himself. Bob is passionate about the dreams and goals of business owners.
Rotary Distinguished Citizen Award is presented annually to someone in Houston who exhibits high ideals, leadership and philanthropy. The funds raised support our on-going service activities. This year we are honored to present the Distinguished Citizen Award to David S. Wolff for his service to the growth and development of Houston.
Since it was first presented in 1962, the Rotary Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award has gone to an impressive array of individual Houstonians and Houston institutions. The Rotary Distinguished Citizen Award is the Rotary Club of Houston’s major fundraiser for its many community service projects.
Goodwill in Houston was created following a Rotary Club of Houston meeting. We've heard from Goodwill CEO Steven Lufburrow and now is an opportunity to visit a company of one of our members to look at the inside workings. This rare opportunity is called:
Back To our Roots Meeting
Visit the newest concept store, learn about their computer refurb
We educate, train, and hire individuals with barriers to employment to help them thrive. We connect people, families, and communities to improve lives and to meet the workforce needs of today and tomorrow.
VISION Leading change. Connecting people. Improving potential. For the future of work.
WORDS WE LIVE BY
Integrity We do the right thing and people trust us to keep our word.
Compassion We listen, understand, energize, and inspire others.
Excellence We are committed to exceeding expectations.
Innovation We embrace transformation in our never-ending quest to find new and better ways to change lives.
Unity We are one team with one purpose.
Passion We find great joy by changing lives for the better every day.
Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
Her current research focuses on the availability of drug treatment for at-risk populations, the opioid epidemic, vaping, and the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis. She supports policy reforms that treat drug use as a public health issue, such as alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders, needle-exchange programs, safe-consumption sites, drug testing services, expanded access to medication-assisted treatments, and greater integration of substance use and mental health services with each other and with other areas of medical service. Neill Harris received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from George Mason University. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University before going on to complete her Ph.D. in public administration and urban policy. She received the Old Dominion University Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award in 2014 and the Simon Scholarship for Academic Performance in 2011 and 2012.
William Martin, PhD
Harry and Hazel Chavanne Emeritus Professor
Department of Sociology at Rice University and
Chavanne Senior Fellow at Rice’s Baker Institute
William Martin directs two programs, Religion and Public Policy and Drug Policy. After receiving his B.A. and M.A. at Abilene Christian University, he graduated from Harvard Divinity School in 1963 and received his PhD from Harvard in 1969. During his 52 years at Rice, 38 as a professor of sociology, he received numerous teaching awards, including a Lifetime Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition to nearly 90 articles in Texas Monthly, his writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Esquire, Harper's, and in professional journals. His books include A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story; With God on Our Side: The Rise of the Religious Right in America, the companion volume to a PBS mini-series of the same title; and My Prostate and Me: Dealing with Prostate Cancer.
HESS Club 5430 Westheimer Ct. Houston, TX 77056 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
"Swartz (coauthor of Power Failure), a Texas Monthly executive editor, delivers a riveting medical thriller in this story of the quest to create an artificial heart. The starring role belongs to a quirky and brilliant workaholic Houston heart surgeon in cowboy boots, Bud Frazier. The book begins and ends with the spotlight on him; along the way, the author takes readers on a rollicking ride with similarly fascinating characters. They include single-minded Australian inventor Daniel Timms and driven surgeon Michael DeBakey, who helped make Baylor College of Medicine into a world-class institution while alienating many colleagues along the way. A few of these people are described in terms more reminiscent of a romance novel than a nonfiction account, including surgeon (and DeBakey rival), Denton Cooley, who “was so handsome... he could make the wives of patients momentarily forget their husbands’ dire circumstances.” Readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see how Frazier and company overcome a variety of obstacles, such as the objections of a risk-averse FDA, the fallout from the death of the first artificial-heart recipient, and a last-minute shortage of funds. Told in an appropriately over-the-top style, this is a quintessentially Texas story: sprawling, unpredictable, and teeming with risk and opportunity." (Publishers Weekly)
Mimi Swartz
Mimi Swartz, the author, with Sherron Watkins, of Power Failure, The Inside Story of the Collapse of Enron, is an executive editor of Texas Monthly. Previously, she was a staff writer at Talk, from April 1999 to April 2001, and a staff writer at the New Yorker from 1997 to 2001. Prior to joining the New Yorker, she worked at Texas Monthly for thirteen years. In 1996 Swartz was a finalist for two National Magazine Awards and won in the public interest category for “Not What the Doctor Ordered.” She was also a National Magazine Award finalist for her November 2005 issue story on tort reform, titled “Hurt' Injured' Need a Lawyer' Too Bad!” and won the 2006 John Bartlow Martin Award for Public Interest, Magazine Journalism, for the same story. In 2013 she won her second National Magazine Award (again in the category of public interest), for “Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Wives,” a compelling look at the state of women's health care in Texas.
Over the years, Swartz’s work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Esquire, Slate, National Geographic, and the New York Times’ op-ed page and Sunday magazine. It has also been collected in Best American Political Writing 2006 and Best American Sportswriting 2007. She has been a member of the Texas Institute of Letters since 1994.
Elena M. Marks is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Episcopal HealthFoundation, a $1.2 billion philanthropy based in Houston, Texas. The foundation works to improve the health and well-being of the 11 million people of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, which covers 57 counties in east, southeast, and central Texas including Austin, Houston, Beaumont, Lufkin, Tyler, Waco and Bryan/College
Station. Ms. Marks is also a nonresident Fellow in Health Policy at Rice University’sBaker Institute for Public Policy where her work focuses on health reform and access to care for low income and uninsured populations. She serves on the boards of Grantmakers in Health, the largest national organization serving the field of health philanthropy, Harris Health System, an integrated health delivery system serving over 300,000 patients annually, and Community Health Choice, a nonprofit, community-based health insurance company with over 400,000 members. Ms. Marks holds a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University, a law degree from the
University of Texas School of Law, and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Ms. Marks’ previous professional experience includes serving as the Director of Health and Environmental Policy for the City of Houston; consulting in the health care industry with large systems and community-based providers; starting and directing a successful legal placement firm; and practicing trial and appellate law with major Texas law firms.
Thursday's program marks a homecoming for one of Rotary Club of Houston's former Presidents, Steve Lufburrow, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries. In 1987 Steve succeeded his father, Dr. Bill Lufburrow (also a RCoH Past President), as President of Goodwill following Bill's untimely death. Goodwill Industries of Houston was formed at a Rotary Club meeting in 1945 through the vision of W.C. Morris, Sr. and our Club.
Under Steve's guidance Goodwill has become one of Houston's largest employers with many programs designed to help those with a barrier to employment. We welcome back to Rotary, our favorite son, Steve Lufburrow, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Goodwill Industries in Houston, Texas, and Steve's nearly 33 years of service to Goodwill Industries and the citizens of Houston
Steve Lufburrow is President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Houston and the Executive Director of the Goodwill Industries of Houston Foundation. Founded in 1945, Goodwill Houston has continued to grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Today, through its 6 job connection centers, Goodwill Houston provides education, training and job opportunities to people with barriers to employment in Austin, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery and Walker Counties.
Goodwill Houston currently operates 61 stores and 112 attended donation centers and has over 2200 employees, using 95 cents of every dollar from its retail operation to create jobs and help people find meaningful work.
Steve has passionately led the organization’s unprecedented growth since 1986 and credits its success to the tremendous support from donors and shoppers, as well as a superior management team and board of directors. Steve is committed to the execution of new and innovated ideas.
His passion for non-profit leadership extends beyond his decades of service to Goodwill. He has served as a board member of the Galleria Chamber of Commerce; vice president of the Houston Club Board of Directors; president of the Rotary Club of Houston; president of the Texas Association of Goodwill; a member of the St. Luke’s UMC Foundation Board; the Houston Club Board of Governors and the Rotary Club of Houston Foundation. Steve currently serves on University of Houston’s Organizational Leadership & Supervision Advisory Board, a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau and the Goodwill Industries International Board of Directors. Steve and his wife Joan are past co-presidents of the Houston Alumni Association for Southwestern University.
Lufburrow has received many awards and recognitions for his work, including the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Club and the Citation of Merit award from his alma mater Southwestern University and an honorary membership to Beta Gamma Sigma. In 2014, he received the highest honor given to a Goodwill CEO, the Kenneth K. King Fellowship/CEO of the year. In 2016, Steve received The George Washington Distinguished Service Award from the Sons of the American Revolution.
Steve has been married to Joan for over 38 years; together they have two sons, Steven and his wife Sara and their children Leighton, Leslie and Graham, and Will and his wife Terrell and their children Claira, Beckett and Elleigh. He is a singer and drummer in the band Twist & Shout which plays Classic Rock and Roll and Motown music and former drummer with the Christian Praise Band, Encounter. His hobbies include Motorcycle Cross Country Touring.
HESS Club 5430 Westheimer Ct. Houston, TX 77056 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Doug Lawson currently serves as CEO of the CHI Texas Division, a $2 billion+ regional health system with 17 hospitals that stretches across the southeastern section of the state and includes CHI St. Luke’s Health in Houston, CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial in the Lufkin-East Texas area, and CHI St. Joseph Health in Bryan/College Station and Brazos Valley region. He also serves as Senior Vice President for Catholic Health Initiatives, the Englewood, Colo.-based parent company of the CHI Texas Division.
Lawson began his healthcare career at Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic in Temple, Texas, and served in Kansas City with the Saint Luke’s Health System and later in Huntington, West Virginia, for Cabell-Huntington Hospital. Following these leadership roles, Lawson returned to Texas and became president of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine and was asked to serve as President of the organization’s North Texas Central Region and Baylor University Medical Center in 2015.
Lawson is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He went on to complete a Master of Science degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, and a doctorate in philosophy from Dallas Baptist University. Lawson is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore, United States District Court Judge
Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore is a judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. In 1994 when she was sworn in, she was the youngest sitting federal judge in the nation and the first University of Houston Law Center alum to serve on the federal bench. She was born in St. Albans, New York and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was the youngest member of her freshman class at her alma mater, Hampton University in Virginia. Gilmore decided to undertake a career in law after she represented herself and won a minor civil lawsuit. She graduated from the UH Law Center in 1981.
In 1982, Gilmore began a 13-year tenure at Houston law firm Vickery, Kilbride, Gilmore and Vickery where she specialized in civil litigation. Gilmore also became an active member of the Houston civic community, serving on the boards of a number of civic and charitable organizations including a term as president of the YWCA of Houston. She also became involved in the Texas political arena while serving as counsel and teacher in the area of election law.
Her civic activities outside of the courtroom brought her to the attention of Governor Ann Richards who in 1991 appointed Gilmore to the Texas Department of Commerce Policy Board, where she also served as chairperson from 1992 to 1994. Her appointment to that board made Judge Gilmore the first African-American to serve on this board responsible for increasing business, promoting tourism, and developing job training in Texas. In 1993, she also served as chairperson of Texans for NAFTA. In this capacity, she worked regularly with diplomatic leaders, including the President of Mexico, to increase U.S. trade opportunities. Judge Gilmore was nominated to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1994.
Judge Gilmore is the co-author of "A Boy Named Rocky", a book for children of incarcerated parents, and is a frequent speaker on issues related to these children and their families. She has worked on initiatives to help these families with access to resources for their children, including the development of a legal clinic at Texas Southern University. Gilmore is the author of three other books including "Saving the Dream" a fiction novel that Gilmore hopes will encourage other families and single people to pursue their own dreams of parenting through adoption. She is the recipient of numerous civic awards for community service. She spent seventeen years on the board of trustees of Hampton University and has recently completed terms on the board of trustees of the River Oaks Baptist School, and the board of First Tee of Greater Houston. She currently serves on the boards of Texas Children’s Hospital and the DePelchin Children’s Center.
Paula McCann Harris, Director Global Stewardship, Schlumberger
A 31-year career veteran in the energy industry, having worked as a Field Engineer, Sales Engineer, Global Sales Training Manager, Global Project Manager and now in Global Stewardship. Traveling globally to develop business opportunities, she stays committed to decreasing the environmental impact in the communities in which they work while increasing value and revenues through service and technology.
Paula Harris has enjoyed a career in the energy industry working in various capacities with oilfield service giant, Schlumberger. Harris began as a Field Engineer managing operations on offshore rigs throughout the Gulf of Mexico. After years in operations and operation management, she worked as a Sales Engineer and North American Recruiting Manager. Her global positions include Global Sales Training Manager, Global Project Manager and currently, Director of Global Stewardship. Harris has had the opportunity to develop business opportunities and teams throughout Europe, Africa, Russia, China, South America, and Australia. In her current position, she manages Schlumberger’s assets and teams to ensure that the advanced technologies they offer customers are helping them to decrease their environmental impact while optimizing the recovery of hydrocarbons and the impact on the communities they work in. Paula’s global career has focused on helping her teams and the company increase value and revenue through service and technology.
Harris has been appointed to the Space Center Houston Board, Menil Development, and the Texas Energy Planning Council to which she was state-appointed by Governor Rick Perry. She holds memberships to the Society of Petroleum Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Executive Leadership Council, and American Leadership Forum. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Petroleum Club of Houston.
Harris was elected to the Houston Independent School District Board of Education in 2007. She was an integral part of developing theories of action and developing and enforcing policy, instrumental in the 2008 superintendent search, and served on the finance committee to help develop and manage the districts $1.6- billion-dollar budget. Her emphasis was raising the academic achievement of the 215,000 children in the district and providing policy to increase the output of the 25,000 employees. Paula served as board president and the district was recognised twice by the White House under her leadership.
Harris is the author of 2 books, “For Sister: The Guide for Professional Black Women,” which helps first generation professionals navigate corporate America, and “ When I Grow Up I Want to be an Engineer,” a children’s book focused on introducing girls and minorities to careers in Engineering. The latter has been distributed to over 100,000 children and organizations and has been translated into 4 languages.
Paula is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a graduate of Abilene Christian University with a Masters in Instructional Leadership with a focus on Emerging Technology.
She and her husband Dwayne are the proud parents of their daughter Madison Serelia Harris.
James Harris, Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, H-E-B
James Harris is Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity with H-E-B. As director of diversity & inclusion, Harris develops policy, creates programming and sets the strategic direction for the company and the (10) regional diversity councils across the state. These councils provide tactical execution of diversity awareness programming, community engagement and event activation for their respective regions and locations. Additionally, they insure the company’s overall strategy is driven into the marketplace, which creates an emotional connection to the brand.
Harris also leads the supplier diversity direction for the company. He creates, collaborates and connects local, small, minority, disabled and veteran business owners to the company’s procurement and sourcing process. He accomplishes this through building business networks across the state with various councils, chambers and advocacy agencies. This has led to the creation of new and differentiated goods and services for the company. In addition, it has provided job opportunities and economic impact to the communities H-E-B serves across the state.
James serves as director and advisor on many boards and councils; Houston Minority Supplier Development Council’s: SDAC (Supplier Diversity Advisory Council) as Chair, Texas Diversity Council Board of Directors, TrueBlue Inclusion National Member, FMI(Food Marketing Institute) Supplier Diversity Committee and Liaison to FMI’s Collaborative Committee, Houston Area Urban League, Texas NAACP; Corporate Advisory Council as Chair. World Youth Foundation as advisor.
Harris has over 30 years in the food industry and has developed a reputation for driving stakeholder satisfaction by connecting corporate business strategy to customer and community needs. Before joining H-E-B, he had a number of stops along the way to include The Minute Maid Company, Bruno’s, Meijer and Kroger. In these organizations he held director and other key leadership roles.
Harris has received many awards and accolades, nationally and locally because of his business acumen and drive for results. He has the reputation of being approachable, charismatic, strategic thinker, advocator and passionate negotiator.
He is married to wife, Shavonda for 30 years and has two adult children, Carmen and Brandon. They are both recent college graduates and supply chain professionals.
Ann Stern is the President and CEO of Houston Endowment, a private foundation with assets totaling approximately $1.8 billion. Created by Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones in 1937, Houston Endowment’s mission is to enhance the vibrancy of greater Houston and advance equity of opportunity for the people who live here. The Endowment invests approximately $80 million each year in organizations that support its mission.
Prior to joining the Foundation in 2012, Ms. Stern was executive vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital. She previously served as vice president and general counsel for the Hospital. Prior to joining Texas Children’s, she was in private law practice and taught business law at the University of St. Thomas.
Stern received her bachelor’s degree in Plan II from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. She also received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.
Stern currently serves as a director on the boards of Invesco Funds, The University of Texas Law School Foundation, The Holdsworth Center and as chairman of the board of Good Reason Houston. She previously served as the chairman of the board of St. John’s School and on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Each year our District Governor visits each club in District 5790. This is an amazing commitment of time and we are pleased to welcome Gary who is supportive and enthusiastic about The Rotary Club of Houston. Please give him a big RCoH welcome.
Gary and Janice Gillen have two married daughters and one granddaughter. They own and operate Gillen Pest Control in Richmond where he is a member of the Rotary Club. He was named Rotarian of the Year by his club in 2003 and elected President in 2010-2011. He was an Assistant Governor from 2013-2016 and was named Assistant Governor of the Year in 2014-2015.
At the District level he has served as Co-Chair of Fellowship, Chair of the Alumni Committee, Finance Committee, All Club Meeting Committee and the District Conference Committee. He served on the P.E.T.S Vision Committee in 2015.
Gary and Janice are both Paul Harris Fellows with Gary being a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a Paul Harris Society member. He made both daughters Paul Harris Fellows.
You are cordially invited to attend "A Toast and Gentle Roast of Anna Babin,” celebrating Anna's lifetime of service to Houston, on the occasion of her impending retirement from United Way of Greater Houston. Guest speakers will be A-list past and present Chairs of United Way: Jamey Rootes, Current United Way Board Chair and President, Houston Texans, Marc Watts, President, The Friedkin Group, Lynne Liberato, Partner, Haynes and Boone, L.L.P., Stan Marek, President, Marek Brothers. We expect a surprise guest to "pop in" to congratulate Anna.
The event promises to be a memorable one for Rotary and FOR Anna. Please come and invite friends and guests. This Rotary Program deserves a full house of Rotarians and guests to help celebrate the life and accomplishments of one of Houston's finest women, Anna Babin.
Anna M. Babin was named President and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston in August 2005. As chief executive of the nation’s third largest United Way, Babin blends sound business acumen with a deep understanding of community needs. Working closely with corporate and community advisors, she led the organization through the development of three strategic plans, with the most recent, Second Century Vision, set to position the United Way as the leading voice and expert in creating opportunities for low-income families and individuals to thrive. In 2017, under her leadership, United Way raised more than $50 million for immediate relief and long-term recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey on the Houston region.
Babin has focused the organization on issues that assist people to secure a better future with initiatives around family financial stability, veterans services – MISSION UNITED – and educational support to children in their out-of-school time. United Way THRIVE, a collaborative now in its tenth year, has demonstrated the power of partnerships, helping more than 67,000 families achieve their dreams of family financial well-being and independence and delivering a 10:1 return on investment. An advocate for providing accurate and timely information to callers of 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, she launched and completed a successful capital campaign in 2015 to create a new facility to meet the demand of the growing number of people in need of help. In 2018, 2-1-1 answered 1.2 million calls for help.
A native Texan, Babin holds a degree in business administration from Lamar University and maintains her CPA credential. She serves on diverse community boards and committees, including the Greater Houston Partnership, Executive Women’s Partnership, United Ways of Texas, University of Houston Board of Visitors, Good Reason Houston Leadership Council, and chairs the United Way Worldwide 2-1-1 National Operating Group. Anna was named Houston Business Journal’s2017 Best Non-Profit C-Suite Executive, one of the 2009 Women on the Move by Texas Executive Women, and one of the 200850 Most Influential Womenby Houston Women’s Magazine.
Rotary Club of Houston invites you to bring Rotarians and friends
Monday, October 14, 2019
Riel Restaurant
1927 Fairview St. Houston, TX 77019
(There will be a dsection of the bar reserved for us)
Amazing food, (https://www.rielhtx.com/press for info on that!) great atmosphere and both street and valet parking available. We took notes from the last event to make sure this one is even better!
CLICK HEREto let us know if you can be there so we have enough seats saved.
She is METRO’s first woman chair, appointed in 2016 by Mayor Sylvester Turner. She previously served on the board from 2010 to 2013.
Carrin was a partner of Bracewell where for three decades she worked as a trial lawyer representing diverse clients in major litigation involving commercial disputes, securities matters, antitrust and competition issues, and regulatory compliance. She was the first woman elected to the firm’s seven-member Management Committee. Carrin retired from Bracewell in 2016.
Please join the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce at the 2019 Houston Mayoral Forum hosted in conjunction with Houston Public Media, The Rotary Club of Houston, Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch, Rotary Club of West U and Rotary Club of University Area:
Meet the Candidates and hear their perspective on key issues affecting business.
Asher Price, a Capitol bureau reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, grew up in New York City and has lived in Texas 15 years. He loves barbecue and football. Asher studied English at Yale and has graduate degrees from Oxford and Columbia in public policy and journalism.
Asher Price writes about energy, the environment and state politics for the Austin American-Statesman. Three times the Society of Environmental Journalists has named him a finalist for its beat reporter of the year award.
He is the author of Year of the Dunk, a memoir about basketball, cancer and the frontiers of human potential, and co-author of The Great Texas Wind Rush, the backstory about how the oil-and-gas state became the country's top producer of wind power.
Also speaking: Dave Barron
Dave Barron, Houston Chronicle Award Winning Sports Reporter (Football Writers Association of America) will share his thirty-year-experiences covering Texas Sports.
Dave Barron covered the The Houston Oilers and saw, firsthand, the Bum Phillips, Dan Pastorini, Earl Campbell era as well as the last hurrah season in Houston's Astrodome-1993, featuring, Jack Pardee, Buddy Ryan, Kevin Gilbride, Warren Moon, Bruce Matthews. And, then, the Houston Oilers left town for Tennessee...
Dave will share his stories of the "Luv Ya Blue" Era and Earl Campbell.
This event features a timely talk from COL Chad Carroll, West Point ’94, Public Affairs Director of the new Army’s Futures Command (AFC) located in Austin, Texas at a new $130 million facility. COL Carroll will provide an overview of the command as their team tackles Six Priorities: 1. Long-Range Precision Fires; 2. Next-Generation Combat Vehicles; 3. Future Vertical Lift Platforms; 4. A Mobile & Expeditionary Army Network; 5. Air & Missile Defense; and 6. Soldier Lethality – all of which have been allocated $30 Billion over the next five years. In addition to our distinguished speaker we are proud to announce that other special guests will include WWII, Korea, & Vietnam War Veterans plus active duty members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, and Air Force and some of their outstanding commanders.
The most dangerous domestic problem facing America's federal government is the rapid growth of its budget deficit and national debt, this year nearing one trillion dollars, more than 4% of Gross Domestic Product. All this will have very serious economic consequences, not only to each of us, but to our children, economic growth and our future standard of living.
Plan to attend this important program presented by Dr. John W. Diamond, Ph.D, Rice University, Baker Institute. Invite friends and clients.
John W. Diamond, Ph.D., is the Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance and director of the Center for Public Finance at the Baker Institute, an adjunct professor of economics at Rice University and CEO of Tax Policy Advisers, LLC. His research interests are federal tax and expenditure policy, state and local public finance, and the construction and simulation of computable general equilibrium models. His current research focuses on the economic effects of corporate tax reform, the economic and distributional effects of fundamental tax reform, taxation and housing values, public sector pensions, and various other tax and expenditure policy issues.
Diamond is co-editor of "Pathways to Fiscal Reform in the United States" (The MIT Press, 2015) and “Fundamental Tax Reform: Issues, Choices and Implications” (The MIT Press, 2008). He has testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, the U.S. House Budget Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the Joint Economic Committee and other federal and state committees on issues related to tax policy and the U.S. economy. Diamond served as forum editor for the National Tax Journal (2009-2017) and on the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, U.S. Congress (2000-2004). He has also served as a consultant for the World Bank on the efficacy of structural adjustment programs.
He received his Ph.D. in economics from Rice University in 2000.
Who are we?The Original Rotary Club of Houston founded in 1912
Is there an attendance requirement? NO. While we always love to see members and guests, we have so many opportunities for participation outside our lunch meeting.
What is Rotary? Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Join Steve in a conversation about "The role of civility, politics, and trust in banking and all circles of American life.”
Some sub topics are
1) How the civility of Jesse Jones saved Houston banking during the Great Depression
2) The role of Amegy and Walter Johnson in the Houston banking recovery from the 80’s economic collapse
3) The difference between wealth and capitalism.
4) How social media has threatened the balance between civility and politics.
5) Why George Washington would love the Rotary Club if he was still around.
A founding executive of Amegy Bank, Steve Stephens serves as CEO of Amegy Bank. Amegy has grown to nearly $13 billion in assets and more than 75 locations since Steve joined Walter Johnson (Southwest Bank of Texas) in 1990 as executive vice president.
Steve began his banking career in 1980 at Texas Commerce Bank (Chase) where he joined the lending officer development program. Over a 10-year period of commercial banking experiences, Steve became executive vice president in commercial lending for Texas Commerce - Reagan.
During his tenure at Amegy, Steve has led the bank’s commercial banking, retail, and private banking activities. He has been engaged in all aspects of the bank, enjoying the bank’s entrepreneurial spirit and association with quality bankers and clients. In 2005, Amegy merged with Zions Bancorporation—a $63 billion regional bank headquartered in Salt Lake City. As part of Zions Bancorporation, Steve serves as executive vice president and a member of the Executive Management Committee.
In addition to his Amegy leadership role, Steve is committed to serving the Houston community in a variety of ways. Currently, he serves as board chair and member of Boys & Girls Country, United Way Board, Greater Houston Partnership Board, and Hobby Center Foundation Board. He supports Houston Methodist as chairperson of the President’s Leadership Council and as a member of the Society for Leading Medicine. He is Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum and member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Previously, he served on the 2016 advisory committee for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).
Steve attended Texas Christian University and received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Houston. He contributes to his alma mater as chair of the University of Houston’s Board of Visitors and Bauer College Board.
Steve is married to Anne-Laure Stephens and has four children. He enjoys fishing and other outdoor activities, as well as his farm in New Ulm, Texas.
From Mechanical Engineer to Award-Winning Vintner-No Cure For the Wine Bug
The Story of
Raymond L. Haak
Owner/Winemaker of Haak Vineyards & Winery
HESS Club 5430 Westheimer Ct. Houston, TX 77056
Gather at 11:30 a.m. to meet guests. Meeting Noon to 1 p.m. If you need to leave at 1 p.m. please do so quietly as the speaker will continue to answer questions after the meeting ends.
Raymond holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, class of 1969. Raymond was born on Galveston Island and graduated from Santa Fe High School. Prior to entering the wine profession, Raymond worked as an Instrument Engineer and was a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas for over 35 years.
In 1969 he began growing grapes and making wines in Santa Fe, Texas. After many years of research and experimentation, he and his wife Gladys, built a state of the art winery in Santa Fe, Texas. The winery consist of over 25,000-sq. ft. including a tasting room, gift shop and 1,800 sq. ft. cellar which is used for aging and fermenting their premium wines and a covered, 6,000 sq. ft. special event pavilion where various concerts, weddings & events are held throughout the year.
They also are growing 3 acres of Blanc du Bois wine grapes on their twelve (12) acre estate.
The new winery opened in December of 2000 and produces twenty (20) different styles of wine including seven (7) different wines from the Blanc du Bois grape varietal including, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Malbec, Merlot, Vintage Ports and Madeira dessert wines. More information may be obtained from the winery’s website at http://www.haakwine.com.
Raymond, and his wife Gladys, were married in 1959 and are the parents of five (5) daughters.
Our new non regular lunches event bring us out to the community. For this event we will go beyond the doors of one of the most historic buildings in Houston, and meet with Dr. Siddiqi who is providing a box lunch for participants.
Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi
President of Houston Community College - Central College
Parking is available in our garage entrance is off LaBranch and Winbern. Please park second level and above and avoid “Reserved” parking spaces. The garage will be the nearest parking area to the Learning Hub Science Building (LHSB-100)
Dr. Siddiqi will welcome us to the historic neo-classical and Art Deco masterwork on the campus of Houston Community College's Central College - on the National Register of historic Places.
Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi is the president of Houston Community College Central. He began at HCC February 1, 2017, after serving in the capacity of interim college president, provost and the vice president of academics and student development at Morton College, a comprehensive community college in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. Prior to Morton College, Dr. Siddiqi served five years at City Colleges of Chicago as the Executive Director of Manufacturing and Skills Programs. Dr. Siddiqi’s tenure in higher education is marked by successful workforce development programs, enrollment growth specifically for the minority student populations, innovative academic and non-academic student support services, and sustainable partnerships with government agencies, K-12, peer institutions, and community-based organizations.
Dr. Siddiqi has a blended work experience encompassing Fortune 500 companies to the institutions of higher education. Dr. Siddiqi worked in manufacturing sector for almost 12 years. During his tenure, Dr. Siddiqi assumed multiple organizational roles and successfully oversaw the completion of multimillion-dollar projects in multiple countries around the globe.
Dr. Siddiqi received his Ed.D. in Adult Education and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University; a Master of Business Administration from Northern Alabama University; and a Master in Industrial Technology from Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a graduate of Institute for Educational Management (IEM) at Harvard University, Executive Leadership Program at Cornell, and Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at the League for Innovation in the Community College.
In addition to his expansive career experience, Siddiqi is a member of many professional associations, including: American Council on Education, Association for Institutional Research, League of Innovation in the Community College, Project Management Institute, American Society for Quality, National Association of Student Affairs in Higher Education, and recently served as the college representative for the Fulbright Scholar Program. Dr. Siddiqi is serving on the board of directors at Career and Recovery Resources, Association of Talent Development (ATD) Houston Chapter, Bridging the Digital Divide, and South Main Alliance. He is also a committee member of The Hermann Park Rotary Club, Every Student Mentoring Program, Commission on Global Learning, and Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative.
Dr. Siddiqi identifies himself as an educator. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Siddiqi has taught a variety of courses at graduate and undergraduate level at premium universities and presented at several national and international conferences.
Susan Carroll is an investigative/projects reporter with the Houston Chronicle. Carroll has investigated a wide range of immigration issues while at the Chronicle, documenting abuses and substandard conditions at immigration detention centers.
She previously covered the U.S.-Mexico border for the Arizona Republic and the Tucson Citizen, twice earning the highest honor for print journalists in Arizona, the Arizona Press Club's Virg Hill Journalist of the Year. In 2012, Carroll was named Print Journalist of the Year by the Houston Press Club.
Buck Wood
Austin-based attorney, leading legal voice in election and ethics in government issues
A founding partner of Ray & Wood, Randall Buck Wood is a nationally recognized expert on school finance, ethics, and election law. Buck has tried dozens of cases before the Texas Supreme Court, and since 1992, has served as co-counsel for the 125 Plaintiff-Intervenor school districts in the on-going Edgewood school finance lawsuit. Buck also serves as the General Counsel to the Equity Center, an association of over 500 below-average-wealth school districts committed to ongoing improvements in Texas public school funding as well as special counsel to the Texas Association of School Boards on the state’s ethics and lobby disclosure statutes. Prior to founding the firm, Buck served as Director of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State from 1969 to 1972 where he was in charge of enforcement of the State’s election laws. In this capacity, he oversaw all general and special elections and assisted local government bodies with their elections. After leaving the Secretary of State’s Office, Mr. Wood became the Executive Director of Common Cause, a public interest lobby group chartered to maintain fairness in the governmental process. While serving Common Cause, Mr. Wood drafted and helped pass much of the legislation dealing with open meetings, open records and numerous election laws that govern the operation of public entities today.
Mr. Wood is acknowledged nationally as one of the foremost authorities on public law including election law. As such, he represents many elected officials including House and Senate members and several prominent state judges. In addition, Mr. Wood served in various top level positions in the State Comptroller’s Office, including Deputy Comptroller and Chief Clerk. Mr. Wood has practiced extensively in the property tax area for more than thirty years, representing numerous taxing units on delinquent collection issues and numerous appraisal districts on valuation and related issues. Mr. Wood is a past member of the board of directors of the Travis Central Appraisal District.
Buck is “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory based upon confidential surveys of the Bar and the Judiciary. He received the “very high to preeminent” rating for legal ability and the “very high” rating for ethical standards, the highest rating possible in each category. Click here for more information about Randall Buck Wood
Susan Dio is chairman and president of BP America, providing leadership and oversight to BP's U.S. businesses, which employ around 14,000 people. These businesses include oil and gas exploration and production, refining, petrochemicals, supply and trading, pipeline operations, shipping, retail, and alternative energy.
Susan also serves as chairman of the BP America Board of Directors.
Since joining the company in 1984, she has held key operational and executive positions in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. Before assuming her current role, Susan served as CEO of BP Shipping, where she managed the fleet of BP-operated and chartered vessels that move more than 200 million tons of products across the globe each year.
She also previously served as head of audit for BP's Refining and Marketing segment, as business unit leader of the Bulwer Island Refinery, and as plant manager of Texas City Chemicals.
Beyond BP, Susan is a member of the American Petroleum Institute Board and Executive Committee, the Greater Houston Partnership Executive Committee, and the Ford's Theatre Board of Trustees Executive Committee.
Since 1983, Robert M. (Bob) Eury has served as President of Central Houston, Inc., a private, non-profit membership association, formed to lead the planning and implementation of the redevelopment of Houston’s central city area—principally downtown. Mr. Eury is also the President/CEO of the Houston Downtown Management District, a special assessment district within downtown Houston and President of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, administrator of City of Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3.
Mr. Eury was Vice President and Director of Research Development for Rice Center prior to starting Central Houston in 1983. During his nine years with Rice Center, his research focused on environmental design, land use/transportation joint development, urban services delivery anddevelopment regulation. Prior to joining Rice Center in 1974, Mr. Eury served as Director of Community Planning studies for the Urban Studies Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky.
Mr. Eury is currently Member Emeritus of Kinder Institute for Urban Research Advisory Board, Ex-officio Board Member and former founding President of Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Chairman of Convention & Cultural Services Corporation, Inc., Ex-officio Board Member of Discovery Green Conservancy, Trustee and past Acting Chairman of Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, Board and Executive Committee Member of Theater District Houston, Member of the Bond Oversight Committee of Houston Independent School District, Vice Chairman/Board Member of Main Street Coalition, Inc., Member of the Transportation Advisory Committee of Houston- Galveston Area Council and Member of the Advisory Committee of Urban Land Institute Houston. Past leadership includes Chairman of the Board of Stewards of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Blueprint Houston, Texas Downtown Association and the International Downtown Association.
Mr. Eury holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Rice University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati.
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Eury is married to Gayle P. Eury and together they have two adult children, Christopher and Rebecca andfour grandchildren. His hobbies include distance running (52 marathons), photography and collecting Lionel trains.
Master of Ceremonies – Suzi Howe, Rotary International Director 2020-2022
Installation by – Gary Gillen, District Governor 2019-20
*FMV for lunch is $28.00. All additional funds raised will be donated to The Rotary Club of Houston Foundation for RCH Camp Enterprise Program, providing sponsorship for area high school juniors selected to attend our three day program of instruction, competition and teamwork.
Houston Real Estate Developer for 62 years. Chairman of Welcome Group, landlord to 4,035,000 square feet of Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities in 87 locations in Texas.
First projects in the 1950s and 1960s were Master Planned Communities, Jamaica Beach and Tiki Island in Galveston County, both of which are now separate cities. He later developed apartments, retail centers, hotels and three downtown office buildings.
Honors include: Inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Houston Business Journal and Awarded an Honorary Doctor’s degree from the University of Houston, where he was a BBA grad in 1949.
Of note, he received the UH Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1970, the UH Bauer College of Business Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley in 2018.
In the past, he was Chairman of the Board of two Houston banks, was Chairman of an American Stock Exchange company and was on the Board of Directors and owned 10% of the Houston Astros baseball team. In March 2019, he will celebrate his 91th birthday.
He was a long-time Chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of Houston, Chairman of its Drive to Tier One and is now Chairman of its Political Action Committee. He is a Director Emeritus of the Greater Houston Partnership, having served a long time as its Higher Education Chairman.
In the 50s and 60s he served in the Executive Office of the President under Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. He witnessed the Atom bomb test in Nevada and the Hydrogen Bomb test at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific.
In 1958, he was awarded the Arthur Fleming Award as One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in Federal Service. Out of 600 who received this award since 1948, Wikipedia lists him as a “notable” twenty along with Astronaut Neil Armstrong (moon landing), Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Fed Chairman Paul Volcker.
He was invited and spoke to a joint session of the New Mexico Legislature. He was appointed Special Ambassador to Nicaragua by President Lyndon Johnson. After World War II, he served for two years as a Naval Officer in Japan, having graduated first in his class in officer’s school.
He married his college sweetheart on the day he graduated from UH, 70 years ago. They have 5 kids, 16 grandkids and 16 great-grandkids, one of whom is in college.
Walt Anderson has been a football official for 45 years and is entering his 24thyear as an NFL Referee and is one of the most recognized football officials in the country. He began his officiating career working little league and high school games in and around Houston, moved to working college games in the Southland and Southwest Conferences before being hired by the NFL in 1996. While in the NFL, he has worked 20 playoff games, including 2 Super Bowls: 35 and 45, 5 Championships, 6 Divisional and 7 Wild Card games. In addition to his NFL duties, he served for 12 years (2006-2018) as the Coordinator of Football Officials for the Big 12 Conference and the CFO West, and created the 8thofficial mechanics which are now used by all Division I conferences.
Trained as a dentist, he started one of the largest and well-known group practices in Houston, with 13 doctors and 45 employees. Because of the time commitments of the NFL, he sold his practice in 2000 to dedicate his full time and attention as an NFL Referee and College Coordinator. Today he is one of the most successful and recognized Referees in the country.
He is married to Afshan, who is also a dentist/skin consultant and works out of her Westchase/Memorial office; they have five children, 4 boys and 1 girl, and reside in Sugar Land, TX.
Founder, President, & Volunteer Second Servings of Houston
Hess Club
May 9, 2019
Have your ever said "look at all the left over food from this event - what happens to it?" Our speaker anwered that question and impacts the lives of many on a daily basis.
Raised in New York, Barbara has called Houston home for 35 years. She graduated from Tufts University in the Boston area, before earning an MBA in Marketing from New York University. After a successful career marketing some of America's leading brands for Unilever, Mars, and Coca-Cola, Barbara piloted a banquet food rescue program known as "Banquet Bounty for the Hungry" for 18 months. It served as the precursor to the nonprofit organization, Second Servings of Houston, which she founded in 2014.
Barbara has always played an active role in the community. In addition to numerous leadership awards, Barbara was recognized by the Houston Chronicle as a “Houston Hero” in 2016. She hasbeen featured on local television affiliates of ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, as well as in national media. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Houston Culinary Guild, a professional organization for 50 women in the food industry, and provides pro bono leadership to Second Servings.
As founder and CEO of Global Custom Commerce, Jay was an early mover in e-Commerce. In 1993 he bootstrapped his website, built for just $1500 and operated from his garage, into the world’s #1 online window covering store, Blinds.com. In January 2014, Global Custom Commerce merged with The Home Depot. Jay is still active as CEO, driving and integrating GCC’s platform into Home Depot’s interconnected retail strategy.
His early career was as a CPA, and in 1987 he and his wife started a small brick and mortar retail store selling custom window coverings. They sold their store in 2001 and went online full-time.
GCC has been recognized as The Best Place to Work in Houston, Top 5 Workplaces in Texas, one of the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in America, the American Marketing Association Marketer of the Year, and many others.
Jay is currently on the Innovation Board of The XPRIZE, whose mission is to bring about "radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity". He is an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, has earned a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Houston Technology Center, and writes a column for Inc. Magazine.Jay is a popular speaker on how company culture and authentic core values drive profitable growth.
Brian is the President-CEO and Founder of the Health Performance Institute. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Houston with a degree in physiology and statistics. Brian is involved in various organizations including Advancement Team Board Member for the Central and South TX region of the American Diabetes Association, Diplomate Faculty Member, Medical Wellness Association and has been a Moderator and Keynote Speaker for national and international conferences on type 2 diabetes. He has been featured in the Houston Business Journal and is also the author of 10 Steps to Breaking the System and Beating Type 2 Diabetes. Prior to serving as the president, CEO, and founder of the Health Performance Institute, his roles included that of a professor at the University of Houston, UT School of Public Health, Baylor College of Medicine as well as a scientist for NASA-JSC – Wylie Laboratories: Astronaut health after long-term exposure to zero gravity.
What is on the horizon for Uptown Houston, or as we commonly say “The Galleria Area” and what is going on there with so much construction? Inquiring Minds want to know.
It covers a vast area with Memorial Park, Galleria, and The Post Oak Boulevard project. and has experienced $3 billion worth of development. This unique urban environment blends international business professionals, fashionistas, city dwellers and tourists from around the globe.
Soaring business towers boasting more than 26 million square feet of commercial office space, and elegant high rise residences designed by renowned architects intermingle with high-end boutiques in a compact and accessible enclave, making for a setting that is nothing less than spectacular.
Each day, more than 200,000 people converge in Uptown Houston to work in prestigious office buildings, stay in more than 7,800 well-appointed hotel rooms, dine in magnificent restaurants and shop in acclaimed stores.
New green spaces and parks that enhance the area’s garden district feel are being created. And everywhere…opportunity abounds. What is next on their horizon?
Bob Ethington joined the Uptown Houston Management District in 2010. His first assignment was to research the history of Uptown and archive the story. That narrative was made into a historical documentary, produced by Texas Foundation for the Arts and featured on PBS. Following that assignment, Mr. Ethington was asked to expand his role to include economic development.
Today, he is Director of Research and Economic Development and Community Liaison for The Boulevard Project. Mr. Ethington has taken part in a number of improvement projects and economic advancement, serving the Uptown Houston area for 8 years.
Nature Healing Nature empowers people to help themselves by bringing their programs into the world. Their mission is to affect dynamic solutions to global issues such as:
Eliminating Water Related Illness on Earth - Action
The Center For Rainwater Harvesting - Technology
Empowering Youth and Adults - Motivation
NHN was founded in 2007 by Mark Illian, father, husband, electrical engineer, process control engineer, who had been all over the world doing engineering projects. NHN shifted everything for Mark and he now works with his wife Monika, traveling to some of the most remote villages in the world, showing people how to clean their water and build dignified latrines using only materials they have readily available. It’s all about affecting behavioral change to eliminate water related illnesses, especially diarrhea, in the world. Diarrhea is the number one cause of death in children less than 5 years of age in Africa, and number two in the rest of the world’s developing countries. NHN began partnering with Engineers Without Borders in 2003. Since then we have been creating successful and sustainable projects in South Africa and Peru.
Al Reese is a long-time resident of Houston and The Woodlands and has enjoyed an association with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 1986. He served on the Corral Club Committee in the late ‘80’s, has been on the Speakers Committee for over five years and annually joins with others to participate in the livestock auctions that benefit the youth that exhibit their animals at The Show.
He has spent most of his adult life in energy and finance. He is Chief Financial Officer at WTD Resources, a private energy company, was a director of Integrity Bank in Houston until it sold to Independent Bank in 2018 and recently joined the board of The Woodland Insurance Company, a private insurance company. He is also the founder of Integrity Growth Group, a company that offers financial and capital market services to both public and private companies.
He is a CPA, a 1971 graduate of Texas A&M in finance and earned an MBA from the University of Houston in 1977. He has a wife of 46 years, two daughters and three granddaughters.
Rotary Club of Houston invites you to participate in a raffle for this beautiful and versatile diamond Tudor watch valued at $4,000.00 or a Wine Basket valued at $1200.00+! Raffle tickets are $100.00 each. Winners will be announced at the 2019 DCA Gala on February 16, 2019. Winner need not be present to win.
Rotary Club of Houston wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to
Mike Till - Mohle Adams (Wine Donation) Bob Baker (Wine Donation) Larry Meeks (Wine Donation)
Chad and Lauren Walters (Wine Donation)
for their generous donations! Find out about the Ben Bridge Difference at www.benbridge.com
In tribute to MLK Day, please take a moment and watch the video taken at a previous RCH meeting of Rev. William A. Lawson, Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston.
The purpose of this event is to support the Rotary Cub of Houston Camp Enterprise scheduled for April 5-7.
This is an intensive three-day weekend program of instruction, competition, and teamwork provided for Houston area high school juniors who are recommended by their school counselors for their scholastic success, extra curricular activities and demonstrated leadership.
Wildcat Golf Club 12000 Almeda Road Houston, TX 77045
The District 5890 Governor visits each club to provide updates on Rotary International and information about District activities. This is an opportunity to speak directly with our District leader. Please join us.
Marcel Khouw is a Sr. Project Manager in the Public Works Department at IDS Engineering Group. He is a geological engineering graduate of Washington State University and a licensed professional civil engineer in the State of Texas and the State of Hawaii.
Marcel’s career has focused on the planning, engineering, construction and maintenance of public works utilities in the Houston region. He has worked on projects for municipal utility districts in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties as well as the cities of Houston, Sugar Land, Pearland, Galveston and Pasadena. Marcel also serves as the engineer for the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority and the North Channel Water Authority, where he has managed the implementation of the Groundwater Reduction Plan and the conversion to surface water
Marcel Khouw is the engineer for the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority. I am one of the founding Directors for that Authority. Paul is with Carollo Engineers. Carollo is the coordinating Engineers for the whole project. The CHCRWA is one of the partners in the project. Here is a link to an article that was in the Chronicle on Friday the 14th.
Paul Walker
Paul Walker is a Senior Vice President at Carollo Engineers, Inc. He has a B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering and an M.S. in limnology. He has worked on water projects though out the United States for over 25 years serving a variety of municipal, agency, and private sector clients. He is currently serving as the Senior Advisor to the City of Houston on the Northeast Water Purification Plant Expansion.
For further information, see the recent Houston Chronicle article "Water officials designing, building multi-billion water purification plant near Summerwood."
Dean Gladden is in his twelfth season with the Alley Theatre where he is responsible for the administrative, financial, marketing, facilities and development aspects of the Theatre. His career in the performing arts spans over 35 years. Prior to joining the Alley, he was Managing Director at The Cleveland Play House for 19 years. During his career, he has overseen the production of over 230 plays, including more than 70 world and American premieres. Mr. Gladden holds a BA in Music from Miami University and a MA in Urban Arts Administration from Drexel University. He also graduated from the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management. He currently is Chairman of the Board for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Treasurer of the Board of the Theater District Houston, and an American Leadership Forum Fellow. He was past president of The Rotary Club of Cleveland. He has served on the Executive Committee of the League of Resident Theatres and was Vice President of the National Corporate Theatre Fund. He has presented at the Santiago a Mil Festival in Chile, and also conducted Arts Management workshops in Budapest, Hungary, under the sponsorship of The United States Information Agency.
PERRYN LEECH
HGO Managing Director
Sarah and Ernest Butler Chair
Perryn Leech, born in Brighton, England, joined Houston Grand Opera as technical and production director in the 2006–07 season. He became chief operating officer in August 2010, and in May 2011 was appointed the company’s managing director, overseeing all aspects of the company’s operations—including finding and realizing new venues in the event of flooding! He joined Houston Grand Opera after five years at Welsh National Opera (WNO) as technical director, and four years as the production manager at English National Opera. He had an extensive freelance career that included serving as the head of lighting at the Edinburgh International Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious arts festivals in the world. In 2016, he was appointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner to serve on his Quality of Life Transition Committee. He is chairman of the board for Theater District Houston and serves as a board member of Houston Grand Opera, Central Houston, and Opera America. In addition, he is a board member and treasurer of the Houston Arts Combined Endowment Foundation and board member and secretary of the Wortham Center Operating Company. He is married to author Caroline Leech and is proud father to three children, Jemma, Kirsty, and Rory.
Two Managing Directors. Two Theatres. Two Stories.
Whether it is protecting the shores of the United States from enemy attack, or carrying the Stars and Stripes into combat, Houston's famed 147th Attack Wing has consistently performed its duties in a typical outstanding manner. The officers and enlisted assigned to the unit are justifiably proud of their membership and point to a long and colorful history to back that claim.
Col Gary D. Jones is the Commander, 147th Attack Wing, Texas Air National Guard, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas. He is responsible for organizing, training, equipping, and maintaining combat ready forces for rapid deployment and employment on wartime missions for 1,085 guardsmen in support of Joint Terminal Attack, MQ-1B Predator, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Expeditionary Combat Support missions.
Col Jones received his commission in the Air Force through Officer Training School after graduating from Louisiana Technical University in 1995. He completed Undergraduate Navigator Training and Electronic Warfare Officer Training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla. in 1996, and was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., as an RC-135V/W Rivot Joint EWO. In 2000, he was selected to join Detachment 2, 645th Material Squadron, as a Program Engineer in Greenville, Texas, where he directed depot-level maintenance, emergency aircraft repairs, and field modifications for the RC-135 fleet. He also completed a Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma while stationed in Greenville. In 2004, he served as a Reconnaissance Functional Manager at Headquarters, Air Combat Command (ACC) at Langley AFB, Va. While at ACC, he developed policies, plans, and doctrine to organize, train, and equip Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance airborne platforms. In 2006, he was assigned to the Pentagon as the Big Safari Program Element Monitor where he managed 28 Air Force programs and projects. Col Jones left active duty in 2007 and joined the Texas Air National Guard as a MQ-1 Predator pilot at the 147th Reconnaissance Wing. Since then, he has held various positions to include Chief of Training for the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron, Chief of Wing Plans, Assistant Director of Operations, Director of Operations, and Commander for the 147th Operations Support Squadron. In addition, Col Jones is a Master Navigator/EWO and has combat time in The Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Prior to his current position, Col Jones was the Vice Wing Commander, 147th Reconnaissance Wing, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas.
Col Jones Commander 147th Air Attack Wing - August 23, 2018
Steven (Steve) R. Hill was born in Omaha, Nebraska. The son of an Air Force colonel stationed abroad, he soon moved to Europe where he received his primary and secondary education. Steve returned to the United States to attend Brown University on a military ROTC scholarship, then graduated from Bryant University with a BS in Economics in 1971 and obtained an MBA from Boston University in 1973. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers of the Society of Petroleum Engineers AIME of SPE. Steve served in the Air Force on active duty from 1973 to 1977 and in the Air Force Reserves as an C 130 and F16 pilot until his final discharge in 2001. He speaks French, Spanish and Portuguese.
With over thirty year's professional experience in the oil and gas business, mostly in South America, Mid- East, Pacific Rim and West Africa, Steve has worked for such esteemed companies as Husky Oil-Canada, EXXONMobil, SOHIO, Ocean Energy, Vetco Offshore, Global Marine, Santa Fe Engineers and Constructors, Asea Brown Boveri (ABB),Odebrecht ,Petro Marine, Halliburton, Groupa ICA, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Irving Shipbuilding and provided Business Development support services to 44 other energy related, shipbuilding and related power development companies over the past 30 years. .
Since 1980, Steve has owned and operated his own small “Engineering and Consulting” firm, “S.R. Hill and Associates International, Inc.” (HAI) which was named one of "Houston's fastest growing small firms” in 1987. Through this entity, he offers his expertise to corporations and international oil service companies and public utilities, consulting primarily regarding the commercial development of gas to power projects costing over 100 million USD which involve multiple external partners delivering oil, gas and power through “turn-key” facilities.
From 1990 to 1999, Steve served as the Vice President of Major Projects for ABB's Oil, Gas and Power sectors. Residing in West Africa, he had the responsibility for oil, gas, and power projects known as "Wellhead to Wire line" on a “Turn Key” EPIC approach for the African continent.
Upon returning from Africa, Steve served two years as a Vice President of Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. with direct responsibilities for advising Hyundai's Senior Executives with EPIC strategies in the area of Deep Water SPAR/TLP/FPSO and onshore power and process projects primarily in West Africa with major Houston-based oil companies. In that role, he assisted with client interfaces and communication along with the support of contract negotiations. While with Hyundai, Steve contributed in the closing of over two billion USD in Deep Water EPIC contracts with Houston-based clients during 2001 – 2003. Hired by EXXON in 2003 he lived and worked in Shakalin Russia and contributed to drilling 60 six mile horizontal wells to produce the Orlin Development. In 2005 and thru 2011, Steve served as Chief Operating Officer of Oceanic Consultants, leading a team that managed the delivery of a Sub Sea and FPSO project in partnership with ENI of Italy to EPIC an FPSO (floating, production, storage and offloading) vessel for the $600 million “Oyo” development, offshore Nigeria, with First Oil on 5 December 2009, setting an Industry record of 22 months from project sanction to ‘first oil’.2010. Joined Wild Well Control in 2011 and supported their Well Intervention group in Africa.
Today, Steve serves companies as an ADVISOR or MENTOR in the area putting large complex projects back on plan profitability, improving the client relationship and using his vast networks of professional friends and past clients, that admire his shills and abilities, to secure new business for his current clients.
Steve served on the board of Millennium Ventures, LLC (Houston's 12th largest venture capital company) in 2002, and has invested in various movie productions in the state of Texas, is a current member of the National Association of Eagle Scouts, along with the Houston Petroleum Club. He is currently a Certified Facilitator and active member of the Project Management Institute PMI in Houston holding a PMP certification.
Design & Construction of FPSO at Sea. August 16, 2018
Dr. Stephen Klineberg has been shaping local thought on the ongoing changes in the Houston metropolitan region for almost 40 years. Through his work on the “Kinder Houston Area Survey,” now in its 38th year, he has tracked the economic outlooks, demographic patterns, experiences and beliefs of local residents. Under contract with Simon & Schuster, his book, “Prophetic City: Houston on the Cusp of a Changing America” will be released in 2019. Dr. Klineberg is the recipient of twelve major teaching awards and a much sought-after speaker in the Houston community and beyond. He is a graduate of Haverford College, the University of Paris and Harvard University. He and his wife Margaret have called Houston home since the early 1970s; they have two children and five grandchildren.
Lisa Spence is the Deputy Element Manager for Flight Analogs with NASA’s Human Research Program at the Johnson Space Center, providing project leadership and management for human research conducted in a variety of spaceflight analog facilities. In this capacity, she manages the conduct of simulated missions in the Human Exploration Research Analog at the Johnson Space Center, for bed rest studies at a facility in Cologne, Germany, for long duration isolation simulations at a facility in Moscow, Russia, and for NASA human research conducted in the National Science Foundation stations in Antarctica. She began her NASA career as a Space Shuttle instructor, training astronauts and ground personnel in the operations of shuttle systems. Subsequent assignments have included developing training systems, simulators, and curriculum for the International Space Station Program; serving as science program training coordinator for the Shuttle-Mir program in Star City, Russia; international liaison to the Japanese Space Agency, Russian Space Agency, and Italian Space agency for training development; integration engineer for EVA training and development at the Neutral Buoyancy lab; and systems and operations integration engineer in the Constellation Program. She received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University, holds Master’s degrees in Computer Systems Design, Public Administration, Biological Sciences, and Communication and Leadership; she is a PhD Candidate in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.
Steven Ward began his career while still attending college at Texas A&M University. After graduating and having worked for two of the top engineering companies in the country, Steven and partner Ryan Getz set out on their own to form Ward, Getz & Associates, LLP. In 11 years, WGA has built an impressive portfolio with projects across the United States.
With over 19 years of land development experience, Steven has worked on a wide range of project types, sizes, and locations. This extensive project knowledge gives him the ability to effectively assess the specific needs of each unique project in order to deliver the highest quality of work and client satisfaction.
Floodplains Regulations and Development. August 2, 2018
McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant located in Uptown Park.
You do not need to be a member of the Rotary Club of Houston to attend, and please feel free to invite your colleagues!
The purpose of our Power Networking Lunch is to:
Network with the Houston business community
Promote business in the group
Learn from Industry experts
Learn how to speak in public
Perfect your “elevator” pitch
Meet new friends
HAVE FUN
The cost is $25.00 for Rotarians and $30.00 Non-Rotarians, and includes tax and tip for a wonderful three course lunch. To register see events on right side of this page and click either Rotarian or Non Rotarian
We have a very special guest scheduled for this luncheon. We are extremely excited to have Gayle Sutton, Certified Franchise Planner, of Right Franchising, LLC. present. If you have ever thought about owning a franchise, or have wondered about the benefits of franchising, than this is an event not to be missed!
Right Franchising puts people together with franchise opportunities with strong profit margins. Right Franchising finds affordable franchises that match the client’s skill set, financial range and passion. Then, we help our clients with tools and inside information to evaluate the franchise long before they buy.
Right Franchising helps our clients avoid costly mistakes by determining their compatibility with a franchise through a free assessment. The assessment aligns your goals and skill set with the right franchise.
We provide peace of mind, helping clients make an informed decision.
We have a very special guest scheduled for this luncheon. We are extremely excited to have Gayle Sutton, Certified Franchise Planner, of Right Franchising, LLC. present. If you have ever thought about owning a franchise, or have wondered about the benefits of franchising, than this is an event not to be missed!
Right Franchising puts people together with franchise opportunities with strong profit margins. Right Franchising finds affordable franchises that match the client’s skill set, financial range and passion. Then, we help our clients with tools and inside information to evaluate the franchise long before they buy.
Right Franchising helps our clients avoid costly mistakes by determining their compatibility with a franchise through a free assessment. The assessment aligns your goals and skill set with the right franchise.
We provide peace of mind, helping clients make an informed decision.
Art Acevedo was sworn-in as Chief of the Houston Police Department (HPD) on November 30, 2016. He leads a department of 5,200 sworn law enforcement officers and 1,200 civilian support personnel with an annual general fund budget of $825 million in the fourth largest city in the United States.
Chief Acevedo believes good communication is vital for a successful community and steadily works to strengthen the bond between the community and its police department. A proponent of community policing, he refers to the proven practice as “Relational Policing,” an opportunity to forge a relationship with each citizen an officer comes in contact with.
The first Hispanic to lead the HPD, Acevedo brings a unique understanding to the concerns of the diverse communities in the City of Houston. Born in Cuba, he was 4 years old when he migrated to the United States with his family in 1968. Acevedo grew up in California and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne in California. Acevedo began his law enforcement career in 1986 as field patrol officer in East Los Angeles with the California Highway Patrol. He rose through the ranks and was named Chief of the California Highway Patrol in 2005. Acevedo most recently served nine years as Chief of the Austin Police Department.
Chief Acevedo holds various leadership positions with the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He is married to Tanya Born Acevedo and is the father of Melissa, Matthew and Jake.
Lawrence Dean is Metrostudy’s Regional Director – Houston. Prior to becoming the Houston Regional Director, Mr. Dean lead a team in Metrostudy’s consulting business advising diverse clients, including builders, developers, and investors, on specific sites and potential development programs. He brings abundant experience to this role, having fifteen years of experience in the housing development industry in the Houston area. Mr. Dean has held management roles in land acquisition and development for some of the region’s largest builders including Ryland, KB Home, and D.R. Horton. In the real estate consulting arena, he was also Vice President of a local boutique consulting firm. Mr. Dean holds a Masters of Science in Land Development as well as a second Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, both from Texas A&M. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Houston.
Metrostudy
Metrostudy covers all of Houston: a total of 8 counties. Their survey team drives nearly 12,000 miles and over 2,800 subdivisions every 90 days to provide you with the valuable information you need on future lots, vacant developed lots, homes under construction, and homes that have been completed. Every quarter, Metrostudy also surveys all of the condominium projects in Harris, Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties.
Wayne R. Beaumier Sr. is the Chairman of the Board of DAUSA. Past President of two Clubs in Rotary District 5890, Presidential Citation Award winner. He has served 4 times as Assistant Governor, currently serving his third term as District Disaster Chair. Distinguished Service and Community Service Award winner. Club and District 5890 Rotarian of the year.
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society Member, Level 2 Bequest Member, Polio Plus Society Member.
IFSR- International Federation of Scouting Rotarians, Wine, Beer and Whiskey Fellowship, Lifetime Member of each.
Disaster Network of Assistance-Rotary Action Group and Water-And- Satiation Rotary Action Group Member DAUSA is an active member of VOAD- Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters, Gulf Coast Chapter.
Wayne is one of the Ambassadors for the Houston, Texas area. As Zone 21b Chairman is in charge of developing 8 Rotary Districts strike teams. Currently the zone has 4 Domestic response trailers and one commercial drying trailer to assist the public in case of natural or man- made disasters. He has been deployed out of the country four times and has logged over 5,000 volunteer hours. “Wherever” and “whenever” he is needed he response.
Wayne was promoted to Chairman of the Board January 2018 and will continue his zone role as well as helping developed domestic response unit members and international DARTS. (Disaster Aid Response Team) He is employed by Standard Safety Equipment Company a USA based manufacture of high end reusable chemical fabrics and chemical clothing. His focus is on refineries and chemical companies that use Sulfuric or Hydrofluoric acid. He has worked there for more than 25 years and mixes Rotary with his work responsibilities as Vice President of Sales and handles all aspects of the company’s distribution networks worldwide. Standard Safety also manufactures Germ Free Chambers that are used in laboratories and universities for research.
“William J. Boyce lives in Houston, where he practiced law for 18 years before becoming a justice on the state court of appeals. He graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and from Northwestern University School of Law. Before attending law school, he worked for newspapers in Illinois and Oregon. He is married to Maria Wyckoff Boyce and is the proud father of daughters Emily and Julia.”
Win an extravagant wine basket or dinner for six at Tony's in our event raffle!
SPECIAL PRICE FOR ROTARIANS ONLY: $400 PER COUPLE. LIMITED TIME ONLY
Donna and Tony Vallone, of nationally renowned and beloved Tony’s, Tony’s Catering, Ciao Bello and Vallone’s, have been serving the public for more than 50 years. The Vallones have earned a flawless reputation for exceptional food and hospitality, excellent wine and impeccable service, and continuous, creative, changing menus. Their restaurants have served eight US presidents, numerous foreign presidents, and notable dignitaries from around the world. Tony was the first Texan inducted into the National Restaurant Association Hall of Fame in 1982 and the first American-born board member of the famed Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani of Italy. He is a past member of the Nation’s Restaurant News “Hall of Fame” and was elected to the Culinary “Who’s Who of Texas.” In addition, Tony is the author of the critically acclaimed tony’s…the cookbook and is currently working on his second book. He has appeared on many national and local television programs.
In addition to the culinary contributions, both Donna and Tony donate their time and talents to numerous local and national causes. They both proudly sit as board members of various organizations, including those in the medical field and fine arts in our Houston community.
“Attention to detail” is the common denominator of the Vallone restaurants. Tony’s entire staff is privy to his favorite motto, “You’re only as good as your last meal.”
Ashley was raised in Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006.
After graduation she worked in the Houston Texas Medical Center at Texas Children’s Hospital as a Research Associate.
Ashley became involved with Honor Flight when escorting her grandfather, World War II veteran Daniel Kelly to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight Dayton, Ohio.
Upon returning home in 2013 she joined the newly formed Honor Flight Houston as the Development Director.
In 2014 she became the Chairman for Honor Flight Houston and considers it a profound privilege and honor to serve on the Board of Directors.
Flying WWII veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials is the very least that she can do to honor their extraordinary contributions to our country. ‘These men and women are our national treasures and should be cherished and honored while we still have them.’
Helping Veterans Visit Their Memorials - Time is of the Essence
Based on recent statistics, we are losing World War II Veterans at the rate of approximately 492 per day. This means there are approximately only 855,070 Veterans remaining of the 16 million who served our nation in World War II. Honor Flight Houston will continue to do whatever it takes to fulfill the dreams of our Veterans and help our heroes travel absolutely FREE to visit their memorial.
Trish Morille is an award-winning journalist and marketing communications consultant with more than two decades experience in media, public relations and marketing. After a successful media career in print and broadcast journalism, Trish formed Morille & Associates and worked closely with a small client base focused largely on non-profit organizations. Currently, she is the Executive Vice President of The Lester & Sue Smith Foundation, a private family foundation which has granted over $150 million to numerous non-profit organizations including Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Harris County Hospital District Foundation and Holocaust Museum Houston.
In 2010, Sarah Fisher and Trish Morille co-founded +Works, a Houston-based, grassroots, parent-driven non-profit organization that served as a catalyst for positive community change on bullying and other challenging issues facing children and families. For more than seven years, Trish served +Works as Co-Founder and Executive Vice President on a 100% pro bono basis, with joy. The organization was closed in 2017 and +Works continues to thrive on many of the 16 campuses that engaged in the community-impacting program. Trish continues her advocacy of children, literacy and education through her service with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Ladies for Literacy Guild. Her vision to reach low-income, at risk children through the power of literacy resulted in the creation of Houston’s first super library on wheels, the Curiosity Cruiser which debuted in 2017.
Trish is a founding board member of Dress for Success Houston and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Houston chapter. She is an active member of the Breast Center Advisory Council at Baylor and serves on the Advisory Boards of The Baylor Partnership, Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Purple Songs Can Fly. Trish has been married for nearly 30 years to Rock Morille, with whom she is raising two awesome young adults.
David Balat, 45, was born and raised in Houston, to parents who moved to the United States from the suburbs of Jerusalem and Bethlehem in Israel. David’s father was born deaf and mute, and taught his son about adversity, and his mother taught him to have a strict work ethic. They promoted an English-only household, so David could have the best opportunity for success in their newly adopted country.
David’s father, although born with a disability, never accepted federal aid, believing in working for the things they had. He and his mother owned and operated their own business in the Garden Oaks area for nearly 40 years, passing that passion for success and conveying their entrepreneurial spirit to David.
Successful Businessman
David is a professional healthcare executive and former hospital CEO who specializes in finance and business development. At the age of 24 David got his start in the larger hospital systems out of a lifelong desire to help others. In just 2 years, David moved his way up to becoming an accomplished executive for a large group practice in the Texas Medical Center. David received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Houston, and his Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.
Turnaround Specialist
Yearning to be his own boss and wanting to create a profitable environment for businesses, he began his own consulting firm that specialized in turning around struggling health care organizations. David developed a reputation for rescuing troubled businesses and growing them into thriving, profitable organizations. As a result, David is responsible for turning around numerous companies and creating many jobs in the Houston area to include the communities of Kingwood, Humble and Spring.
Product of the American Dream
David is living proof that the American Dream can be gained through hard work, a great family, and Faith in God.
A long-standing member of his community, David continues to create jobs today. He is a resource in the healthcare industry and is considered a leading expert in his current role as President of the company where he works. He credits his success to his wife of over 20 years who has demonstrated great strength and continued faith in David’s dream to exercise his entrepreneurial passion.
Husband, Father, Conservative Christian
David met his wife Lauren at church in 1994, and they married 2 years later. Lauren is currently attending graduate school to become a Licensed Professional Counselor pursuing her desire to serve her community. David owes his life, his accomplishments, and his loving family to God’s faithfulness.
He and his family have attended church in the district for nearly 20 years and have actively participated in missions, committees, and teaching Sunday School.
Until the devastation that Hurricane Harvey caused, the Balats lived in the Meyerland area with their two teenage children, Abbie and Joshua. In the wake of losing their home, they are seeking to relocate to a more permanent location, while in temporary housing.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS GOLF TOURNAMENT IS TO SUPPORT CAMP ENTERPRISE
In 1986, the Rotary Club of Houston initiated Camp Enterprise as an introduction and practical experience for Houston area high school juniors to the free-enterprise economic system. Students are recommended by their teachers, counselors and administrators based upon their scholastic excellence, extra-curricular involvement, and demonstrated leadership. The Rotary Club of Houston evaluates the applicants and selects students to attend a 3-day experience of instruction, competition and teamwork. Through interaction with business executives and entrepreneurs, participating students are introduced to the challenges and opportunities of the free-enterprise system.
“The most important shot in golf is the next one.” —Ben Hogan—
As vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Houston Branch, Donald Bowers has executive responsibilities for the Public Affairs, Law Enforcement and Human Resources departments.
Since starting his career at the Dallas Fed as a student intern in the Research group in 1990, Bowers has worked in a number of positions. As a management intern, he completed a series of assignments supporting the Facilities and Accounting functions and was promoted to manager of the Human Resources Department in 1996. Bowers was promoted to operations officer in 2001 and assistant vice president in 2004.
He is currently president of the Association of Rice University Alumni board of directors, a board member of Children at Risk and the American Leadership Forum, a member of the World Affairs Council and an advisory board member with the Discovery Youth Foundation. Bowers is also a graduate of United Way’s Project Blueprint Leadership Development Program.
Bowers earned a bachelor’s degree in managerial studies from Rice University and an MBA with a concentration in banking and finance from Sam Houston State University.
Toni Harris Taylor, affectionately known as the Turnaround Queen, has over 25 years’ experience as an entrepreneur. Although she has suffered great personal losses and business challenges, every time she gets knocked down she turns it around by taking drastic steps. Toni brings a level of professionalism and expertise to her clients helping them to take the necessary steps to rise to the ranks of Top 6. As a six figure entrepreneur, Toni shares the strategies she used to grow her business and network nationally and internationally, and helps her entrepreneur and sales professional clients to achieve six figures in record time!
Toni has a BS degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Adult Education and Training.
Toni HarrisTaylor - CEO of Drastic Steps Marketing
"Disaster Preparedness and Response Ensuring Ongoing Medical Care and Patient Safety"
January 25, 2018
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
DARRELL PILE earned his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University in 1982 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University in 1979.
Mr. Pile has led a progressive career path over the past thirty-six years as a hospital administrator and as CEO of the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council in Houston, and as a community leader.
As a hospital executive, Mr. Pile has led an array of hospitals including acute care, long term acute care, rehabilitation, and psychiatric facilities in both rural, suburban and urban settings. He is also well versed in various ownership models that have included the for-profit hospital industry, hospital districts, joint ventures, and a healthcare system where he was responsible for over forty facilities in Texas.
For the past seven years, Mr. Pile has served as CEO of the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. The organization has united hospitals, EMS agencies, and community leaders across nine counties to embrace best practices. The population served rivals the size of the nation’s 21st largest state. The results have been commended and published. They include improved stroke outcomes and millions of dollars saved by the timely delivery of the clot busting drug tPA across the region. Likewise, the organization was contracted by the Texas Department of State Health Services to lead the Healthcare Preparedness Program across twenty five counties. The coalition was recently commended for the preparedness, response and resilience of the Houston area healthcare industry following the epic storm, Harvey.
In addition to his extensive career, Mr. Pile has served in a variety of community leadership positions. They have included Chairman of the Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce, founder of an emergency services district, and board member with a local EMS agency and with a local school district foundation. Mr. Pile also serves on the Governor’s Emergency Care Advisory Council’s stroke committee, he has served on the board of the Texas Emergency Trauma and Acute Care Foundation, and was recently appointed to the University of Texas Health Stroke Institute Community Advisory Board, the board of the Houston Better Business Bureau Foundation, and as consultant to the Harris County Medical Society’s Emergency Care Committee.
Jerry LeVias holds a special place in the history of college athletics. When he entered Southern Methodist University in 1965, he became the first African-American to receive an athletic scholarship in the Southwest Conference. His signing with SMU changed the racial makeup of college football in the South. LeVias made both Academic All-American and Athletic All-American and he led the Mustangs to their first conference title in 18 years.
After earning his Bachelor of Science Degree from SMU, LeVias played professional football for the Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers. He has received numerous honors recognizing his achievements. They include the SMU Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, African-American Hall of Fame, National College Football Hall of Fame, Texas High School Hall of Fame, Prairie View Interscholastic League Hall of Fame, and All-American Alumni Award of the Football Writers Association of America. He also is a recipient of the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award.
LeVias currently serves as President of the Executive Board of Directors of Harris County Children Protective Services; Ambassador for the Houston Texans; serves on the senior advisory committee for the Texas Bowl, Houston; and serves on the Executive Board of SMU Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.
Born on 1 July 1952 in Pennsylvania as the son of a US Marine veteran, Lieutenant General Hummer retired from the US Marine Corps on 1 Aug 2015 after 41 years of active service. After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1970, and an honorable discharge as a sergeant in 1973, Lieutenant General Hummer was commissioned following graduation from Albright College, PA, in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psycho-Biology.
His assignments in the operating forces included: Rifle Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Commander and Regimental Commander within 1st Marine Division; Chief of Staff, Joint Special Operations Command; Director of Operations, US Forces-Iraq; and Deputy to the Commander for Military Operations, US Africa Command. Lieutenant General Hummer participated in combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Supporting establishment duties included: Ceremonial Company Commander, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C; Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Deputy Commander, Marine Forces Pacific; Chief of Staff, US Special Operations Command; and Commander, Marine Corps Forces Reserve and Marine Corps Forces North.
Lieutenant General Hummer is a graduate of several schools within the Marine Corps University; and earned a master’s degree in International Security Studies from the Air War College.
His decorations include: Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and other personal awards and decorations.
Lieutenant General Hummer currently serves as a Senior Mentor to the US Marine Corps and a Senior Fellow to National Defense University, providing guidance, training and education.
Lieutenant General Hummer and his wife, Sheri, reside in The Woodlands, Texas.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director Francisco Vazquez, M.B.A., was appointed Medical Center Director of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) on August 22, 2016. Mr. Vazquez serves as the MEDVAMC’s chief executive officer charged with management of one of the most complex VA medical centers in the country with more than 4,600 employees and an annual budget of approximately $974 million. In addition to caring for more than 109,000 Veterans in southeast Texas, the MEDVAMC also serves as a regional and national referral center for many services including cardiac surgery, liver transplant, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy and other neurological disorders, radiation therapy, and spinal cord injury care.
Mr. Vazquez has more than 23 years of federal service with a wide variety of technical and progressive leadership experience. He served as Vice President of Information Management at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, he was the Chief Information Officer at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan, Wyoming, and he also served as the VistA System Manager at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. He also has been a civilian employee of the U. S. Navy and held positions in computer and software engineering at the Naval Air Warfare Center (Avionics Division) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Most recently he served as the medical center director at the Wichita, Kansas, VA Medical Center.
A proud Navy Veteran, Mr. Vazquez served as a Surface Warfare Officer onboard the USS Okinawa (LPH3) in San Diego, California from 1986 to 1990. Upon separation from active duty he served for 10 years in the United States Naval Reserve.
A graduate of the Universidad Sagrado Corazon in San Juan, Puerto Rico with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Mr. Vazquez received a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman's University. He is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Francisco Vazquez, M.B.A. - Medical Center Director
Many children who have experienced abuse and neglect have never known the thrill and anticipation of the holiday season and the excitement that Christmas morning brings. BEARing Gifts is the annual holiday program of BEAR... BE A Resource for CPS Kids. BEAR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides emergency items to abused and neglected children. Our greatest need is gifts and toys for children under the age of five and for teens.
Please bring a new gift to our Dec 7, 2017 luncheon meeting
TOY DRIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEARing GIFTS
NEW gifts only. (NO USED ITEMS)
PLEASE, NO candy or food items.
IF this gift requires batteries, please include.
PLEASE DO NOT put cash in gifts.
PLEASE DO NOT gift wrap gifts. Donations of gift wrap or gift bags are always appreciated.
Vince Ryan was elected to a four year term as the Harris County Attorney on November 4, 2008 and re-elected in 2012. He is no stranger to the office, having served as an Assistant Harris County Attorney and First Assistant for former County Attorney Mike Driscoll from 1981 to 1987.
In 1987, Vince, with the support and help of many grassroots activists, scored an upset to win a seat on the Houston City Council for District C. He was reelected to two more terms.
Vince was appointed by the President, and later unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, to serve on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission. This bi-national board oversaw the Canal and its historic transition to Panama on December 31, 1999.
Following his service on the Panama Canal Commission, Vince was associated with several prominent Houston law firms and continued his community involvement. In the last decade, he has served on various boards and is a founding board member of the Houston Tampico Sister City Association and the Houston Democratic Lawyers Association.
Born in Houston, Vince was raised by loving parents who instilled within him and his three siblings a sense of service to others.
As the Vietnam war raged, a 19-year-old Vince joined ROTC at the University of Houston and upon graduation became an active duty officer in the United States Army, first serving in Europe and then volunteering for service in Vietnam. He was returned to active duty for Operation Just Cause, which ousted the dictator of Panama, in 1990.
After his service in Vietnam, Vince left active duty and attended the University of Houston Law School. Soon he became active in the Neartown Association. While practicing law, Vince attended Rice University and received a Master's Degree.
Bill Palko currently serves as the Rotary District 5890 Governor for the 2017-2018 calendar year. Governor Palko has been a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of North Shore since June 2005. During this period, he served as Club President in 2010-2011, was the Club Rotarian of the Year in 20112012, Assistant District Governor in 2013-2015, Assistant Governor of the Year in 2013-2014, a member of the Bequest Society, a member of the Paul Harris Society, a member of the Polio Plus Society, and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
Governor is a native Houstonian who proudly served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1977. Following his service to our country, Governor Palko earned his Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration from San Jacinto Junior College North Campus and later earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Houston Central Campus. Today, Governor Palko serves as a Senior Vice President at Amegy Bank. He has been married for 36 years to his beautiful bride Debbie and they have two wonderful children, Steven and Michelle
Salute to Veterans luncheon Rotary Club of Houston/ West Point Society/Naval Academy Alumni
November 9, 2017 - starts promptly at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.
Location: Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks, Lane, Houston, TX 77027
SPEAKER: MG Tony Cucolo, the former Commandant of the US Army War College who is now the Associate Vice Chancellor for Leadership Development & Veteran Affairs at the University of Texas System
In addition to our distinguished speaker we are proud to announce that other special guests will include WWII, Korea, & Vietnam War Veterans plus active duty members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, and Air Force and some of their outstanding commanders.
TABLES ARE SOLD OUT AS OF NOON ON 11/2. ONLY INDIVIDUAL TICKETS REMAIN. DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTED.
Dr. Katherine Persson entered the education field with the passion to teach and help others reach their learning potential. Katherine became the president of Lone Star College-Kingwood in August 2008 after serving 2 ½ years as president of the Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus in Oregon.
Katherine is no stranger to the Humble/Kingwood/Atascocita and East Montgomery County community as most of her educational career has been in the Lone Star System. She began teaching in the Anatomy and Physiology labs part-time when North Harris College opened in 1977. Between her first position and being hired in 1984 at the Kingwood campus as a full-time Biology instructor, Katherine earned her master's degree while working in the department of Neurobiology at the University of Texas Research Institute of Mental Sciences. As a faculty member, she helped develop the first Associate of Applied Science in Biotechnology in the state.
While at Kingwood College, Katherine served as the Biology Department coordinator, associate dean of Science, Health Care, and Applied Technology, and vice president of Educational Programs and Student Development.
Katherine's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas, Austin; a Master of Science degree in Biology from Texas Women's University, Texas Medical Center, Houston; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas State University, San Marcos.
In the community, Katherine represents LSC-Kingwood on the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and on the Community Chamber of Commerce of East Montgomery County board where she was the 2002-2003 chair. Previously, she served as an elected school board trustee for the Splendora Independent School District for 16 years; eight as a board chair. While in Portland, she served as a board member for both the Washington County Vision Action Network and the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce.
In spring 2006, Katherine was awarded the Splendora R. B. Tullis Community Service Award. She has been recognized by the University of Texas College of Education as a distinguished graduate and by the Community College Leadership Program as a visiting scholar and a distinguished scholar. She has been a Kingwood College Teacher Excellence award winner and a Texas Women's University Research and Writing Excellence award winner. After being nominated by her professional administrative assistants, Katherine was recognized by the Texas Educational Support Staff Association as the 2009-2010 Administrator of the Year.
Katherine and her husband Andrew have three grown children and two grandchildren.
Dr. Katherine Persson - President of Lone Star College - Kingwood
Hank Rush has been engaged in the Houston business and civic community for the past 40 years. He has served in successive management positions in three Houston based Fortune 500 corporations, including Texas Eastern Corporation, BMC Software and Stewart Title Company.
Hank also led or was instrumental in the building of two start-up companies during his years in the Bayou City. He served as Lead Independent Director on the board of AmReit for eight years prior to its acquisition by Edens, and currently serves on the Bradmark Technologies Board here in Houston.
His four decades of community activity include board positions on the Houston Children’s Fund and the Houston Symphony, active in the United Way of Greater Houston, and has worked with the Houston Coalition for the Homeless and the IBM Business Partnership for Persons with Disabilities.
Hank holds a magna cum laude bachelor of science degree in Computer Science from Louisiana Tech University, and has completed executive management programs at Harvard University, Penn State, and Rice University. He is a graduate of The Center for Houston’s Future.
He is active in service and leadership roles at the Second Baptist Church of Houston.
Hank has served as Star of Hope’s President & CEO since 2008.
Henry L. “Hank” Rush—President and CEO of the Star of Hope Mission
Mike Waterman is the Executive Vice President of Houston First Corporation and President of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Houston First Corporation manages more than 10 city-owned buildings and properties, along with underground and surface parking for nearly 7,000 vehicles. These facilities include the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, George R. Brown Convention Center, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Wortham Theater Center, TalentoBilingue de Houston, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston First Outdoors (which includes Jones Plaza and other smaller venues) and Theater District Parking. Accordingly, Houston First Corporation is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, licensing and operation of these properties as the venue for numerous conventions, trade shows and theatrical performances.
Mr. Waterman is a hospitality veteran with more than 26 years in the industry. He joined Houston First Corporation from Marriott International, where he served as Vice President of Sales for the Southwest region overseeing 100 properties, including a grouping of Marriott hotels in the Los Angeles' convention district known as L.A. Live. Mr. Waterman has held a series of executive positions with Marriott International over the last 14 years and served as director with several Marriott affiliated properties from Chicago to Baltimore since 1993.
Matthew Zeve is the Director of Operations for the Harris County Flood Control District in Houston, Texas. Mr. Zeve is oversees the operations of various facets within the District, including Planning, Environmental Services, Engineering, Construction, and Infrastructure. Mr. Zeve has more than 15 years of experience in hydrology and hydraulics analysis. His experience includes floodplain management studies and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) submittals, transportation-related drainage analyses, channel improvements projects, master drainage studies, drainage criteria manual development, watershed impact analyses, flooding forensic analysis, and drainage analysis for new developments. Mr. Zeve is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. Mr. Zeve is a Certified Floodplain Manager and member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Jeff Linder
Meteorologist
Harris County Flood Control District
Jeff Linder joined the Harris County Flood Control District in 2004 as the District’s first meteorologist. In his primary role as manager of the District’s Flood Watch Program, Mr. Linder implements regular communication with the National Weather Service and the Harris County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM) during times of flooding while monitoring 140 rainfall and stage gages and collecting data at over 400 bridges located on many of Harris County’s 2,500 miles of channel. In addition, Mr. Linder oversees the operation of the Harris County Flood Warning System and the Regional Flood ALERT Partners group as well as establishing flood levels for all 140 gage sites in Harris County. Mr. Linder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology from Texas A&M University. He is a member of the national and local chapters of the American Meteorological Society and of the Texas Gulf Coast Emergency Managers Association, the National Hydrological Warning Council, Texas Flash Flood Coalition, and ALERT Users Group.
Matthew Zeve / Jeff Linder - Harris County Flood Control District
RIP Ian’s theme “Rotary: Making a Difference” resonates with Rotarians. To truly make a difference Rotary must remain the preeminent service organization for the future and the Future is Now. This year you and your club will show your support for RIP Ian’s commitment to Rotary Making a Difference with your “Make a Difference by Embracing the Future” sponsorship. This sponsorship includes a premium placed and decorated table for ten (10), recognition in the event program, two (2) exposition tables for your club to display its great accomplishments and a photo of your entire club with RIP Elect Sam Owori or General Secretary John Hewko at your club’s expo table, or after lunch.
Visionary $750
This sponsorship includes a reserve table for ten (10) and one exposition table for your club to display how your club makes a difference now and in the future.
Rotary Star Couple $200
Premium Seating for two (2) and a photo with RIP Elect Sam Owori or General Secretary John Hewko at your club’s expo table or after lunch.
District 5890 Out of this World Exposition
Highlight your projects and activities to your fellow Rotarians and guests, including RIP Elect Sam Owori. RIP Elect Sam Owori will be visiting expo booths following the VIP Reception (display space only and can be added to any level)
Kim Ogg is the newly elected Harris County District Attorney. She is a native Houstonian licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 1987 and recognized as a specialist in Criminal Law by the Board of Legal Specialization since 1992. Upon taking office, she promised a new era of criminal justice by insuring a just process for the victim, the accused, and the community in every case. She has focused her prosecutors on public safety by prioritizing disposition of crimes against people and property.
Kim's legal career began in 1987 as a line prosecutor for the Harris County D.A. While serving as a Chief Felony Prosecutor, she was appointed Houston’s first Anti-Gang Task Force Director in 1994. From 1999 - 2006, Kim served as the Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. In 2006, Kim transitioned to private legal practice and became the managing partner of her own law firm.
Kim now brings her strong track record of public service and thirty years of criminal justice experience to the position of Harris County D.A. During the first six months of her Administration, she has successfully advanced major drug policy and bail reform, diversified the leadership of the District Attorney's Office and effected legislative reform on behalf of crime victims.
Edison Toquica began his law enforcement career 28 years ago with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Starting as a detention officer, he graduated the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Academy class of B390.
His law enforcement career expanded throughout many bureaus of the Harris County Sheriff's Office to include the Detention Bureau, Patrol Bureau, Detective Bureau and the Homeland Security Federal Task Force Division.
Edison Toquica earned his way through the ranks of the Sheriff's Office. He was an immediate supervisor and a mid-manager. As a commander he was tasked with managing the HIDTA Major Drug Squads, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, Houston Money Laundering Initiative, FBI JTTF, Multi Agency Gang Task Force, US Marshall's Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force and the Tactical Intelligence Section.
Edison Toquica was then appointed to Major where his command was the Special Operations Bureau and the Criminal Investigations Bureau. As a Major his command included; Homicide, Robbery, Assaults, Sex Crimes, Crimes Against Children, Burglary and Theft, Vice Narcotics, Human Trafficking Task Force, Traffic Enforcement Division, incident Management and the 911 - Dispatch Center.
In January of 2017, Edison Toquica was appointed as the Chief Deputy of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Harris County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Edison Toquica
Sonya Reed is senior vice president, Human Resources, Communications and Public Affairs for Phillips 66, a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With nearly 20 years of international experience in human resources, Reed reports directly to Greg Garland, chairman and CEO, and is a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.
Before joining Phillips 66 in May 2015, Reed served as executive vice president and chief human resources officer for General Cable, where she focused on driving a global people agenda and implemented processes for effective human resource management. She worked closely with General Cable’s board of directors on leadership succession planning as well as compensation strategy and design.
Reed began her career as a commercial underwriter at Zurich Financial Services, where she spent 14 years. She subsequently moved into human resources and ascended through the function, specializing in business partnerships. After a multi-year assignment in Switzerland, she returned to the United States as the vice president of Human Resources for Latin America.
Reed holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Arizona State University and completed advanced studies at Cambridge University in England and the Complutense University of Madrid. She is fluent in Spanish.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Meeting from noon to 1 p.m.
JOEL COWLEY Joel Cowley was announced as the president and chief executive officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. Cowley joined the Show staff in 2005 as the executive director of agricultural competitions and exhibits.
In this role, he worked with approximately one third of the Show’s volunteer committees while overseeing aspects of the livestock show, horse show, wine show and auctions.
Prior to joining the Show, Cowley worked for Certified Angus Beef LLC, the not-for-profit division of the American Angus Association, where he began as executive account manager in the international division and finished as assistant director of the foodservice division. Before his employment with CAB, he was a faculty member at Michigan State University, where he served as an extension beef cattle specialist. Prior to that, he was employed by Texas A&M University as a lecturer and livestock judging team coach.
An 11-year 4-H member in Wyoming and Colorado, Cowley was active in livestock projects and a member of national champion 4-H wool judging and livestock judging teams. He first attended the Houston Livestock Show™ as an intercollegiate judging contestant in 1985 and has participated in every Show since 1988 as a coach, livestock judge or employee.
Cowley holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Colorado State University, a master’s in animal science from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Michigan State University.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to be of greater service to such a tremendous organization,” Cowley said. “Through the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff, and the generous support of sponsors and donors, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is able to fulfill its agricultural mission, entertain and educate guests, make a significant contribution to the local economy, and assist Texas youth in accomplishing their educational goals — I’m proud to be a part of it all.”
Cowley and his wife, Tammy, have two daughters.
JOEL COWLEY-PRESIDENT & CEO Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Philip “Duane” Steen started with DPS in 1981. After graduating from recruit training, he began his first assignment in Denton as a Highway Patrol Trooper. In June 1984, he promoted to Narcotics Sergeant/Investigator in Austin. He then promoted to Narcotics Lieutenant, Waco, in October of 1992; Narcotics Captain, Garland and Austin, in November of 1995; and Narcotics Assistant Commander, San Antonio and Austin, in September of 2003. In October of 2009, Steen promoted to Major, Criminal Investigations Division, in Austin and promoted to Deputy Assistant Director, CID, in February of 2010. On September 12, 2011, Steen promoted to Region 2 Commander (Houston).
Steen has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has served on the North Texas HIDTA Executive Committee, the Houston HIDTA Executive Committee, Chair of the South Texas Executive Committee, representative to the Drug Demand Reduction Advisory Committee, Steering Committee for the Texas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, and Project Director of the Regional Narcotics Task Force. He is also a past president of NASDEA, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, and is on the Board for the TAG, Texas Anti-Gang, Center in Houston.
Steen is married with two children, eight grandchildren, and enjoys fishing as a relaxing hobby.
Abby Kohut is an award-winning speaker, author, and Human Resources professional who is known around the world as "Absolutely Abby". In the past 18 years, Abby held positions such as Senior Director of Recruiting for Kaplan, Interim Director of Recruiting for Continuum Health Partners, and Manager of Global Recruiting for Alpharma. She is responsible for helping to hire 10,000 people in 8 industries and at all career levels. Abby's website, AbsolutelyAbby.com, was selected as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Your Career” by Forbes and she was also selected as one of the top 100 influential people online according to Fast Company Magazine. She has delivered over 800 live workshops across 34 states on a variety of human resources, job search, social media and business-related subjects during her RV tour around America which began in 2012. Abby has been interviewed on Fox 5, NBC, CBS, ABC, LinkedIn, Monster, Real Simple, The Ladders, Bloomberg Radio, and Forbes. In 2014, CEOWORLD Magazine rated @Absolutely_Abby one of the "Top 25 Women for your Job Search" on Twitter and Business News Daily rated @Absolutely_Abby as "1 of Top 10 Twitter Accounts Every Jobseeker Should Follow". To learn more about Abby, please visit AbsolutelyAbbySpeaks.com
Eventually Is Now
Summer is upon us and the days are longer than usual. It's the perfect time to take inventory of your career path to see if it needs some adjusting. Does it still bring you joy or do you wish you could be doing something else? What have you always dreamed about doing? Absolutely Abby is a NJ resident with a great sense of adventure and mission who walks the walk of living her dream. She will inspire you with her personal success story as she travels across America to help one million unemployed people land in a new job. Walk away from the program with advice and tips on how to pursue the New You in 2017 and get ready to take some action. Like with a GPS, if you know where you want to go, there are several ways to get there. Most importantly, eventually is now!!!
Abby Kohut - Recruiter, Speaker & Career Consultant
Erik Eriksson serves as Chief Legal Officer of Port Houston, overseeing its legal, government relations, pilot administration, and records management functions.
Prior to joining Port Houston in 2005, Mr. Eriksson held successively more responsible legal and management positions at a multi-billion dollar publicly listed holding company.
Mr. Eriksson has been a director of the Southampton Civic Club since 2003, served as its president from 2005 to 2008, and is currently president of the University Place Association and Super Neighborhood. He also is a member of the Executive Committee of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership Board of Directors, and serves on the board of the Houston International Seafarers’ Centers and the advisory board of the Bayou Preservation Association.
A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Mr. Eriksson is a member of the bar in Texas, California, and New York.
Join us for a celebration lunch at Tony's Restaurant
Complementary Valet Parking
3755 Richmond Ave. 77046
As we "Celebrate Community Leadership" we've asked our speaker, Hank Moore, Futurist and Corporate Strategist™ to discuss “Community Leadership Legends.”
As you know, the Houston City Club is closing and soon we will be moving to a new weekly meeting venue. However, the Houston City Club has informed us that it’s closing sooner than expected and we will be unable to meet there next week. However, we have arranged for what we hope will be a suitable alternative: Tony’s !!
Yes, we will be meeting next Thursday, June 8th, at Tony’s, located at 3755 Richmond Ave. (at the corner of Richmond and Timmons) just steps away from the entrance to the Houston City Club. Our networking social will begin at 11:30 a.m. and we’ll ring the bell and begin lunch at noon. This will be a seated lunch so it’s important that everyone be on time and seated by noon. Also, it is critical that everyone register online so that we can give Tony’s our headcount and they can prepare the menu.
We will be taking a look back at this Rotary year and begin to look ahead. I hope you will make plans to join your fellow Rotarians for a great lunch, at an amazing restaurant, and help us toast the 2016-17 year. Be sure to register online now.
Thanks! See you next Thursday.
Yours in Rotary service,
Tom Vann
President 2016-17
Hank Moore
This will unveil his new book, "Non-Profit Legends." This reflect's Hank's 40+ years of working with hundreds of non-profit organizations, advising boards and fostering leadership programs. "Non-Profit Legends" is the first comprehensive book to cover all aspects: volunteer recruitment-retention, fundraising, planning, board development, corporate cause-related marketing, etc. There's a chapter on the history of public TV-radio and one on causes supported by celebrities, plus motivational quotes. This is the fourth in Hank Moore's internationally-published Legends book series.
His books “Houston Legends” and “Pop Icons and Business Legends” have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Hank Moore won the Lifetime Achievement Award from Volunteer Houston, for community leadership.
He is the highest level of business overview expert and is in that rarified circle of experts such as Peter Drucker, Tom Peters, Steven Covey, Peter Senge and W. Edwards Deming. Drucker termed Hank Moore's Business Tree™ as the most original business model of the past 50 years. The Business Tree™ is his trademarked approach to growing, strengthening and evolving business, while mastering change.
Hank Moore has advised many of the top CEOs on strategy, leadership and growth, including Disney, Marriott, Hewlett-Packard, AT&T, United Way, Texaco and hundreds more. He advises companies about the Big Picture issues which profoundly affect the business climate. He has presented Think Tanks for five U.S. Presidents and has spoken at six Economic Summits.
Mr. Moore has provided senior level advising services for more than 5,000 client organizations (including 100 of the Fortune 500), companies in transition (startup, re-engineering, mergers, going public), public sector entities, professional associations and non-profit organizations. He has worked with all major industries over a 40-year career. He advises at the Executive Committee and board levels, providing Big Picture ideas. Hank Moore's website: http://www.hankmoore.com
We will eat lunch and assemble homeless bags. These bags will be distributed to a local agency that services the homeless population of the Houston and greater Houston area.
RSVP needed no later than Wednesday to determine seating and supply requirements.
Edward M. Emmett became Harris County Judge on March 6, 2007.
A member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987, Judge Emmett was chairman of the Committee on Energy, a member of the Transportation Committee, and represented the state on numerous national committees relating to energy and transportation policy.
In 1989, President George H. W. Bush nominated Emmett as a Commissioner at the Interstate Commerce Commission. After being confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate, Judge Emmett served on the commission for three years.
Judge Emmett has received international recognition for his work in transportation and logistics policy. He was named Transportation Person of the Year by Transportation Clubs International and one of the Top 20 Logistics Professionals by Logistics Forum.
County Judge Emmett, working with the county commissioners, manages the nation's third largest county. He also is director of Harris County's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, chairman of the Harris County Juvenile Board and chairman of the Conference of Urban Counties Policy Committee.
Judge Emmett attended Bellaire High School. He graduated from Rice University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974 with a Master of Public Affairs degree.
Judge Emmett attended Bellaire High School. He graduated from Rice University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974 with a Master of Public Affairs degree.
Judge Emmett has received numerous awards and honors, including Distinguished Alumnus of Rice University, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and the Presidential Call to Service Award.
Judge Emmett and his wife, Gwen, have been married for 41 years and have four children and 13 grandchildren.
Chair of the Board Houston Association of REALTORS®
May 25, 2017
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Cindy Hamman is regarded by her peers as a “REALTORS®’ REALTOR®.” That’s because everything about her background and style underscores an unwavering commitment to help the real estate industry and those who work in it be the very best that they can be.
For evidence of this, one need only look so far as Cindy’s numerous professional recognitions, a few of which include her selection as the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) – Montgomery County Chapter Entrepreneur of the Year, receiving the Houston Association of REALTORS®’ (HAR) John E. Wolfe Community Service Award, and her election as the 2017 HAR Chair. Cindy is also on the National Association of REALTORS®’ Board of Directors, and is a Regional Vice President with the Texas Association of REALTORS®.
A native Houstonian and a Vice President of Sales Performance and Recruiting for Heritage Texas Properties, Cindy is a licensed Texas broker with more than 20 years in residential sales management and third-party relocation. For Heritage, in addition to her focus on recruitment and growth, Cindy divides her time between Heritage offices in The Woodlands and Vintage Park, overseeing residential sales activity within those market areas.
Cindy entered the world of real estate sales after years in the energy industry, and quickly discovered that her talents, wit and focus were ideally suited for the challenges of the realty business. But it was later, when presented with the opportunity to be a branch manager of a real estate office, that Cindy truly realized that she had found her calling.
“I want to know my agents when they walk in my door and I want to know their families,” says Cindy. “I particularly love helping to mold the trajectory of their careers and steer them in directions that help them and the clients that they serve.”
Cindy’s benevolent gift for enriching the lives of others extends well beyond her impressive real estate career and industry concerns, however. Her significant contributions to the greater Houston community include her board membership and service as president of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. She volunteers with the Montgomery County Women’s Shelter and as a camp counselor every year for Candlelighters’ Camp for All, and also lends support to the Montgomery County Food Bank and the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer. In addition, Cindy wages a personal crusade every Christmas on the streets of downtown Houston by distributing blankets, food and Christmas cheer to the homeless.
Besides all the REALTORS® she has mentored, Cindy is proudest of her three children – Daniel, Dustin and Dayna – and having put them through college while maintaining her career. “Making sure that each of my kids has a solid foundation and the tools for success has probably been my greatest but most rewarding challenge. I’m proud to say I have three teachers in the family – two with finance degrees and three with their Masters.”
When she isn’t working, Cindy and her life partner, Lisa Greer, get away to their farm in Waller County. “The farm is a real stress-buster for us. We are learning to be farmers and having the time of our lives.”
Alison Weaver was named founding executive director of Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts in July 2015. Prior to her appointment, Weaver was the director of affiliates for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. At the Guggenheim, Weaver led its programs and operations in Berlin, Bilbao, Venice, and Las Vegas, while managing its departments of Exhibition Management, Registration, Art Services and Library/Archives in New York. Together with her curatorial colleagues, she implemented a wide range of exhibitions from historical loan shows to commissions by leading contemporary artists. Weaver has a Master of Arts degree from Williams College and an MPhil in art history from the City University of New York. She also holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a B.A. cum laude from Princeton University.
Edward J. Egan, Ph.D., is a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute and director of the Baker Institute’s McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He was previously an assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Imperial College Business School, in London, England, and the innovation policy fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Egan is an applied micro-economist, specializing in entrepreneurial finance, intellectual property policy and start-up strategy. His research has received recognition from prestigious bodies, including the government of Canada and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Egan has also received recognition for his teaching. He was the recipient of the Earl F. Cheit award for teaching MBA micro-economics and was nominated for a teaching excellence award for his class on government and business. His business plan competition was the highest rated class in the Business for Professional Engineers and Scientists (BPES) program at Imperial College London.
Egan is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded his first high-tech start-up at the age of 19. He worked as a venture capitalist in Vancouver, Canada, and has served as a judge for academic and industry-sponsored business plan competitions for over a decade. He is also active as an R&D and intellectual property consultant, specializing in patent and anti-trust litigation, as well as portfolio management and innovation strategy. Egan has provided advice and services to the U.S., Canadian and U.K. governments, and has worked as a consultant to a wide array of firms, ranging from pre-incorporation start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Egan earned a BSc. with honors in physics from University College London and an MSc. in business administration from the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia. He received his Ph.D. from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Edward J. Egan-McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Dr. Persse's career in medicine started with ten years experience as a field paramedic and paramedic instructor in upstate New York and New Jersey. After receiving his pre-med training at Columbia University in New York, he then attended Georgetown University School of Medicine. Graduating with honors in emergency medicine from Georgetown, Dr. Persse then completed residency training in emergency medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California. After residency, Dr. Persse completed a resuscitation research fellowship at the Ohio State University. Dr. Persse was then awarded a grant from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and completed fellowship training in emergency medical services and resuscitation at the Baylor College of Medicine and the City of Houston Emergency Medical Services program. Following his EMS fellowship Dr. Persse became the Assistant Medical Director for the Emergency Medical Services system of Houston. He then moved to California to become the Medical Director of the Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute, and the Assistant Medical Director of the Los Angeles County EMS Agency. In 1996 Dr. Persse returned to Houston to assume the role of the Director of Emergency Medical Services for the City of Houston. In May of 2004 he was appointed by City Council as Houston’s Public Health Authority. In his role as Public Health Authority Dr. Persse is responsible for the medical aspects of clinical care quality management, disease control and public health preparedness. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the South East Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. He is the recipient of the Keith Neely Outstanding Contribution to the National Association of EMS Physicians for his leadership during the Hurricane Katrina response, 2007, and the 2009 Michael K. Copass Award from the U.S. Metropolitan Medical Directors. Dr. Persse is a Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School – Houston. He is also a Tactical Physician with the Houston Police S.W.A.T. team.
Dr. Steven W. Lewis, Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy Associate Director
Dr. Hans Stockton, University of St. Thomas Director for International Studies
Dr. Jon R. Taylor, University of St. Thomas Professor and Chair Political Science Department.
Up until the last few years, American business executives and political leaders thought that foreign investment in China and increasing prosperity would lead to political liberalization in China. Presidents G.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama believed trade would liberalize China and so did American opinion. World powers looked the other way while China rapidly developed into one of the most powerful economies and militaries in the world which took advantage of every trade agreement it signed.
But, over the last few years, the one-party Chinese Communist regimes have become even less tolerant of political dissent, instituted more political repression and a more closed political system, staging televised confessions, controlled the internet, Plus, China has engaged in numerous military provocations as it sought to increase its power in the world.
Because China is so important to the world’s economies and poses a military and economic risk to the United States, it become important to understand what is happening in that country, in particular, the possibility of a banking crisis, the shrinking labor force, the extent of China’s debt levels, health of their property and stock markets, problems of capital outflows, whether China can rebalance its economy to become more self-sustaining, and, leadership transfers this fall.
So many questions: Is China still communist? Is it friend or foe to the U.S.? Should we fear China’s rise, resist it or welcome it? Can the developed world stem China’s theft of business secrets? Can free trade prosper against China’s ownership of much of their industries? What lies ahead under President Donald Trump? Will the next administration learn to use America’s diplomatic, military, and economic resources better than the last three Presidents have done?
Steven W. Lewis, Ph.D., is the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow and faculty advisor for the Jesse Jones Leadership Center Summer in D.C. Policy Research Internship Program. He is also a professor in the practice and associate director of the Chao Center for Asian Studies, which he helped found in 2008. His research explores the growth of a transnational Chinese middle class; the influence of advertisements in new public spaces in Chinese cities; the development of privatization experiments in China’s localities; and the reform of China’s energy policies, national oil companies and international energy relations. Through the Transnational China Project, Lewis has organized research conferences with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. He also has worked with the Energy Forum as the organizing researcher for the Northeast Asia Energy Cooperation Workshops, the Coastal Cities Summit surveys and U.S.-China-Middle East energy relations conferences.
Lewis has also been advisor to the Science Collaboration Across Borders initiative and served as the chief liaison between the Baker Institute, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies and the China Institute for Contemporary International Relations. He is co-director of the Rice Ephemera Archive project of Fondren Library’s Center for Digital Scholarship, supported by the Henry Luce Foundation. He has conducted research and given briefings for The National Bureau of Asian Research; Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Sichuan Petroleum Administration; and the Korean Economic Institute, among others. Lewis is an associate fellow of Asia Society International, an editorial board member of Asia Policy and an academic advisor to the U.S.-China Working Group of the U.S. House of Representatives. He received his doctorate in political science from Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Hans Stockton
Hans Stockton is Associate Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and Director of the Center for International Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Texas A&M University. His areas of academic specialization are democratization, elections, and security in contemporary Asia Pacific. He has published articles in journals of political science, economics, public administration, and Asian Studies; authored multiple chapters in edited volumes on military affairs in the Asia Pacific and Taiwan’s political development; and authored two books on development and democratization in East Asia. Dr. Stockton is a Center Associate of the Election Studies Center at National Chengchi University in Taipei. He has served as president of the American Association of Chinese Studies (2015, 2016) and as coordinator of the Conference Group on Taiwan Studies (2012 – 2014). He has also served multiple terms as president of the Southwest Conference on Asian Studies. Professor Stockton has also been the Principle Investigator for multiple, successful grant awards from the US Department of Education, Japan Foundation, and Ministry of Education (Taipei). He has been interviewed by and/or published editorials on matters related to US-China-Taiwan relations and Chinese and Taiwan political affairs in the Washington Observer Weekly, Taipei Times, Taiwan Journal, Southern Daily News, World Journal, Voice of America, e-International Relations, and Houston Chronicle. He has provided political commentary for ABC News Houston, Fox News Houston, the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Radio Taiwan International, NTD TV, Southern Daily, World Journal, and Channel 55.5 international news.
Dr. Jon Taylor
Dr. Jon Taylor is a Professor of Political Science, Chair of the Department of Political Science, and Director of the Master of Public Policy and Administration Program at the University of St. Thomas. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma and has been at the University of St. Thomas since 1998. His areas of academic specialty are in Chinese and U.S. public administration, Chinese and U.S. urbanization, and public administration ethics.
His current research focuses on urban development in Western China, the Communist Party’s online accountability system, measuring public corruption in China, and the role that indigenous Chinese political science plays within the global discipline of political science. His most recent scholarly journal articles include Between Sinification and Internationalization: Chinese Political Science in the Post-Reform Era and The China Dream is an Urban Dream: Assessing the CPC’s National New-Type Urbanization Plan. He regularly contributes opinion and analysis pieces to both Chinese and U.S. media. He is a member of the Association of Chinese Political Studies, the American Political Science Association, the Chinese Public Administration Society, and the American Society for Public Administration.
Mr. Birdwell has over 51 years construction experience relating to environmental and general construction projects. Mr. Birdwell is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. In 1977 Mr. Birdwell founded G.R. Birdwell Construction and in 1989 he founded Remedial Construction Services, Inc. Through hard work, outstanding service and commitment to excellence both companies have grown into multi-million dollar businesses with the majority of work being repeat customers. In 2008, Remedial Construction Services was sold to an investment group. He founded Camp Hope Development in 2012.
Camp Hope provides interim housing for our Wounded Warriors, veterans and their families suffering from combat related PTSD in a caring and positive environment.
The facility opened in 2012 and is located in a quiet and safe setting in Houston, Texas whereby veterans and their immediate family members can find healing, help and hope while benefiting from an intensive peer support and mentoring program for Post Traumatic Stress. In addition to temporary housing, Camp Hope offers a 90+ day PTSD recovery program in which residents: attend group lessons and support sessions with other combat veterans; conduct individual mentoring sessions with certified combat trauma mentors; participate in off-site small group interaction activities (fishing, hiking, local activities and events); and get involved with local churches, businesses and volunteer organizations to assist in their personal healing and educating the community on the invisible wounds of war.
The Camp Hope staff is a unique team of combat veterans and civilian pastoral staff trained in working with victims of trauma and post-traumatic stress. They understand that those who have served this nation continue to struggle with the invisible wounds of combat and are working to assist our troops in putting the pieces of their lives back together. The Camp Hope staff uses the necessary traditional counseling tools and incorporates a faith based approach to help combat the effects of Post Traumatic Stress. In addition, the staff assists veterans with a myriad of issues including job placement, coordination with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and reputable veteran service organizations to assist with claims and benefits, transportation to appointments and peer support groups integration. The Camp Hope community embraces our troops, veterans and their families as they seek the rewarding and fulfilling lives they so richly deserve.
The Thread Alliance (TTA) was founded with the hope that all children will know a childhood free of abuse. It began as an extension of Sheila Aron’s book; I’m Glad I’m Me, Weaving the Thread of Love From Generation to Generation. As Sheila provided her book to organizations working in the field of child abuse, she discovered there was no central entity providing easily accessible information to those seeking child abuse prevention, intervention, or treatment resources. Furthermore, although Sheila found many people were concerned about child abuse, most were unaware how they could personally contribute to ending the cycle.
To fill the gap, Sheila created The Thread Alliance with a dual purpose in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive information regarding Houston-area child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment resources; and 2) to reach out and encourage individual and community participation in ending child abuse.
TTA is dedicated to achieving the following five goals:
Educate and inform the public about strategies and resources to nurture children.
Engage the community to become involved in preventing child abuse.
Educate and inform the public regarding resources available to prevent impending child abuse or help if abuse has already happened.
Engage the community to become actively involved in the rewarding experience of empowering child abuse survivors to heal and thrive.
Encourage child abuse-related organizations/agencies, regardless of where they lie on the spectrum of prevention to treatment, to form a professional alliance.
All children deserve a childhood free of abuse. The Thread Alliance is dedicated to this mission.
Paul Williams, ACE, CAS, IAM, IEM is the Chief Technology Officer of Pennsylvania-based White Badger Group. Paul is a nationally recognized authority on the white hat defender side of network security.
Paul has forty-one years of breakthrough innovation in cryptography, cyber security, artificial intelligence, high speed databases, professional software development, software quality test engineering, electronics, communications, mechanical engineering, weapons development and defense related technologies. Paul is certified in the U.S. National Security Agency’s InfoSEC Assessment Methodology and InfoSEC Evaluation Methodology and is a Licensed Private Investigator in the state of Texas.
Previously Paul was the Chief Technology Officer of Houston-based counter-terrorism and security consulting company International Shield, Inc., as well as the former Chief Technology Officer of Gray Hat Research Corporation of Houston and Chief Technology Officer of defense contractor Galaxy CSI of Washington, D.C. serving the United States intelligence community. Over the years, Paul has earned an unparalleled reputation across the country for an extensive array of effective cyber security defense solutions and for leading and rapidly solving complex cyber-crime investigations through a variety of innovative and proprietary techniques. As a result, Paul has consulted for and provided tactical and strategic security guidance to numerous Fortune 500 businesses and local, state, and federal government agencies.
Paul has extensive experience in the energy sector securing the SCADA/DCS industrial process control equipment of electric utilities and gas transmission facilities. He has performed cyber, physical and social engineering “Red Team” penetration tests for multiple electric power utility process control facilities across the United States on behalf of the Electric Power Research Institute, an electric power industry-funded technology research organization based in Palo Alto, California. Paul is a co-inventor of White Badger’s Logic Chain Stateful Activity Whitelist (ChainSAW® cyber security technology, U.S. Patent No. 9,245,147).
Paul is an active public speaker who regularly draws coverage from radio, television and print media. He conducts scores of high profile cyber-security speaking engagements nationally and internationally every year attracting large audiences. Paul is consistently featured at seminars and conferences conducted by prestigious national organizations including the United States Secret Service, U.S. Department of Justice, InfraGard, ACP, ASIS, IIA, ISACA, ISSA, and universities and colleges across the nation.
Paul’s passion for computer technology began with his first computer in 1983: a 2K RAM memory Z80 Timex-Sinclair 4-chip microcomputer which he programmed using machine code to solve an astrophysics problem involving the velocity of light. As a result of Paul's special skills in the field of computer security, over the years he has collected a wide assortment of hacking tools, worms, Trojan Horses, and computer viruses for advanced research purposes. His personal collection of 24,000 computer viruses and 1,700 Trojan Horses is used by White Badger for advanced malware research.
Understanding Threats to America's Information Security
Dr. Mattox is Distinguished Service Professor in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, and he is Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Ben Taub General Hospital, where he has served since 1973. He helped develop the internationally renowned Ben Taub General Hospital Emergency Center and its equally respected Trauma Center. His reputation as an innovator in trauma care is worldwide. He has made original and significant contributions in trauma resuscitation, trauma systems, thoracic trauma, vascular injury, autotransfusion, complex abdominal trauma and multi-system trauma. His research in preoperative fluid restriction for penetrating trauma shook the foundation of surgical doctrine in this area. Authoring over 600 articles and more than 1000 abstracts, he has also served on six Editorial Boards and has been an Editorial Reviewer for 15 other journals. His textbook, Trauma, is an international best seller, and he is co-editor of the Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, recognized throughout the world. He co-authored the unique, international best seller, Top Knife, a practical guide to trauma care, translated into ten foreign languages. He frequently receives emails from physicians in war zones who refer to this “little book” as their Bible in the OR. He recently concluded his service as Second Vice President of the American College of Surgeons, and has served as an officer in numerous trauma and surgical professional organizations. He is also active in the Rotary Club of Houston and the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, having served as an officer and on the boards of both. Doctor Mattox is equally adept in the emergency center, operating room, intensive care unit, conference room, courtroom and political arena. Clinician, technician, administrator, educator, researcher, medical statesman and iconoclast equally describe this versatile and controversial surgeon.
Rotary Trauma Surgeon's Analysis of Princess Diana
Tickets are available. Visit Eventbrite and use Lombardi2017 as your password to get your tickets now!
The 47th Annual Rotary Lombardi Award continues the evolvement of the Lombardi legacy and has expanded eligibility of the award to all player positions that are outstanding performers and exhibit great leadership attributes. Join the Rotary Club of Houston, the Rotary Foundation and our great sponsors for a ceremonious night honoring college football's greatest. Enjoy a formal nationally televised ceremony and a chance to mingle with top football notables. The 2016 Lombardi Awards specifically raises funds for the American Cancer Society, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children's Hospital.
Final Four Rotary Lombardi Award Candidates:
Name
Position
University
Jonathan Allen
DE
Alabama
Lamar Jackson
QB
Louisville
Jabrill Peppers
LB/DB
Michigan
Myles Garrett
DE
Texas A & M
The Rotary Club of Houston Foundation Tax ID No. is 74-6084805. The Rotary Lombardi Award Committee sincerely thanks you for joining our celebration of the best player & leader in Division IA college football.
P.O. Box 22027 | Houston, TX 77227-2027
The annual All-Club Meeting is Tuesday, February 14th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (across from NRG Stadium). This is a great opportunity to gather with Rotarians from throughout the Greater Houston area to exchange ideas and learn more about what is being done to serve humanity here and abroad. John Germ, President of Rotary International, will be in attendance and is the keynote speaker.
The reception begins at 6 p.m. and the dinner/program will start at 7 p.m. Please let me know as soon as possible if you'd like to attend and how many seats you need. We currently have one table that is full and have reserved a second table of 10 that is filling up as well. The cost is $150 per person. You are welcome to call (713 787-2171 ) or email me (Thomas.Vann@RaymondJames.com ) or Deanna (administrator@rotaryhouston.org ) to reserve seats.
For individual tickets - but you wouldn’t be seated at one of our tables – use this link: Click Here
President Trump’s Immigration Policies: What Do They Mean for America?
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Could there be a more timely topic!! Our RCH member Charles Foster is the always the go-to person to cut through the complicated issues and tell us exactly what we need to know.
Charles C. Foster is Chairman of Foster LLP (formerly Tindall & Foster, P.C.), one of the largest global immigration law firms. He is also the honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Thailand. A native of Galveston, Mr. Foster received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Texas and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. Mr. Foster serves as the founding Chairman of the State Bar of Texas Immigration and Nationality Law Section and a Board member and is past national President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chairman of the American Bar Association Coordinating Committee on Immigration law and Vice Chairman of the Houston Bar Foundation. During the 2000 Presidential Campaign, Mr. Foster served as the principal advisor to President Bush on U. S. immigration policy and was an advisor on immigration policy issues to President Bush in the 2004 campaign and President Barack Obama in the 2008 campaign. In the 2-16 campaign, he served as immigration policy advisor to Jeb Bush. He is Chairman of Americans for Immigration Reform, a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Greater Houston Partnership and the GHP’s Immigration Task Force. He is immediate past Chairman of the Asia Society-Texas Center and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston. He is a past Chairman of the Houston International Festival and past President of the Houston Forum and the Houston Club. He is a Board member and serves on the Executive Committee of the Greater Houston Partnership and is a past Chairman of its Economic Development and World Trade Divisions. He serves on the Boards of the Houston Ballet, the Hobby Center for Public Policy, KIND, Barbara Bush’s Celebration of Reading and Invest in the USA (IIUSA), is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York and past Board member and officer of the Houston World Affairs Council, the Houston Holocaust Museum, the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, the Institute of International Education, Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, Neighborhood Centers and the University of Texas Medical Branch. He developed and co-chaired both the George Bush and James A Baker Monuments in Sesquicentennial Park, Houston and the Robert A. Mosbacher Memorial Bridge naming and monument. He is a recipient of 4 Royal decorations from His Majesty the King of Thailand; he received the 2013 Houston Bar Association Leon Jaworski Award for community service; the 2000 Distinguished Friend of China Award; the 1996 International Service Award of the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce; was the 1998 Honoree of the American Immigration Law Foundation for Excellence in the Practice of Immigration Law; and the recipient of the 2007 American Jewish Committee Institute of Human Relations Award. He was featured in the film Mao’s Last Dancer. He was designated a ”Texas Super Lawyer” 2003-2012 by Texas Monthly magazine; the “Top Notch Lawyer in Immigration” in the Texas Lawyer“ Go To Lawyers Guide” each year published, as well as Who’s Who In American Law and the #1 Ranked Immigration Lawyer in Texas by Chambers USA 2006-2016. Mr. Foster is married to Lily Foster and they have two children.
President Trump’s Immigration Policies: What Do They Mean for America?
Some past attendees of the Rotary Lombardi Award (February 11, 2017 this year) will remember meeting Samantha and hearing her story. Several of our members recently hears "the rest of the story" which is filled with amazing inspiration from this dynamic Houstonian.
Samantha Loos-Polk is a Registered Nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital Hematology and Oncology Unit. Samantha earned a Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing from the University of St. Thomas Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing. Samantha became inspired to pursue a career in Nursing after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13. Samantha not only had cancer, but a rare fungal infection that caused harmful effects to her well-being. She was hospitalized for a total of nine months at Texas Children’s Hospital. Samantha has defeated her disease and is now a five year cancer survivor.
Throughout her college education, she hoped to become a pediatric oncology nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital, where she won her battle. Samantha believes that her education is her top priority, which has helped her succeed, and due to her hard efforts, she has not only become a member of the UST Honor Society of Nursing Sigma Theta Tau, but also the Co-Secretary. Samantha tries to be involved within the community. During her college education she was a Community Assistant for the Residence Halls, an Orientation Leader, and was the Nursing Student Association President. Samantha is also a second degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and has competed nationally representing Texas.
Jodie Jiles Director of Business Development - Transwestern
Jodie had a remarkable 26-year career of making a decisive positive impact in investment banking. Licensed in municipal and general securities, Jodie provided solid direction and expert guidance to public finance clients and municipal issuers within the State of Texas. Prior to joining Transwestern, Jodie served as Managing Director of RBC Capital Markets where he orchestrated municipal finance activities and implemented strategic marketing plans with targeted large account clients throughout Texas.
During his 26 year career Jodie had the pleasure of serving on the Municipal Advisory Council of Texas Board from 1998 to 2002. (Elected Chair, 2000 to 2001).
Jodie was recognized in 2011 with a Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Texas at Austin. He finds great satisfaction in giving back to the community through involvement in public service, community partnerships, and is a committed member of the following boards, to name a few:
• Texas Business Leadership Council- Executive Committee, 2013 Chairman
• Greater Houston Partnership – 2014 Elected Lifetime Director, 2005 Chairman
• Baylor College of Medicine, Trustee, Executive Committee
• Texas Children’s Hospital, Trustee, Executive Committee
• Texas Heart Institute - Foundation Board
• NAACP – Blue Ribbon Host Committee – National Convention, 2012
• Texas Southern University – Foundation Board Member
• The University of Texas at Austin – Development Board
• UT Health- Development Board
• KIPP Academy, Board Member
• The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-Houston Branch, Former Director, Board Member
Jodie holds a Master of Professional Accountancy from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Southern University.
Sonny Messiah-Jiles
CEO & Publisher – Defender Media Group
Sonny Messiah-Jiles is the CEO and Publisher of the Defender Media Group (formerly the Houston Defender Newspaper), Houston’s leading Black Information Source. The media group includes the Defender newspaper , the website www.defendernetwork.com and several social media sites. She has been at the helm of the company since 1981 when she purchased the newspaper at age 27.
Messiah-Jiles served as the chairperson of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (The Black Press of America), a federation of African-American newspapers across the country. She also served as the National Alumni Chair for the Houston Alumni Organization (University of Houston). Currently, Messiah-Jiles serves as Vice President and Director of Grand Slam, a marketing/investment consulting firm. Her professional activities include being the first African-American female board member of the Greater Houston Partnership, and she currently serves on the M.D. Anderson Board of Visitors. She has served on the Advisory Board of J.P. Morgan Chase-Houston, United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, Center for Houston’s Future, NAACP-Houston, JobPlus, Hester House, March of Dimes Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, American Diabetes Association, and American Leadership Forum.
Messiah-Jiles recently received the Houston Association of Black Journalists Trailblazer Award. In addition she has been honored with many other awards including the Phenomenal Woman Award, NNPA Publisher of the Year, American Civil Liberties Freedom of Speech Award, YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year, Jaycees “Outstanding Texan”, “Women on the Move”, UH Distinguished Alumni Service Award and the National Dental Association Civil Rights Award. She has been named by EBONY Magazine as one of the100 most influential Black Americans. She and her husband were awarded the “Community Service Award” by the University of Houston Downtown. In December 2008, Messiah-Jiles was inducted into the Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce inaugural Hall of Fame along with former first lady Barbara Bush and eight other women.
Messiah-Jiles received an undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and did postgraduate work at Texas Southern University and Rice University.
Prior to purchasing the Defender, Sonny worked as a radio news reporter, a television talk show host, and an advertising account executive at the Houston Chronicle.
Messiah-Jiles is married to Jodie Lee Jiles an investment banker. They have two sons, Jodie and Clyde. She is a native of McNair/Baytown, Texas.
Art Acevedo was sworn-in as Chief of the Houston Police Department (HPD) on November 30, 2016.
Chief Acevedo leads a department of 5,200 sworn law enforcement officers and 1,200 civilian support personnel with an annual general fund budget of $825 million in the fourth largest city in the United States.
Chief Acevedo believes good communication is vital for a successful community and steadily works to strengthen the bond between the community and its police department. A proponent of community policing, Chief Acevedo refers to the proven practice as “Relational Policing,” an opportunity to forge a relationship with each citizen an officer comes in contact with.
The first Hispanic to lead the HPD, Acevedo brings a unique understanding to the concerns of the diverse communities in the City of Houston. Born in Cuba, he was 4 years old when he migrated to the United States with his family in 1968. Acevedo grew up in California and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne in California. Acevedo began his law enforcement career in 1986 as field patrol officer in East Los Angeles with the California Highway Patrol. He rose through the ranks and was named Chief of the California Highway Patrol in 2005. Acevedo most recently served nine years as Chief of the Austin Police Department.
Chief Acevedo holds various leadership positions with the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He is married to Tanya Born Acevedo and is the father of Melissa, Matthew and Jake.
Several months ago, Dr. Ken Mattox asked the program committee to be sure Texas State Representative Sarah Davis was scheduled to discuss a critical issue that is not getting covered in the media. Rotary is very proud of its work in the area of polio eradication, but what are we doing to prevent other diseases that can easily be prevented? Join us to learn about this issue and hear what is on the agenda for the coming session in Austin.
Sarah Davis is a successful attorney, three-term state representative and a fiscal conservative dedicated to limiting the size and scope of government in our lives.
Sarah was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2010, and served on the Public Health and Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committees. Her subsequent re-election in 2012 saw an increase in responsibility in committee assignments. She served on the Public Health, Calendars, and Appropriations committees. Currently she is Co-Chair of the Select Committee to Determine a Sufficient Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund, Chair of the Appropriations Sub-Committee on Budget Transparency and Reform, and serves on Appropriations, Public Health, Mental Health, Calendars, and General Investigating and Ethics Committees. She served as the Conference Committee Chair of Article II Health and Human Services for the 2016-2017 budget cycle.
Sarah is an accomplished and successful attorney devoting her career to defending against personal injury lawsuits. She is a partner with the national law firm of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, LLP. Sarah's clients include individuals, local businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.
Sarah graduated from John Foster Dulles High School in Sugar Land in 1994. In college, she was a member of the Baylor University debate team. After receiving a Bachelor´s Degree in Economics from Baylor in 1998, she went on to earn her Law Degree from the University of Houston in 2001.
Sarah is a 40 year old breast cancer survivor, and lives with her husband, Kent Adams, and their two Yorkies, Mr. Henry and Barret, in the City of West University Place.
The City of Houston has a serious pension problem involving the three employee pension systems, Police, Municipal Employees, and Firefighters. Depending on which figures you believe, the extent of the debt owed as a result of the City of Houston's unfunded pension obligations ranges from $5 BILLION to a maximum $13.7 BILLION. We simply have no money to continue to fund the generous retiree benefits approved by former Mayor Lee Brown's Administration in 2001, which accepted, without question, very flawed assumptions from actuarial firm, Towers Perrin. Ironically, that firm represented the Firefighters' Pension Fund but the City was unconcerned about the conflict.
To make matters worse, the State Legislature controls Houston's destiny by implementing a law that applies only to Houston, namely, that no changes can be made unless all sides agree to discuss. Worse, the annual contribution the city must pay is dictated by the Firefighters which was given effective control by the State Legislature in the same state Law.
How generous are the benefits under the current agreement?
A long-serving firefighter who retires this year will get a lump sum on retirement day approaching $ 1 million. A police officer will get a lump sum ranging from $1 million to $1.5 million. Plus, they get lifetime annual incomes with guaranteed future annual raises based on higher pay grades than at retirement. Contrast that generous retirement with the hard facts that many American companies are suspending pension plans, leaving loyal ex-employees with nothing. Yet, our civil servants will retire as millionaires while Houston scrambles to find the money to continue operations. Is a major tax increase coming in Mayor Turner's administration?
Our speakers, who will discuss the pending deal negotiated by Mayor Sylvester Turner last month and passed, upon submission and without discussion, by City Council, are three acknowledged experts in the field:
(1) Houston City Controller, Chris Brown, (2) Businessman, politician, attorney Bill King, and, (3) Craig Mason, acknowledged pension expert and retired actuary with 40 years’ experience who served several Mayors as the City representative on those pension boards.
PLEASE INVITE ALL YOUR FRIENDS WHO CARE ABOUT THE FISCAL FUTURE OF HOUSTON. RESERVATIONS REQUESTED AS WE EXPECT A FULL HOUSE. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 11:45 A.M. AND END AT 1:15 P.M.
SPEAKERS
Chris Brown
Chris B. Brown is a proud Houstonian who was sworn into office as City Controller in January 2016. Chris is a proven professional with the private and public sector experience to be a responsible financial steward, and the commitment to serve his community.
Chris began his career two decades ago, as a trader for Coastal Securities, an investment bank, where he focused on analysis of high tech stocks. After several years, Chris co-founded an equity trading firm. Chris, as head of operations for the equity trading firm, gained first-hand experience with risk management, compliance, reporting, building operations and negotiating complex agreements.
Prior to being elected Controller in December 2015, Chris served as Chief Deputy City Controller, where he managed the day-to-day operations and oversaw the Executive Division of the Controller’s Office. Prior to being appointed Chief Deputy City Controller in 2009, Chris served as City Council Chief of Staff, overseeing community development initiatives and serving as a liaison to the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee.
In addition to his professional experience, Chris is an active participant in his community. He currently serves on the board of the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace & Prosperity (WALIPP), Asia Society of Texas Advisory Board, Texan-French Alliance for the Arts, and Prevent Blindness of Texas. He is a past board member of the TCU National Alumni and SEARCH Homeless Services.
Chris is a fourth generation Houstonian, and has deep roots in the Houston community. Chris attended Briargrove Elementary and Lee High School, where he was a swim team varsity letterman. His family was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church. Chris attended Texas Christian University and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and later a Master in Business Administration from the University of Houston. Chris, his wife, Divya, an attorney, and their daughter, Milana, reside in southwest Houston.
Bill King
A lifelong resident of the Houston area, Bill King grew up the son of a union pipefitter and worked his way through the University of Houston, earning both his bachelor's degree and law degree there. In so doing, he became the first in his family to graduate from college.
For the last 40 years, Bill has practiced law and run businesses in Houston. After "falling on my face" as he describes his experience during the economic downturn of the 1980s, he picked himself up, rebuilt his business career, and has gone on to serve his community in a variety of ways. In 2012, Bill co-chaired the HISD bond campaign to rebuild its dilapidated high schools throughout the city. The measure won nearly 70 percent voter approval. Prior to that, his efforts to revamp the region's hurricane preparedness plans earned him several gubernatorial appointments and other recognition.
More recently, as a columnist for the Houston Chronicle, and previously as a candidate for Mayor, Bill has earned a reputation as an outspoken advocate for balancing the city budget, investment in infrastructure, and common sense solutions to Houston's most challenging problems.
Craig Mason
Mr. Mason was a management consultant for over 30 years with Mercer, the international human resource consulting firm. As a consultant, he provided advice to employers on the design, implementation, funding and administration of employee benefit plans, with a concentration on pension benefits.
After retirement from Mercer, he became an independent consultant. From October 2005 through August 2015 he provided consulting services exclusively to the City of Houston relative to the three pension plans sponsored by the City. As part of his consulting services to the City of Houston, he served as a trustee on the administrative boards of all three of the City of Houston sponsored pension plans.
Mr. Mason graduated with a BA degree in mathematics from Texas Christian University. He was an Enrolled Actuary and Member of the American Academy of Actuaries during his consulting career with Mercer.
Daniel Weiss, CEO and founding partner of McCann Investigations, LLC, started his 25-year career in the security industry early, working at a maximum-security prison as a graduate student at Northeastern University. Weiss held managerial positions at Wells Fargo and Chubb before becoming the founder of multiple security companies. As a security expert he has been interviewed by leading news organizations. His knowledge covers private investigation, computer forensics, loss prevention, electronic security system design, and surveillance, and his background supports the unique balance between business and former law enforcement―a unique hallmark of McCann Investigations. www.mccanninvestigations.com
Mr Weiss is also the author of the 2015 book, Handling Bad: Inside A Cyber Era Private Investigation Firm
Dr. Curran joined The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2012 as assistant professor of Immunology. In 2014, he was named scientific director of the Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation (ORBIT) platform, which coordinates development and production of clinical immunotherapeutic antibodies based on novel targets and preclinical reagents originating at MD Anderson.
Dr. Curran completed B.A. degrees in biology and foreign affairs and a minor in computer science at the University of Virginia in 1995, while receiving accolades for the best undergraduate laboratory research project. He went on to receive a Ph.D. in immunology from Stanford University in 2001, where he was awarded the McDevitt prize for the best graduate thesis in his year. Dr. Curran was the first recipient of the prestigious American Cancer Society Levy Fellowship to fund his postdoctoral studies in the lab of James P. Allison, Ph.D.
While pursuing his postdoctoral studies at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Curran published several influential papers describing how T-cell co-stimulatory pathways could be modulated in tandem to mediate immunologic rejection of melanomas in mice. He detailed how combination blockade of the T-cell co-inhibitory receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1 promoted the rejection of a majority of murine melanomas. This work supported the launch of a series of clinical trials in which more than 50 percent of metastatic melanoma patients experienced clinical responses and more than 90 percent survived beyond two years — an unprecedented result that prompted the Food and Drug Administration to make this the first approved immunotherapy antibody combination. In addition, his subsequent immunologic studies of 4-1BB agonist antibodies earned him the Society for the Immunotherapy of Cancer’s prestigious Presidential Award.
In addition to his work on ORBIT, Dr. Curran has established an independent lab at MD Anderson, where his group studies the origins of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and how it can be disrupted to facilitate immune-mediated tumor rejection.
Please RSVP and join us at 11:00 a.m. for the Annual Rotary Club of Houston/West Point Society/Naval Academy Alumni “Salute to Veterans” luncheon as well as an opportunity to sponsor an active duty soldier, sailor, airmen, coast guardsmen, or marine on starting sharply at 11:30 a.m.
This event features a timely talk from GEN Mark Welsh, the former Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force who is now the Dean of the Bush School at Texas A & M.
In addition to our distinguished speaker we are proud to announce that other special guests will include over 100 active duty members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, and Air Force and some of their outstanding commanders.
This year’s earlier start time allows for the presentation of colors by the Color Guard and live military music and songs provided by the award-winning High School for the Performing and Visual Arts ensemble.
Location: This program will be held at the Junior League of Houston located at 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, next to the St. Regis Hotel that is located three lights East of the intersection of San Felipe and Hwy 610.View Map to 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX 77027.
The pre-registration price of this luncheon for members of the sponsoring clubs is $32.00 (based on an increase of cost at this venue) Since we have to register in advance with the Junior League, anyone who does not pre-register will need to pay $35.00 at the door and will be admitted space permitting.
Sponsorship opportunity:
At this luncheon, in support for our troops, we would like to provide everyone an opportunity to sponsor active duty members of the armed forces. Besides paying for your lunch, the cost for each sponsorship is $32.00.
Table Sponsorships of 10 for $500 will include recognition on the program, from the podium and at your premium-located table.
Sponsorships, as well as luncheon payments, may be made by clicking on the following link Click Here (Members of the RCH should follow reservation directions send via email.) (If you are not a member of the Rotary Club of Houston, please skip the member login and underneath the line add your name and email. Then proceed to select option.)
Once on the sign-in page simply put in your first and last name and email address, select Options, then select a Registration Packages: Rotarians, Visitors, West Point Society Member, or Naval Academy Alumni, Unable to attend but would like to sponsor, Table Purchases. Next, select "Optional Add-Ons" and select the number of options desired.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jon King, Rotary Club of Houston; Chair: Veteran's Day Event
David Hale, Rotary Club of Houston; Chair: Veteran's Committee
Veterans Day Salute from The Rotary Club of Houston
Vivian Shudde, whose degree is in special education and psychology from the University of Texas, feels she was fortunate to grow up in a family with her sister, Vicki, who suffered severe brain damage due to complications which accompanied mumps. Vivian feels her greatest education came from her mother, Yvonne Streit, who is the founder and Executive Director Emeritus of The Brookwood Community and also the founder of The Briarwood School.
The blessings now continue because her own son, Wilson, is functionally disabled and is a resident at The Brookwood Community.
Vivian, who is a member at Grace Presbyterian Church, has worked at The Briarwood School for 25 years and is currently working at The Brookwood Community as Chief Executive Officer.
Although Briarwood has experienced wonderful success for children with learning disabilities, it does not provide an answer for adults who would need full or part time care for a lifetime....therefore The Brookwood Community was born....an environment built to accommodate and enhance the lives of the functionally disabled adult.....an environment where opportunity through education abounds.
Children with severe disabilities become adults who have no place to go after “high school”; therefore, there was a real need for Brookwood. In the early 1980's the vision of Brookwood, a self-contained community environment where these people can learn, work, and live productively emerged and with strong determination has become a reality and home and work to 200+ “Brookwoodians” and whose outreach program actively shares the innovative concepts and techniques with other professional caregivers across the nation and around the world, touching thousands more.
Dr. Douglas Jackson serves as the President/CEO of Project C.U.R.E. Each week, Project C.U.R.E. delivers approximately three semi-truck loads of donated medical supplies and equipment to desperately needy people around the world. Since 1987, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics in over 130 countries. Project C.U.R.E. is consistently recognized with the highest Four Star ranking from Charity Navigator, and was named by Forbes as one of the top 200 charities in America.
In addition, Project C.U.R.E. sends teams of medical professionals to assist partner hospitals and clinics through the successful C.U.R.E. Clinic program, and provides hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical supplies to traveling doctors and nurses in the form of C.U.R.E. Kits. Recently, Project C.U.R.E. pioneered the design of Kits for Kids, a backpack filled with the items that mom’s in developing countries need to care for their children. More than 15,000 people volunteer with Project C.U.R.E. every year, making the organization one of the most efficient and effective grass-roots organizations in the country.
In addition to his work at Project C.U.R.E., Dr. Jackson has taught at the university level in the disciplines of finance, investments, leadership development, legal and international issues. Most recently at the Korbel School for International Studies, Douglas designed and implemented a graduate course entitled “From Disaster to Development: The Appropriate Response to International Crises.” He is a frequent speaker and lecturer to colleges and universities, as well as civic, corporate and community organizations.
Dr. Jackson is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and was the President of the Denver Rotary Club #31. He serves on the Board of Directors for InterAction, WorldDenver, The Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law at the University of Denver, and the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professionals at Regis University. He is a member of the National Who’s Who, Registry #57689, and a graduate of leadership program LEAD San Diego. Past service includes the Institute for International Education which administers Fulbright Scholarships, Leader’s Challenge, and a Ruling Elder of Cherry Hills Community Church (EPC). Dr. Jackson received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare from the American Red Cross, the CivisPrinceps recognition from Regis University, the 5280 Magazine Philanthropist of the Year, and accepted the CoBiz “Best Places to Work” and Colorado Ethics in Business Award on behalf of the team at Project C.U.R.E.
Douglas graduated magna cum laude from Northwest Nazarene University in 1982, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. In 1985, he earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado at Boulder, receiving the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in the study of law. In 1992, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and econometrics from the University of Colorado at Boulder, authoring a dissertation on leveraged buyouts and secondary public offerings. Douglas is a member of the Alpha Delta Sigma and the Beta Gamma Sigma national honor societies.
Following his admission to the bar, Douglas administered the legal affairs for the international agricultural firm of CTB, Inc., a Birkshire Hathaway company. Upon the completion of his Ph.D., Douglas opened the Fermanian Business Center at Point Loma University in San Diego, California. As Executive Director, Douglas developed and implemented numerous programs and seminars to advance business opportunities for college students and business professionals in the San Diego community and abroad. In 1995, Dr. Jackson assumed the role of Provost at Colorado Christian University. In this capacity, he oversaw the academic, financial, operational, advancement and student life functions of the university.
Douglas lives in a converted warehouse in LoDo, Denver. He is dad to three beautiful daughters and is the son of Chief Uzoma of Nkume, a Nigerian honor bestowed on his father for Project C.U.R.E.’s work in Africa.
Douglas Jackson, PhD, JD, President & CEO Project C.U.R.E.
Join us to preview highlights from Houston Ballet's current 2016-2017 season, including the world premiere of The Nutcracker. Also hear about Houston Ballet's extensive education and community outreach programs, which last year impacted over 54,000 students from across the city of Houston.
LAUREN ANDERSON, PROGRAM MANAGER, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Native Houstonian Lauren Anderson danced with Houston Ballet from 1983 to 2006, performing leading roles in all the great classical ballets, appearing across the world to critical acclaim, and in the process, becoming one of Houston Ballet’s most beloved stars.
She trained exclusively at the Houston Ballet Academy from the age of seven. She joined Houston Ballet in 1983 as a member of the Corps de Ballet, was promoted to Soloist in 1987, and in 1990 became the first African-American to be promoted to principal dancer at Houston Ballet – and one of the few African-American ballerinas at the head of a major ballet company anywhere in the world.
In January 2007, Ms. Anderson assumed her new role in Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement program where she conducts master classes at area schools, and lectures to students on dance and her historic career as one of America’s most distinguished African-American ballerinas.
In the fall of 2016, a collection of mementos from her career became a part of the permanent exhibition in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
JENNIFER SOMMERS, DIRECTOR, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Jennifer ClagettSommers holds an MFA in Dance, Performance and Choreography from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She has performed with Laura Dean Musicians and Dancers, Street Signs Center for Literature and Performance, and the Albany Berkshire Ballet, where she also served as Ballet Mistress.
Her dance honors include a scholarship to Jacob’s Pillow Choreography Workshop, a Durham Arts Council Emerging Artist Grant, and a Lake Region Arts Council grant in support of new work. From 2000-2005, she served as the Associate Director of Raleigh Dance Theatre (a Southeastern Regional Ballet Association Honor Company) and on the faculty of Meredith College. From 2005-2008, she served on the faculty of the University of Minnesota Morris and taught both dance and interdisciplinary courses.
She relocated to Houston in 2008 and launched a dance program at KIPPSharpstown College Prep. She joined the Houston Ballet Education Outreach department in 2010 where she teaches dance and dance integration classes to students and teachers throughout Houston and greater Harris County. She also teaches for Houston Ballet Academy, and has served on the faculty of and choreographed for the University of Houston.
International trade has become a central theme in this year’s presidential race. Are the two leading candidates leading us into a new type of isolation? Should they be talking so much about manufacturing issues or how to improve the service-sector and American competition? There is little doubt that trade agreements have greatly helped our country, but, it is equally clear that many blue-collar workers and unskilled workers have suffered greatly and are not finding employment. Swirling around the trade issue is the offshoring and outsourcing of American jobs and the very difficult issues of how technology and American Fiscal Policy have affected America’s employment numbers. Finally, if T.P.P. passes, is China likely to lose as supporters claim?
We can argue about how to allocate the blame. But, the problems are real and complicated. And T.P.P comes to a vote, soon.
Our participants are fierce proponents of their respective sides. In one corner, representing the Free Trade advocates is Chris Tomlinson, award winning reporter for the Houston Chronicle who has written extensively on the benefits of free trade. In the other corner, representing groups that oppose NAFTA-model trade agreements and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership, still under debate, is Hany Khalil Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation (AFL-CIO),
Probably of greater economic importance than NAFTA and TPP is the fact that trade with China, which entered the World Trade Organization in 2001, has had the greatest impact on American jobs. American consumers have benefited from very low prices but at the cost of several million jobs. The jury is still out whether the United States is outsourcing too much of its technology to China and the Far East and what the long term effects will be. Short term everything looks great but can a country that exports most of its technology and know-how still be a world leader especially when the other side, China, has numerous restrictions on American companies seeking to do business in China? Are we sowing the seeds for our own future decline?
Please invite your friends, fellow Rotarians from other clubs to this very important program.
Joseph Colangelo
Chair of the day
Speakers:
Chris Tomlinson (left photo) is a columnist for the Houston Chronicle, New York Times bestselling-author and filmmaker. Before joining the newspaper, he spent 20 years as a correspondent for The Associated Press reporting from 30 countries and nine war zones.
Tomlinson writes about energy, business and the economy in a twice weekly column and in a daily blog for the Chronicle. He is the author of Tomlinson Hill which chronicles the history of two Tomlinson families, one black and one white, who trace their history to a Central Texas slave plantation. He is also the producer of Tomlinson Hill: Are We Equal Yet, an award-winning documentary film.
Tomlinson is also a Fellow in Journalism at the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law and has lectured at the Lyndon B. Johnson School for Public Affairs and the University of Texas at Austin Department of Journalism.
Hany Khalil is the Executive Director of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, the regional alliance of 77 AFL-CIO unions representing 45,000 workers in thirteen Gulf Coast counties. He has worked as a researcher and organizer in the labor, racial justice, and peace movements for more than twenty-five years.
He holds an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA with a concentration in Regional and International Development and a B.A. in Religious Studies from Brown University. He wrote much of HISD’s Economics, A.P. Macroeconomics, and A.P. U.S. Government curricula and trained many of HISD’s current AP Macroeconomics and U.S. Government teachers. Before moving back to Houston, his hometown, he taught at New York University.
Hany has served on the boards of several local organizations, including the New Leaders Council-Houston, the Houston Federation of Teachers, and Community Voices for Public Education and is currently a member of Mayor Turner’s Welcoming City Initiative.
ISSUES SURROUNDING FREE TRADE/FAIR TRADE, NAFTA AND THE T.P.P.
Bert Smith will discuss the model of moving inmates from being tax consumers to taxpayers, from gang leaders to servant leaders and from felons to real fathers and even philanthropists.
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP), is on a mission to transform inmates and executives by unlocking human potential through entrepreneurial passion, education and mentoring. Their groundbreaking results include a return-to-prison rate of less than 5%, employment rate of 100% within 90 days and over 100 businesses launched.
Bert Smith - Chief Executive Officer
Bert Smith officially joined PEP as CEO in May 2010 and has been actively involved with PEP since 2005. He has served in a number of volunteer roles, including executive judge, Business Plan Advisor, teacher, mentor, donor and Chairman of the Houston Advisory Board.
In the 1980s, Bert served as Director, General Counsel, and Head of Corporate Development for a family owned engineering company that built and operated independent power plants. After the sale of that company, Bert founded and led a group that developed proprietary alternative fuel and energy generation technologies. Prior to joining PEP as CEO, Bert was an early stage investor and CEO for a DVD kiosk rental business.
Bert serves on the Board of Directors for a family foundation, is a past President of the Executives Association of Houston, is a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and has served as an active board member and volunteer with a number of other nonprofit organizations. He holds an AB in Economics from Princeton University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. He is married and has three adult children.
Dr. Stephanie Coulter is the founding director of the Texas Heart® Institute’s Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health, Associate Director of Non Invasive Cardiology at CHI Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and Director of the Texas Heart® Institute Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Dr. Coulter earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Texas Medical School, Houston. She completed internal medicine residency at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. She completed a fellowship in general cardiology with an advanced fellowship in echocardiography at Massachusetts General Hospital and a research fellowship in clinical epidemiology and also clinical trials at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital with the Thrombosis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Group.
Dr. Coulter is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and registered as a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in cardiovascular disease echocardiography and certification in nuclear medicine.
Indicate your preferred time in the comments section.
Q: Why should I donate blood?*
A: Safe blood saves lives and improves health. Blood transfusion is needed for:
women with complications of pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancies and hemorrhage before, during or after childbirth;
children with severe anemia often resulting from malaria or malnutrition;
people with severe trauma following man-made and natural disasters; and
many complex medical and surgical procedures and cancer patients.
It is also needed for regular transfusions for people with conditions such as sickle cell disease and is used to make products such as clotting factors for people with hemophilia.
There is a constant need for regular blood supply because blood can be stored for only a limited time before use. Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and wherever it is needed.
Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.
*World Health Organization, April 2016
Fun Fact: One pint of whole blood can save up to three lives.
John P. McGovern, M.D. Professor of Oslerian Medicine
Special Advisor to the President
Distinguished Teaching Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Dr. Bryant Boutwell has served the institutions of Houston’s Texas Medical Center for four decades and is the first holder of The John P. McGovern, M.D. Professorship in Oslerian Medicine at The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston where he teaches at the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics while serving as Special Advisor to the president. His teaching interests include medical history, communications, and ethics. In 2013 he was named a Distinguished Teaching Professor by UT System and elected to membership in the UT System Academy of Health Science Education. Most recently he has been elected to the Board of Governors for the American Osler Society. During his career he has written award-winning newspaper columns, radio programs, and television programs including scripts narrated by Walter Cronkite. In 2000 he published a history of the Medical School and the Texas Medical Center while serving as Associate Dean of Community Affairs and Professional Education at the UTHealth McGovern Medical School (1993-2006). Sales from that book support the Boutwell/McGovern Endowed Scholarship Fund for medical students from disadvantaged backgrounds. During 2008-2010 he served as Associate Vice President for Accreditation and International Programs at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and oversaw the successful reaccreditation of the institution’s six professional schools with special commendation from executive leadership. Dr. Boutwell has journalism and biology degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health degree from The University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. Prior to joining the UT’s medical school in Houston in 1993, he worked at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for 15 years where he served communication roles and as a faculty member leading NIH-funded cancer prevention grants while serving as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. During his Texas Medical Center career he also handled media relations for Dr. Denton Cooley’s historic heart transplants (1980-1982) and served as director of public relations for the entire Texas Medical Center (1983-1985). In 2014 he published the biography of John P. McGovern, M.D., his friend and mentor. His latest book is ‘Bout Time: 4-Minute Histories of the Texas Medical Center and UTHealth is compiled from his blog entitled, ‘Bout Time that can be seen online: https://www.uth.edu/blog/bout-time/
Steve Timms assumed the overall duties of President and CEO of the Houston Golf Association (HGA) and Tournament Director for the Shell Houston Open on January 19, 2001. Through his leadership, the Houston Golf Association continues its 70 year legacy of distributing millions of dollars to youth development programs throughout the Greater Houston Area annually.
In his leadership role with the Houston Golf Association, Steve is the President and CEO of The First Tee of Greater Houston, which is the chapter with the largest reach in a worldwide network. He is also the president of the Houston Municipal Golf Association, a 501(c)(3) that supports the City of Houston with the maintenance and restoration of Houston’s public golf courses.
Steve serves on the Board of Trustees for the Kingwood Medical Center. Steve also serves on the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Advisory Council of which he was Chairman from 2008 to 2011. In previous years he has served on the Board of the PGA TOUR Tournaments Association and the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup Task Force.
Steve and wife Susan have two grown daughters and two grandchildren and are long time residents of the Houston area.
Steve Timms, Houston Golf Association CEO and President
Steve Vetrano became the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Houston Area Chapter in 2009. In 2011, he was selected as the Regional Chief Executive Officer for the Texas Gulf Coast Region. In this role he oversees operations, fundraising and community engagement throughout 51 counties and 7 Red Cross offices along the Texas Gulf Coast. Prior to this post, Steve served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross where he was instrumental in the coordination of the response to the Hurricane Season of 2005. He helped orchestrate the chapter’s response and housing of over 24,000 evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Before arriving in Texas, Steve served as the Deputy Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania for over 7 years. He also served as the Deputy Director of Health and Safety Department of the American Red Cross of Greater New York in New York City. In addition to the hurricanes in 2005, Steve has worked on several other large disasters including the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, TWA flight 800 crash in 1997, and hurricane Ike in 2008.
Vetrano holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications from Manhattan College and a Master’s of Business Administration from Penn State University. He resides in Houston with his wife and three children.
Earle Martin was an Episcopal priest for twelve years before leaving the ministry and receiving a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston. Following a brief time at the Family Service Association, he was for many years in private practice in psychotherapy, and is now retired. His first wife, Katherine, whom Charlie called "My Nanny," died in 2001. He lives in Houston with his wife, Kristi, and their dog, Nimrod.
Charlie Stubbs and Earle Martin live on the same street, just two blocks from each other, and are the best of friends. Charlie, who lives with his family and his cat Annie II, is now twenty-four. He has been coming to Earle's home at least twice a week for his entire life.
The Boy Who Saved My Life is the story of his grandson, Charlie, who is autistic. Charlie works in the day program at Brookwood Community. All proceeds from the book, available for sale at the meeting, go to Brookwood.
Mr. DeGuerin specializes in criminal defense and enjoys a widely varied practice in both state and federal trials and appeals. In practice for over fifty years, he was associated with famed defense attorney Percy Foreman during the seventies and has successfully defended a wide variety of clients, including doctors, lawyers, judges, a United States Senator; and persons accused of murder, smuggling, money laundering and white collar crime. Mr. DeGuerin was the first lawyer in the United States to file a motion relating to the "Hyde Amendment." He was referred to as "one of the state's finest lawyers" in Texas Monthly 1994 Bum Steer Awards; Ultimate Defense Attorney in the Houston Chronicle, 2004; Hall of Fame Award, Texas Defense Criminal Lawyers Association, June 2004; University of Texas' Honorary Order of the Coif, 2013; Best Lawyers in America, 1983-2013; Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers, 2014; Best Attorneys in Texas, Best Lawyer 2015; Lifetime Achievement, Texas Lawyer, 2015; consistently been rated as Top Lawyer or Lawyer of the Year since 1980 to the present. In addition to his busy trial practice he teaches Criminal Defense Advocacy as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law.
COL (Ret.) Chris Sallese spent more than 27 years in the U.S. Army before entering the private sector, including more than three years as the Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District. His extensive background and qualifications include leadership and management experience in engineering; emergency management; coastal operations and management; ecosystem restoration and resource sustainability; risk mitigation; strategic planning; interagency operations; and disaster response and recovery. During his military career, he was extensively involved in the planning, programming and execution of federal civil works programs along the Texas Gulf Coast encompassing flood damage reduction, navigation, regulatory activities, water quality, environmental conservation, recreation, emergency response services, and economic vitality.
COL (Ret.) Sallese joined Dannenbaum in 2013 and serves as the firm’s Coastal Programs Manager. He is currently working with numerous clients both public and private on terminal develop and rehabilitation projects and serves as the Project Manager for the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District’s storm surge protection study which encompasses the Texas Coast from Orange to Brazoria County.
Jay Steinfeld is the founder and CEO of Blinds.com, the world’s largest online window coverings store. After starting a small chain of window coverings retail stores in Houston, TX, he launched from his garage, the Internet’s first blinds Web site in 1993. And in 2014, sold his company to The Home Depot.
Jay is an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He writes for Inc. Magazine a monthly column called Chief Effective Officer, which is about becoming a more effective leader.
Blinds.com awards include Houston's Best Place to Work, The American Marketing Association’s Marketer of the Year, last week the earned The Top 5 Best Companies to Work in Texas, National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in Wellness, Top 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in America, the Award of Excellence by the Better Business Bureau and National Call Center of the Year.
Additionally, Jay will be one of our Camp Enterprise speakers and will join us in honoring the Camper of the Year.
Jay Steinfeld // Founder and CEO of Blinds.com- April 14, 2016
Texas’ 51st Attorney General, Ken Paxton, is known for his principled and uncompromising devotion to America’s founding values, and as a man who has demonstrated enormous political courage throughout his service to Texas.
The son of an Air Force veteran, General Paxton is a stalwart leader with an abiding passion and deep-seated respect for our U.S. Constitution.
In his first year in office, General Paxton hit the ground running, filing eight lawsuits against the federal government to protect Texas sovereignty on environmental issues, health care, religious freedom and immigration. The lawsuit he led for a 26-state coalition stopped President Obama’s illegal immigration plan in its tracks, winning in federal courts three times.
He also launched a new unit targeting human traffickers in Texas, fought for the rights of consumers against unscrupulous companies and institutions, and protected the privacy rights of Texans during the RadioShack bankruptcy hearings.
While serving in both chambers of the Texas Legislature, General Paxton worked to protect the 10th Amendment, defending Texas’ state sovereignty. He co-sponsored and defended Texas’ Voter ID bill, and has been a prominent voice in the defense of religious liberty and the protection of the unborn.
A defender of our free enterprise system, General Paxton has worked to make Texas a beacon of economic prosperity, opposing burdensome government regulations that harm Texas jobs and stunt economic growth.
Ken Paxton was born December 23, 1962, in Minot, North Dakota, while his father was stationed at Minot Air Force Base. He graduated from Baylor University, where he served as student body president, earning a B.A. in psychology in 1985 and an M.B.A. in 1986.
In 1991, he earned a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, founded by Thomas Jefferson. After law school, he joined the firm of Strasburger & Price, LLP, and later served as in-house counsel for J.C. Penney Company.
First elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2002, General Paxton represented House District 70 for 10 years, one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. In 2012, he was elected to the Texas State Senate, representing Senate District 8 in Collin and Dallas counties.
He met his wife Angela, a guidance counselor at Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco, while they were students at Baylor. The Paxtons have four children: Tucker, Abby, Mattie, and Katie. They are members of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.
SADDLE UP AND GRAB YOUR COWBOY HAT. IT’S TIME TO RODEO!
The Houston Rodeo Parade is on Saturday, February 27 at 10 am.
The Rotary Club of Houston Rodeo Houston Parade Float has ten (10) spaces on the float for members, family and guests to ride in the Rodeo Parade. Our Rotary float will be part of the “live” TV broadcast on ABC Channel 13 in Houston. The Rotary donation for a place on the float is $600.00 per person. We have four (4) spaces available for experienced riders to be on horseback. The cost for a horseback rider is $800.00. These donations defray the cost of the float and raise funds to support the Rodeo and the Rotary Club of Houston humanitarian activities.
ROTARY NIGHT AT RODEO
Each year, The Rotary Club on Houston sponsors a calf in the calf scramble. Rotary’s night to award the check to a scramble winner is Tuesday, March 8, 2016. We have a total of 26 tickets available for purchase for that day. The cost is $30 each and includes the admission to the Rodeo grounds, the Rodeo performance and Pitbull concert.
After the tickets are sold there will be a random drawing for three pairs premium seating (6 tickets) in Section 115, near the bucking chutes.
Act fast to purchase the tickets and reserve your space on the float!
Our annual GOLF CLASSIC will be Thursday March 31st at the River Ridge Golf Club. We are calling on all members of the Rotary Club of Houston to promote our golf tournament and recruit/sell at least one 4-golfer team!! The annual GOLF CLASSIC is the sole fund raiser for Camp Enterprise. It is imperative that we have a successful tournament!
We need everyone’s support!! Here are ways to support our GOLF CLASSIC:
Sell / Recruit one or more Teams to play!!
Be a Sponsor (see flyer for sponsorship levels from $250 and up)
Volunteer to assist at the Golf Classic
Donate a nice bottle of wine for our Wine Pull
Please see the information on the CLICK HERE link with details about our event. It is going to be a wonderful day full of fun, sport and fellowship! Please promote the GOLF CLASSIC to your business associates, clients and friends!! Even if you are not a golfer, you know golfers and can help put together at least one team.
Please contact me directly if you have any questions or suggestions to make this a wonderful event!
Dr. Alan Lumsden received his medical degree with honors from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1981. He completed his internship in General Surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He then moved to the United States, completing his General Surgery residency, clinical and research fellowships in Vascular Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1991, Dr. Lumsden accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine. In 1998, Dr. Lumsden became Director of the EmoryEndovascular Training Center and the Emory Venous Clinic in Atlanta. He was appointed Head of General Vascular Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine in March 1999, where he served until November 2001. In December 2001 Dr. Lumsden was named Professor and Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine. In, January 2008, Dr. Lumsden was named Professor and Chairman, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center and in January 2009, Dr. Lumsden was named Medical Director of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Dr. Lumsden has developed an international reputation as a leader in the field of endovascular surgery. His work has resulted in numerousscientific articles, abstracts, books, book chapters and presentations.
Dr. Lumsden’s clinical expertise is in stent graft treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease, stenting and endarterectomy in carotid arterial disease, renovascular hypertension, aortoialicocclusive disease, mesenteric vascular and minimally invasive therapy in venous disease. His research interests are in restenosis and developing newer methods of minimally invasive therapy.
Our speaker, Scott E. Rozzell is the former Executive Vice President & General Counsel of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Mr. Rozzell served for 13 years as a member of the CenterPoint Executive Committee and, in addition to the Company’s legal affairs, was responsible at various times for CenterPoint’s regulatory, government affairs, corporate communications, community relations, corporate compliance and internal audit functions. Headquartered in Houston, CenterPoint Energy is the second largest U.S. electric and gas distribution company, serving over 5 million customers in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Oklahoma. The company also owns a majority interest in EnAble Midstream Partners LP, which includes three interstate pipelines and significant natural gas gathering assets.
Prior to joining CenterPoint in 2001, Mr. Rozzell was a Senior Partner and the Chair of the Energy Department of the Houston office of Baker Botts LLP. While in private practice, he was listed in The Best Lawyers in America and the World’s Leading Lawyers and in 1999 was named a Dealmaker of the Year by the American Lawyer. During his tenure at CenterPoint, Mr. Rozzell was named a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly magazine from 2003-2012. He was recognized by the Houston Business Journal as Houston’s Outstanding General Counsel (large company category – 2005) and by the Texas General Counsel Forum as Outstanding General Counsel in the major litigation category (2011). Under his leadership, the CenterPoint Energy Law Department was recognized for its contribution to Pro Bono (2010) and diversity in the legal profession (2012).
Mr. Rozzell is a former President of the Houston Bar Association, past Director of the State Bar of Texas, and past Chair of the Texas Commission for Lawyer Discipline. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, past Chair and Sustaining Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and past Chair and Sustaining Life Fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation. He received a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1975 and a B.A. from Southern Methodist University in 1971.
In addition to his position of Chairman of the Board of the Lone Star Flight Museum he currently serves on the Board of Directors of Powell Industries, Inc. He is a member of the Board of Visitors of MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Federal Relations and Government Relations Advisory Committees of the Greater Houston Partnership.
Mr. Rozzell was born and raised in Wake Village, Texas, a small town near Texarkana. He is an avid pilot and can often be found during the summer months flying World War II aircraft in air shows around the country.
Mr. Rozzell is married to the former Karen Brandstrader, has two grown children, Stacey Murphree and Kimberly McVey, and three grandchildren.
William A. Lawson is the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He is now retired from that position.
Lawson was born in St. Louis, Mo., and reared by Walter and Clarisse Lawson Cade in Kansas City, Kansas, where he graduated from Sumner High School (1946). He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Tennessee A. & I. State University in Nashville (1950). He returned to Kansas City to attend Central Baptist Theological Seminary, which conferred upon Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees.
While in seminary, he was married-61 years-to the love of his life, the late Audrey H. Lawson of St. Louis. The Lawson’s have four children. Melanie Lawson, Cheryl Lawson, Eric Lawson and Roxanne Lawson. Son-in-laws are John Guess and Thomas Carter. Grandchildren are Robyn Troup and Raven Troup, and grandson-in-law is Alex Koby.
Rev. Lawson came to Houston after graduation from seminary to serve as director of the Baptist Student Union and Professor of Bible at the new (eight years old) Texas Southern University. He served in that position for ten years, also becoming director of Upward Bound, a pre-college program for high school students on the TSU campus. During his years at TSU, a number of residents of the neighborhood persuaded the Lawson’s to establish a church near the university. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church was established in their home in June, 1962. The congregation has grown to over 5,000 members, with many outreach programs, and is much respected in the community. Since the church was born and lived its infant years during the Civil Rights Movement, Lawson has been deeply involved in advocacy activities for African Americans, for Hispanics, for women, and for the poor. Rev. Lawson was a central figure in working with Dr. Martin Luther King to turn around the Houston community during those tumultuous years.
In 1996 the Houston community honored him with the creation of a non-profit advocacy agency called WALIPP, the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity. That agency has gone before public officials and bodies on behalf of the underclasses, and now has established a middle school for boys, chartered it as a public school with the Houston Independent School District so it would be accessible to low-income families, and this year has risen to the second highest ranking among public secondary schools. WALIPP has also constructed 50 units of apartments for seniors in Houston’s Third Ward. Finally, the agency is pulling together community development groups, churches, civic clubs, and local governments to redevelop the Third Ward so that aggressive real estate development will not expel all who need affordable housing.
He has received honorary doctorates from Howard Payne College in Brownwood, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University. He is the author of a book of meditations called Lawson’s Leaves of Love.
Houston Martin Luther King Day Speaker Rev William A. Lawson
This will be a fun event for all ages with a special visitor from the North Pole and the entire award winning Parker Elementary School Chorus!
Make sure you pre-register to not miss this fun event with all your Rotary friends.
So, get on Santa’s “nice” list and be there for our once a year celebration of Christmas, the Holidays and the Rotary celebration of friendship!
DON’T FORGET! We are collecting toys to benefit The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Christmas
Assistance Program. Please bring your new and unwrapped gift to the party. Toys are needed to serve children age’s infants to 12 years old.
RCOH Christmas & Holiday Party - Parker Elementary School
By Charles Dickens Adapted and Originally Directed by Michael Wilson
Directed by James Black
Thursday December 17, 2015 Curtain times: 7:30 p.m.
Run time is approx. 1 hour, 47 min., including 1 intermission
Suitable for general audiences.
All children must have a ticket and be able to sit in their own seat for the entire length of the performance without disturbing those around them. Children ages 5 and younger are not permitted at any time. Houston Rotary Club Holiday Evening at the Alley Theatre
Alley Theater would like to offer Houston Rotary Club a special ticket discount to the 7:30 p.m. performance of A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas on Thursday, December 17, 2015. Individuals can save up to 17% on select seats.
Use promotion code: ROTARY or call 713.220.5700, press option 1.
We are also inviting everyone to dinner at Birraporetti’s Italian Restaurant at 5:45 pm. If you are joining us for dinner please confirm your reservations by emailing Dean Gladden at deang@alleytheatre.org. He will set up an area for us. Thanks. Look forward to seeing you on the 17th.
LOCATION CHANGE NOTICE - Meeting will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel - Greenway Plaza (20th Floor)
Rotary Club of Houston
November 12, 2015
Mark P. Jones, Department of Political Science
Rice University
“The Meanings from the Houston Election”
The Houston election was on Tuesday, November 3 and has significant meanings for our city and its environs. Dr. Mark Jones is one of the most astute political observers in the city, and we are honored to have him help us make sense of what happened in the election.
We have a run-off for the election between Turner and King. Plus, the voters defeated the HERO ordinance. In addition, results of the city council races, propositions, and bonds are required to get a full understanding of the election and its meaning. Dr. Jones will provide us with the entire picture.
I urge you not to miss this important presentation a few days after the election. You’ll hear plenty from the run-off contenders and others, but you likely will not hear much about what it all means to our city from an unbiased and astute observer such as Mark Jones. We are fortunate to have him be with us on the 12th. Please mark your calendars and prepare for a lively Q&A.
Mark is well known as an engaging and knowledgeable speaker on Houston politics. You’ll enjoy hearing him.
Bill Lee, Rotary Club of Houston Program Chair for 2015-2016
Mark P. Jones is the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy’s Fellow in Political Science and the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies at Rice University. Dr. Jones also just finished his tenure as Chair of the Department of Political Science at Rice. He received his doctorate from the University of Michigan and his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University.
Jones is a frequent commentator in the local, state, national, and international media on the city of Houston, on the state of Texas, and on U.S. politics and public policy. He is the co-author of Texas Politics Today: 2015-2016 Edition and is a frequent author of opinion pieces in Texas and national media outlets. Jones’ research on the Texas Legislature and Texas elections has been widely cited in the media as well as numerous political campaigns.
Dr. Jones has been highly recommended by some of our Rotary members who have heard him in various venues.
Mark P. Jones-Rice University. “The Meanings from the Houston Election”
Our District Governor provides leadership, motivation and guidance to nearly 60 Rotary Clubs in our District 5890. He is the first line of communication and support representing Rotary International to all our clubs and members. Therefore, he is an officer of RI, fostering achievement in the district at the club level.
Each year, our District governor visits our Rotary Club to draw attention to important Rotary issues and recognize our club strengths and accomplishments. The purpose of his visit is also to motivate Rotarians to participate in service activities and to personally recognize the outstanding contributions of Rotarians in the district.
In 1990 Nick was invited to join the Rotary Club of Brazosport. He served as President in 2001-2002 tying for best large club in the District. He helped form the the After 5 Rotary Club in 2008 and has been honored as Rotarian of the Year in both clubs. Nick is also active at the District Level and has served as Chairman of New Generations, Youth Exchange Officer, Assistant/Lieutenant Governor, and as a member or Chair of multiple committees. He has also served Rotary at the multi-District and International level as a Ranger/Sergeant at Arms. Nick is a Major Donor, a Benefactor, a charter member of the Paul Harris Society and the Polio Plus Society. Nick also has had perfect attendance since 1990.
Register now for the Rotary Club of Houston luncheon, October 22, 2015 featuring our District Governor, Nick Giannone, M.D.
The Rotary Club of Houston is a group of business leaders working together collaboratively to impact positive change in our community and around the world, operating consistently with Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. Some of our service projects include:
Rotary Distinguished Citizen Award ispresented annually to someone in Houston who exhibits high ideals, leadership and philanthropy. The funds raised support the club’s on-going service activities.
Camp Enterprise is an annual activity that introduces business and business ethics to 75 high school juniors. The funds for this event are raised with an annual golf tournament.
Burnett Bayland Outreach has delivered personal support and mentoring to at-promise children under the jurisdiction of the county. Started in 1919, it is the longest continuous service project of any Rotary worldwide.
Rotary House across from MD Anderson created as a culmination of a thirty year dream of our club. the successful fun raising reality of a $26 million fund raising reality is the largest project by a single Rotary club in history.
The club also works actively in many other areas including mentoring elementary school youth, giving assistance to ex-offenders, and international projects, including Polio Plus.
We are honored to have as our speaker, Jonathan Sandys, great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. Many of you know Jonathan as a member of our club. He will speak on his new book, “God and Churchill.” We will have copies for sale, which Jonathan will autograph. A portion of the book proceeds will be donated to our club.
Like me, many of you have been to Churchill’s birth place at Blenheim Palace outside Woodstock, west of London, and to his burial place nearby at St. Martin’s Church, Bladon. Also, many of us have visited various other sites in England with which he is associated.
We should all look forward to hearing Jonathan’s words of tribute to his great-grandfather. This will be a moving experience for our club.
Bill Lee, 2015-2016 Program Chair
Jonathan Sandys is an experienced public speaker focusing on the leadership skills of his great-grandfather, Sir Winston Churchill.
Jonathan’s main focus is on business executives and their workforces, educational establishments, and non-profits. Focusing on the skills his great-grandfather acquired and practiced throughout his life, he helps shape tomorrow’s leaders and gives guidance to those wanting to improve their current leadership abilities.
Churchill’s leadership was based on courage, faith,and integrity. Jonathan’s book: “God and Churchill,” deals with the “faith” aspect and presents evidence that strongly supports Churchill's own belief that “Divine Intervention” not only directed, but protected him throughout his life.
Jonathan's mission is to continue the amazing legacy Sir Winston left the world, and work with present and future generations to inspire the great leadership of courage, faith and integrity employed by his great-grandfather throughout his tumultuous life.
"History honours my great-grandfather as a hero, but despite the accolade, the world today has forgotten many of the vital lessons he taught and the prophetic warnings he shared."
“We who bear the mantle of being descended from those who have made history are in a unique position to connect past and present, continuing the legacy entrusted to us with humanity and humility. In devoting his life to educating young and old about the life of his great-grandfather, Jonathan Sandys is fulfilling that role well.”
Neil Bush Chairman of the Points of Light Foundation, son of President George H.W. Bush, and member of the Rotary Club of Houston.
Payment at the door via credit card, check or cash: $28 members, $32 non members. Includes a lunch buffet with dessert, and parking.
If you have received an email regarding this meeting, please respond to that message as it will recognize you.
If you have not received an email you may register here.
Celebration of CONSTITUTION DAY and Tribute to Judge Hal DeMoss
September 17, 2015
featuring Harry Reasoner and Gerald Treece
(Please note: this program will begin at 11:45 am and end at 1:15 pm)
Constitution Day celebrates the signing of the U.S. constitution September 17, 1782. We all live in a country of competing views and our guests will discuss some of the current issues in the press. While the constitution is a source of our most cherished and unifying political ideals, it also provides some of our sharpest quarrels as its principles and protections are debated and applied to present circumstances.
Our September 17 program brings together two legal scholars of the constitution, Dean T. Gerald Treece and Harry M. Reasoner. It is dedicated to the idea that open dialogue is fundamental to America's constitutional legacy.
We in the Rotary Club of Houston have the distinct privilege of having Judge Hal DeMoss as a fellow Rotarian in our club. Judge DeMoss has been a distinguished jurist since being appointed to the bench by President George H. W. Bush in 1991. He is a noted constitutional scholar, and it is fitting that our club should honor him on Constitution Day on the occasion of his retirement from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Joe Colangelo, Coordinator, September 17, 2015 Program
Bill Lee, 2015-2016 Program Chair
Judge DeMoss graduated from Rice University, class of 1952, and the University of Texas School of Law, Class of 1955. After graduation, he practiced law with the firm of Bracewell and Patterson from 1957 to 1991, when he was appointed to the 5th Circuit position by President George H.W. Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate.
The Rotary Club of Houston is proud to honor one of its long time members, Judge Hal DeMoss, for a lifetime of service to the law and to the Constitution of the United States of America. Judge DeMoss, has lived his life as a gentleman, in constant search for truth, goodness and knowledge. Fellow Rotarians look forward to what the next chapter of life DeMoss’ life will hold for him and his family and are excited to hear about it at the meeting Thursday, September 17.
Harry M. Reasoner, Vinson & Elkins Senior partner and former Managing Partner, 1992-2001, has spent his entire legal career with V&E since graduating from the University of Texas School of Law in 1962, as Editor of the Texas Law Review and number one in his class. In his honor, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jamail endowed the Harry M. Reasoner Regents Chair in Law at the University. He graduated from Rice University in 1960. Harry is a member of the Rotary Club of Houston and is a Rotary Foundation Fellow.
During his career, he has handled antitrust, securities, and energy litigation, among others. Early in his career and under the mentorship of famed attorney David Searls, Harry was thrust into the middle of constitutional issues when he was appointed by Chief Judge John Singleton to represent inmates of the Texas Prison System and argued three times before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of prisoners’ First Amendment Rights. He also worked with Joe Jamail on the winning appeal to the historic multi-billion-dollar Pennzoil v. Texaco case, as well as taking on many cases involving the U.S. Constitution, including one of the early cases involving affirmative action issues at the university level, the Hopwood Case at the University of Texas in the 1990s.
T. Gerald Treece has been at South Texas College of Law for thirty years. He is the W. James Cronzer Distinguished Professor of Advocacy and has been Associate Dean and Vice President. He also is the director of the school's top-ranked Advocacy Program. Teams coached by Dean Treece have developed into a national powerhouse, having won over one hundred competitions. Dean Treece started his teaching career at Pepperdine University Law School.
Dean Treece holds a JD degree from The University of Houston Law Center and specializes in civil rights, constitutional law, torts, and trial and appellate advocacy. He has clerked for a U.S. Federal District Court Judge, was special adviser to President Reagan on the debates of 1984, and has argued over 100 appellate cases in tort and constitutional law.
Dean Treece often can be seen on TV as the legal expert on KHOU Channel 11.
Join us for a special retirement presentation to Judge DeMoss by Treece and Reasoner on Thursday, September 17.
PLEASE REGISTER BY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2015
Pay at the door via meal card, credit card, check or cash.
All Rotarians - club members and visiting: $28
Non Rotarians: $32
If you do not receive an email invitation, you may click here to register.
Celebration of CONSTITUTION DAY and Tribute to Judge Hal DeMoss
Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, Executive Director, Holocaust Museum Houston
September 10, 2015
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Zúñiga to our podium to speak about the Holocaust Museum. Our club secretary, Debbye Crofoot-Morley, is Director of Campaign Advancement at the museum and is responsible for this program – our thanks to Debbye.
We are sure you will appreciate the significance and importance of this program.
Bill Lee, 2015-2016 Program Chair
Rotary Club of Houston
Charged with educating students and the public about the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society, Holocaust Museum Houston opened its doors in March 1996. Since that time, impassioned notes, poems, artwork and other gifts, from school children and adults alike, attest to the life-changing thoughts generated by just one visit to this unique facility.
The Museum is one of only four museums in the Houston area to earn accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Join us Sept. 10 to hear Dr. Zúñiga discuss how the Museum accomplishes its mission of remembering the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims, honoring the survivors’ legacy, and teaching the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides.
Since the Museum opened its 27,000-square-foot facility, more than 2 million people of all ages, races and religions have visited, and more than 862,325 school children have been to the Museum or been directly affected through the Museum’s teacher training programs, curriculum trunk outreach student forums, and diversity workshops.
The Museum’s Permanent Exhibition, “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” tells the story of the Holocaust by focusing on the lives and experiences of survivors who later made the Houston area their home. Two changing exhibit galleries often focus on contemporary genocides or on other Holocaust-related themes.
The Museum’s collection also includes a 1942 Holocaust-era railcar of the same type that carried Jews to the concentration camps and a Holocaust-era Danish rescue boat of the same time used to ferry Danish Jews to safety in Sweden.
The Museum bears witness to the horrors of the Holocaust, but it also tells the stories of heroes who took action and serves as a reminder to all that we must never forget what happened to prevent it from happening again.
Dr. Zúñiga earned her Ed.D. in administration and supervision from the University of Houston, where her doctoral research focused on online donor giving behavior. In addition, she earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from San Diego State University.
Dr. Zúñiga is an adjunct lecturer at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service and as an adjunct lecturer at Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. She is an emeritus trustee at large on the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Board of Trustees. She is also a member of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Women’s Partnership, Houston Museum District Association Board of Directors and is a Senior Fellow in the American Leadership Forum Class on XXXIV. She was named in 2013 by Houston Woman Magazine as one of “Houston’s Most Influential Women of 2012.”
PLEASE REGISTER BY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
Pay at the door via meal card, credit card, check or cash.
All Rotarians - club members and visiting: $28
Non Rotarians: $32
If you do not receive an email invitation, you may click here to register.
Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, Executive Director, Holocaust Museum Houston
“Making Texas the Best Place for Post-911 Veterans and Their Families”
We are pleased to welcome Chuck Bagnato to our podium on August 27. He is a distinguished Marine fighter pilot with numerous awards including the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star, and others. Bagnato joined the Marines immediately after high school and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 28 years of service flying mostly the AV-8B Harrier Jump Jet. LtColBagnato joined the Lone Star Veterans Association in 2014 as Executive Director. The Rotary Club of Houston continues as a strong supporter of veterans affairs – you will be delighted to hear the important words Chuck has for us.
Bill Lee, 2015-2016 Program Chair
The Lone Star Veterans Association (LSVA) was founded in 2009 with the vision of preventing veterans’ unemployment, substance abuse, family challenges, homelessness, crime, and suicide. As of today, LSVA has over 6000 total members, roughly half of which are post-911 veterans.
The Veteran Career Transition program assists members in the transition to a civilian career by providing free access to LSVA’s online job bank, resume workshops, and benefits seminars. They also host a twice-monthly networking luncheon, which was responsible for over 500 veteran hires since 2010.
The LSVA indeed provides important services to our veterans and deserves our support. We are delighted that Chuck Bagnato is available to speak to us.
PLEASE REGISTER BY TUESDAY, AUGUST 25th.
Pay at the door via meal card, credit card, check or cash.
All Rotarians - club members and visiting - $28
Non Rotarians - $32
If you do not receive an email invitation, you may click here to register.
Dr. Banks is the vice chancellor for engineering for The Texas A&M University System and dean of the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.
As vice chancellor, Banks oversees coordination and collaboration among the engineering, academic and research programs at seven universities throughout the A&M System, as well as three state agencies: the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). Banks also is TEES director, overseeing research administration of more than 4,400 projects and $157 million in sponsored research awards.
As dean of the Look College and holder of the Harold J. Haynes Dean's Chair in Engineering, Banks leads one of the largest engineering schools in the country, with more than 15,000 students and nearly 500 faculty. Dr. Banks leads, 25 by 25 program, a controlled growth initiative which will increase the engineering enrollment at Texas A&M to 25,000 by 2025.
Banks was previously the Bowen Engineering Head for the School of Civil Engineering at Purdue University and the Jack and Kay Hockema Professor at Purdue. She received her B.S.E. from the University of Florida, M.S.E. from the University of North Carolina, and Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from Duke University. For her research, Banks has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Energy and NASA, as well as industry and state government. She served as director of the EPA Hazardous Substance Research Center, associate director of the NASA Center for Advanced Life Support, and co-director of the 21st Century Center for Phytoremediation Research, all headquartered at Purdue.
Banks is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and Fellow of the America Society of Civil Engineers. She is a licensed professional civil engineer in Indiana and Kansas. She has received numerous awards including the ASCE Petersen Outstanding Woman of the Year Award, ASCE Rudolph Hering Medal, Purdue Faculty Scholar Award, Sloan Foundation Mentoring Fellowship and the American Association of University Women Fellowship. She is the author or co-author of more than 150 journal articles, proceedings papers and book chapters, and has made more than 200 scholarly or technical presentations before professional and related groups. Banks has served as editor-in-chief for the ASCE Journal of Environmental Engineering and associate editor of the International Journal of Phytoremediation.
Dr. Katherine Banks, Dean, Texas A&M College of Engineering
Dan Cheney became the vice president and COO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Oct. 1, 2014.
Cheney served as president and chief executive officer of the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cheyenne Frontier Days is a rodeo and Western celebration in Cheney’s home state of Wyoming.
Starting in 2010, Cheney led Cheyenne Frontier Days. Prior to that role, he was the founder, CEO, and president of Forbes Capital Business Group, Inc.; director of global marketing and business development for Pro Equine Group; and general manager of The Show Place Arena in Memphis, Tennessee, a 6,250-seat indoor arena and outdoor events facility.
Cheney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wyoming. Additionally, he earned a master's of business administration degree from the University of Memphis.
From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four questions: "Of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
With each order you place online, you can choose to have Breen's Florist make a donation to the Rotary Club of Houston. Simply select the "Helping Hands" pull down menu on the order form and choose "Rotary Club" when sending flowers across town or even around the world.
help those who can't help themselves." Doc Joe has seen firsthand that America is full of such altruistic people.
The Better Business Bureau
Born in Puebla, Mexico in 1982, Betirri is a local artist in Houston, Texas, internationally recognized primarily by a series of paintings depicting bodiless sport figures in motion.
Oksana Khariv
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Also speaking: Dave Barron
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A founding partner of Ray & Wood, Randall Buck Wood is a nationally recognized expert on school finance, ethics, and election law. Buck has tried dozens of cases before the Texas Supreme Court, and since 1992, has served as co-counsel for the 125 Plaintiff-Intervenor school districts in the on-going Edgewood school finance lawsuit. Buck also serves as the General Counsel to the Equity Center, an association of over 500 below-average-wealth school districts committed to ongoing improvements in Texas public school funding as well as special counsel to the Texas Association of School Boards on the state’s ethics and lobby disclosure statutes. Prior to founding the firm, Buck served as Director of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State from 1969 to 1972 where he was in charge of enforcement of the State’s election laws. In this capacity, he oversaw all general and special elections and assisted local government bodies with their elections. After leaving the Secretary of State’s Office, Mr. Wood became the Executive Director of Common Cause, a public interest lobby group chartered to maintain fairness in the governmental process. While serving Common Cause, Mr. Wood drafted and helped pass much of the legislation dealing with open meetings, open records and numerous election laws that govern the operation of public entities today.
Welcome Wilson, Sr. 
Walt Anderson
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Steven W. Lewis, Ph.D., is the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow and faculty advisor for the Jesse Jones Leadership Center Summer in D.C. Policy Research Internship Program. He is also a professor in the practice and associate director of the Chao Center for Asian Studies, which he helped found in 2008. His research explores the growth of a transnational Chinese middle class; the influence of advertisements in new public spaces in Chinese cities; the development of privatization experiments in China’s localities; and the reform of China’s energy policies, national oil companies and international energy relations. Through the Transnational China Project, Lewis has organized research conferences with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. He also has worked with the Energy Forum as the organizing researcher for the Northeast Asia Energy Cooperation Workshops, the Coastal Cities Summit surveys and U.S.-China-Middle East energy relations conferences.
Hans Stockton is Associate Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and Director of the Center for International Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Texas A&M University. His areas of academic specialization are democratization, elections, and security in contemporary Asia Pacific. He has published articles in journals of political science, economics, public administration, and Asian Studies; authored multiple chapters in edited volumes on military affairs in the Asia Pacific and Taiwan’s political development; and authored two books on development and democratization in East Asia. Dr. Stockton is a Center Associate of the Election Studies Center at National Chengchi University in Taipei. He has served as president of the American Association of Chinese Studies (2015, 2016) and as coordinator of the Conference Group on Taiwan Studies (2012 – 2014). He has also served multiple terms as president of the Southwest Conference on Asian Studies. Professor Stockton has also been the Principle Investigator for multiple, successful grant awards from the US Department of Education, Japan Foundation, and Ministry of Education (Taipei). He has been interviewed by and/or published editorials on matters related to US-China-Taiwan relations and Chinese and Taiwan political affairs in the Washington Observer Weekly, Taipei Times, Taiwan Journal, Southern Daily News, World Journal, Voice of America, e-International Relations, and Houston Chronicle. He has provided political commentary for ABC News Houston, Fox News Houston, the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Radio Taiwan International, NTD TV, Southern Daily, World Journal, and Channel 55.5 international news.
Dr. Jon Taylor is a Professor of Political Science, Chair of the Department of Political Science, and Director of the Master of Public Policy and Administration Program at the University of St. Thomas. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma and has been at the University of St. Thomas since 1998. His areas of academic specialty are in Chinese and U.S. public administration, Chinese and U.S. urbanization, and public administration ethics.
Paul Williams, ACE, CAS, IAM, IEM is the Chief Technology Officer of Pennsylvania-based White Badger Group. Paul is a nationally recognized authority on the white hat defender side of network security. 
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Art Acevedo was sworn-in as Chief of the Houston Police Department (HPD) on November 30, 2016.
Dr. Douglas Jackson serves as the President/CEO of Project C.U.R.E. Each week, Project C.U.R.E. delivers approximately three semi-truck loads of donated medical supplies and equipment to desperately needy people around the world. Since 1987, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics in over 130 countries. Project C.U.R.E. is consistently recognized with the highest Four Star ranking from Charity Navigator, and was named by Forbes as one of the top 200 charities in America.
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$32 for Rotarians and all guests who DO NOT Register
MEAL CARDS if you DO NOT Register: Use your meal card plus $3.00 at the door. (You have a little discount for having a meal card!)
