Steven R. Hill

Chief Art Acevedo

Houston Police Department

August 9, 2018

How Safe are we? Do we have enough Police Officers? How much do you know about Safety and Security in Houston?

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

Regional Director

July 26, 2018

What is Houston’s economic future?

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HESS Club

5430 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77056

ROTARY  KIDS
NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK!
Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Houston and Sugar Land

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Michael Sklar

Accelerated Strategy Committee Chair

Houston Exponential

March 22, 2018

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Michael is a serial tech entrepreneur and startup investor. He was most recently the Managing Director at Station Houston, the leading tech hub in Houston with over 175 member companies and 150 mentors. While at Station he led the mentor and corporate innovation program that worked with Houston Fortune 1000 innovation offices. Prior to Station, he was recruited by Mercury Fund to become the CEO of a German-based software company and relocated them to Houston for market and capital access. Michael’s corporate experience came after selling his company to VMware where he was on the sales and alliances leadership teams as the company grew from $400 million to $2B. He started his career in as a salesperson in Asia. Michael has an MBA in entrepreneurship from The University of Texas McCombs school of business and a liberal arts degree from Haverford College. Michael has traveled to over 80 countries and kitesurfs in his free time when not spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Ashley French

Executive Director, Honor Flight Houston

March 29, 2018

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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

Trish Morille

Co-Founder of "+Works" and Owner of Morille and Associates

Thursday, March 8, 2018

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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. 

Camp Enterprise Golf Tournament

Join us at Wildcat Golf Club for lunch

Thursday, March 1, 2018

This registration for lunch is only for those not playing golf, but wish to support this event and attend a meeting  

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR LUNCH ONLY

To register for golf, please use the attached form.  

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOLF REGISTRATION FORM

NO MEETING AT THE HESS CLUB TODAY

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— 

"Effective Networking"

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.

Darrell Pile, CEO

SE TX Regional Advisory Council

"Disaster Preparedness and Response Ensuring Ongoing Medical Care and Patient Safety"

January 25, 2018

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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 21^st 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

Ambassador for the Houston Texans

"Breaking Barriers in Collegiate and Professional Sports"

January 18, 2018

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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.

Lieutenant General Steven Hummer, USMC (Ret.)

Combined Arms Houston

Board Member

“Our mission is to unite the community to accelerate the impact of veterans on Houston.”

January 4, 2018

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 

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.

Francisco Vazquez, M.B.A.

Director of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

(Registration is required)

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.

• 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.

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.

ALL GUESTS MUST REGISTER

CLICK HERE

KIM OGG

HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

HESS CLUB

5430 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77056

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.

Chief Deputy Edison Toquica

Harris County Sheriff's Office

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.

JOEL COWLEY

PRESIDENT & CEO

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

August 17, 2017

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

HESS Club

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.

ERIK ERIKSSON

Chief Legal Officer-Port Houston

August 3, 2017

Hess Club

5430 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77056

Join us at 11:30am as doors open and noon to 1pm for our meeting

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 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.”

June 8, 2017

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Fellow Rotarians:

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 8^th, 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

Cindy Hamann

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.”

Edward J. Egan

Fellow | Director, McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

ALSO

CAMP ENTERPRISE WINNERS

APRIL 6, 2017
 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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.

Join us as we visit and learn about Camp Hope from

Gene Birdwell, founder and chair of the PTSD Foundation

Thursday, March 2, 2017

This meeting is at Camp Hope 9724 Derrington Rd, Houston, TX 77064

(NOT at The Houston City Club)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

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.

Sheila Aron, Founder

The Thread Alliance

Weaving the thread of love and ending the cycle of child abuse.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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.

The 47th annual Rotary Lombardi Award

Saturday, February 11, 2017

The Hobby Center For  Performing Arts Sarofim Hall

800 Bagby Street #300, Houston, TX 77002  

Red carpet arrival and doors open at 4:30

Seating for live awards show starts at 5:45

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:

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       

www.rotarylombardiaward.org

All-Club Meeting with RI President John Germ

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Crowne Plaza Hotel

8686 Kirby Dr. (across from NRG Stadium)

Reception at 6 p.m., dinner/program from 7-9 p.m.

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

The Rotary Club of Houston Foundation

Benefiting Camp Enterprise

Chief Art Acevedo 

Thursday, January 19, 2017

11:30 check in begins. Meeting noon to 1 PM

$28.  With advance registration. $32 at the door.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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. 

Click Here to Register

for Thursday, January 5, 2017

Major Issues in the 85th Legislative Session

State Representative Sarah Davis

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.

SECOND IN A SERIES OF CRITICAL ISSUES: HAS HOUSTON REALLY SOLVED ITS PENSION CRISIS?

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

11:30A.M.-1:15 P.M.

HOUSTON CITY CLUB (GREENWAY PLAZA)

REGISTER HERE

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

Managing Partner

McCann Investigations

November 17, 2016

Click Here to Register

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

Michael Curran, Ph.D.

Immunotherapy

November 3, 2016

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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. 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Deanna Belford at the Rotary office at administrator@rotaryhouston.org or call 713 973-9936.  

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

Building a Sustainable Model at Brookwood

October 27, 2016

Click Here to Register

Douglas Jackson, PhD, JD

‘Houston Ballet: Season Preview and Community Impact’

October 13, 2016

Click Here to Register

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

FAIR TRADE

NAFTA

THE T.P.P.

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.

“Empowering Innovation. Releasing Potential. 

Transforming Communities.” 

Thursday, September 22, 2016

CLICK here to Register

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.  

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

Blood Drive & Blue Bell Ice Promotional

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Houston City Club

10 am-2 pm

Click Here to be Placed on the list to donate

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.

Bryant Boutwell, Dr.P.H.

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

HOUSTON GOLF ASSOCIATION CEO and PRESIDENT

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, SHELL HOUSTON OPEN

June 30, 2016

REGISTER HERE

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.

COL (Ret.) Chris Sallese

Regional Storm Surge Protection

REGISTER HERE

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 // Founder and CEO of Blinds.com

Attorney General Ken Paxton

Register Here

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.

1. Sell / Recruit one or more Teams to play!!
2. Be a Sponsor (see flyer for sponsorship levels from $250 and up)
3. Volunteer to assist at the Golf Classic
4. 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!

Yours in service,

Deborah Falknor

Golf Classic Committee Chair

915.433.6840 c

713.507.4782

deborah.falknor@wellsfargo.com

BY POPULAR REQUEST

WE HAVE A SPECIAL LUNCHEON PROGRAM TOMORROW

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

WE HAVE THE FIRST OF MANY MEMBER “WHAT WE DO” PRESENTATIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY ANGIE JIMENEZ

OUR ROTARY CLUB OF HOUSTON CENTENNIAL PRESIDENT

HE WILL PRESENT ONE OF OUR ELEVEN ROTARY DISTRICT 5890 CHARITABLE PROJECTS WORLD-WIDE

NOTE: SPENCER TILLMAN PROGRAM ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW TO BE RESCHEDULED

Scott Rozzell

Lone Star Flight Museum, Galveston, Texas

Chairman of the Board and former Executive vice president and General Counsel, Center Point Energy

January 28, 2016

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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.

Join us for dinner and a show!!

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas

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 17^th.

“Bring a Friend to Rotary”

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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 12^th. 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.

Don't miss the official visit of our 2015-16 Rotary District 5890 Governor, Nick Giannone, M.D.

August 27, 2015

Chuck Bagnato

Executive Director

Lone Star Veterans Association

“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. LtCol Bagnato 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.