HOUSTON CHILDREN'S CHARITY - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Owner

Brad Marks, owner of I W Marks Jewelers, grew up in the family jewelry business. His parents, Diane and Irv Marks, opened the full-service retail store in 1978. As a young adult, Brad assisted during the summers and Christmas seasons, gaining first-hand experience in running the business. Upon graduating from Texas A&M in 1994, Brad tasked himself with evolving the flourishing business before taking full ownership in 2008. Brad oversees the marketing and communications operations and provides impactful customer experiences while maintaining the brand's admirable image and reputation of serving generations in the Houston community and beyond. He has earned multiple honors for the company, including a five-time recipient of the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc., FORBES Magazine's national Business in the Arts Award and the Jefferson Award for community service. Brad earned his certification by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world's foremost authority in gemology, diamond grading, jewelry education and gemology research. With a life built upon community service and dedication to family, Brad and his wife Joanna balance a full family life with four children while continuing the legacy of the exemplary customer service at I W Marks Jewelers. The duo is actively involved in multiple charities and organizations that truly make a difference such as the annual Holiday Shopping Card benefiting the American Cancer Society, the Periwinkle Foundation, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Educational Scholarships, The Snow Drop Foundation, The Mission of Yahweh, the Houston Humane Society and Rice University athletic scholarships.

Brandon Dewan is a serial entrepreneur with a successful track record of building and selling multiple businesses over his two-decade career. Mr. Dewan is currently active in his role as co-founder and CEO of Eagle Group, a Venture Capital firm with a portfolio of companies and investments across a variety of industries. Mr. Dewan is responsible for the entrepreneurial vision and strategy of Eagle Group, leading the company from a small start-up in 2013 into a diversified portfolio of companies generating over $1,000,000,000 in revenue. Additionally, Mr. Dewan was named EY National Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 as well as 40 Under 40 by Oil & Gas Investor Magazine in 2017. He has been featured in various entrepreneur books and publications along with appearances on global news networks.

Job Titles:

• Marketing & Community Relations Manager

Job Titles:

• Administrative Director
• Office Manager

As the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Executive Director, Daniel D'Armond serves as the organization's senior official covering a territory including Houston, Beaumont, Lufkin and Bryan/College Station. He leads ACS's community outreach initiatives and serves as principal spokesman on the organization's patient services, research and events. Prior to joining the ACS, Daniel served as BMC Software's Director of Community and Government Relations for 19 years. During this time, he was the principal architect for the company's community relations programs covering corporate headquarters as well as 12 major sites across the U.S as well as throughout Canada, Latin America, Europe, India, Israel and Asia Pacific.

Job Titles:

• Real Estate Professional and Private Business Owner

David B. Atkins has enjoyed accolades as a residential real estate professional and private business owner. His mission drives this success: To raise the bar of expectation with his fellow Houstonians and within the real estate community by providing an unparalleled level of service via an unwavering dedication to his client's best interests. These efforts have earned David awards and recognition from Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty (Top 10 out of 250+ Realtors company-wide, 2017- present), Houston Business Journal (Top 25 Realtor, 2015, 2018-2020), and Houston Association of Realtors (20 Under 40 Award Recipient). He also has served the industry as a Director for Texas Association of Realtors (2015-2017) and as a Board Member for Houston Association of Realtors (2015-2017). All this with only 10 years in the real estate industry. David's entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop a new business to further serve his real estate clients. Curated by Design provides residential staging services for homeowners, Realtors, and developers. It has an inventory of furnishings, artwork, and accessories to show a home in the best possible light and assist in the sale of a property. Prior to working as a realtor, David owned and operated a shipping storefront. He transformed the business to become a retail outlet providing more than shipping services. The transition accommodated his clients' needs by expanding offerings and services to include gift items, greeting cards, and wrapping services. The increased business helped ensure a continuous ranking as a UPS Top 50 in the US volume performer out of 17,000+ shipping centers. But David "raises the bar for his fellow Houstonians" in more ways than just his commitment to his profession. He learned about giving back to his community through his father's efforts to serve those around him. And he takes this inspiration to heart as he works to ensure his own children learn the same from him. David and his family have supported numerous charities across Houston through thoughtful and targeted programs, gifts, and volunteer service. As David teaches his children, Benjamin and Ava, the spirit of giving, he makes sure they learn what humility and humanity are like. In May 2020 as the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus wreaked havoc on many small businesses, David was concerned about a local restaurant he knew was struggling. He began with buying a $1,000 gift card to Bernie's Burger Bus, which he did not intend to use immediately, to make sure the owner could meet payroll expenses that week. But things kept growing… he bought another $1,000 in $25 gift cards to distribute to friends, family, and neighbors to further support the business and encourage their support too. And then David and his children purchased hundreds of burgers to distribute to the community. Word spread quickly and others joined the effort to pay it forward. His generosity became infectious and others shared stories of their support for other local businesses and to donate to the Houston Food Bank. David's work has not stopped there. He coordinated a Christmas Giveaway for First Ward Freedman's baseball team. He delivered more than 250 meals to staff members at four Houston ISD schools. And these acts of kindness only built further on his years of charitable work with the Houston Food Bank and Ronald McDonald House. David's charitable support reaches many aspects of Houston's non-profit community: healthcare, education, animal welfare, as well as cultural and social services organizations, including Houston Children's Charity. David B. Atkins has enjoyed accolades as a residential real estate professional and private business owner. His mission drives this success: To raise the bar of expectation with my fellow Houstonians and within the real estate community by providing an unparalleled level of service via an unwavering dedication to my client's best interests.

His name is David Henry Ward, but to thousands of Eyewitness News viewers who wouldn't miss Channel 13's nightly 6 and 10 pm newscasts, he is simply known as "Dave". Dave has been a radio and television broadcaster for 57 years. Getting the facts right, consistently- that's what defines Dave Ward. A true Texas original, Dave has made his mark as one of the nation's most respected news anchors for more than four decades. In his trademark down-to-earth style, he begins every newscast with "Good evening, friends," and has for 48 years. It is that candor and dedication together with unbiased integrity in getting every side of the story that's helped him become the "most trusted newsman in Houston."

DeeDee Hooks Marsh grew up in the North Channel Area of Houston. She graduated from Texas A & M University with a degree in Environmental Design and received her J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law. After working as a litigator in California and Texas, she left the practice of law in 2000, to join her husband Wallis in starting a family business and a family. DeeDee now serves as controller and counsel to Extex Operating Company, Extex Production, Inc., Extex Energy Partners, and all their related entities which are primarily engaged in the business of oil and gas production and exploration in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. DeeDee is Past-President and a current member of the Advisory Board for Trees of Hope, an organization dedicated to raising funds to benefit children's programs at the Star of Hope Mission. DeeDee and Wallis are the proud parents of Jack and Julia. As a family they are dedicated to sharing the many blessings they have received with those in need, particularly children.

Job Titles:

• Professor and Chief of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at the McGovern Medical School

Dr. Salazar was born in San Francisco, California. Dr. Salazar is Professor and Chief of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He is board certified in Thoracic and Congenital Cardiac Surgery. After receiving a BS in Mathematical Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, Dr. Salazar received his MD at the School of Medicine at the University of Washington. Dr. Salazar trained in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Dr. Moore was named Chief Administrator of UTHCPC in 2000 and retired in 2013. Prior to that, she worked her way through the ranks of the public health care system, serving as a nurse and in various administrative capacities, including ten years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Harris County Hospital District.

Job Titles:

• Director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center at Texas Children 's Hospital

Susan M. Blaney, M.D. is the Director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center at Texas Children's Hospital and a Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. She is a board-certified pediatric oncologist whose career over the past several decades has focused on the development of new agents and therapeutic strategies for children with recurrent or refractory cancer, particularly for those with malignancies of the central nervous system. Dr. Blaney has played a key leadership role in the development of numerous early phase clinical trials of novel agents for the treatment of childhood cancer over the course of her career. Dr. Blaney's influence in the field numerous roles that she has held over the years including her service as Vice Chair of the Children's Oncology Group, a cooperative effort of 200 leading children's hospitals across North America that is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). She has also served on the NCI's Clinical Trial Advisory Committee and its Investigational Drug Steering Committee. She has been a regular consultant for the FDA's Pediatric Oncology Drug Advisory Committee, as well as for other leading cancer organizations such as the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. She also directs or has served on the scientific advisory boards for many not-for-profit foundations for childhood cancer research. Dr. Blaney has published more than 215 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has authored numerous book chapters. She is editor for Pizzo and Poplack's Principles and Practice of Pediatric Oncology, the leading textbook in the field of pediatric oncology, as well as for Rudolph's Pediatrics, a leading pediatric textbook.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Officers Team
• Treasurer
• President and Chief Executive Officer of the Richland Companies

Meyer-Nelson is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with post-graduate degrees from the University of Houston and the University of Colorado. She is an active member of the National Association of Professional Women, CREW and the American Business Women's Association as well as a frequent guest lecturer for a variety of graduate, undergraduate and continuing education courses at Rice University and University of Houston, where she sits on the Executive Advisory Board-Graduate Real Estate Program, C.T. Bauer College of Business. A longtime board member of Houston Children's Charity, in 2009 Edna earned the distinction of presiding as its first female President. She also serves on the board of the Houston Police Foundation. She is a member of The Cooley Circle, a Charter Member of Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists, a recipient of the CAP Cherished Companion Award and a supporter of Houston Crime Stoppers. As President and Chief Executive Officer of The Richland Companies, Edna Meyer-Nelson directs all business activities for Richland's many divisions. Since founding The Richland Companies in 1993, she has amassed a portfolio of 35 properties in five states representing more than 2.5 million square feet of commercially owned and managed property throughout the Southwestern United States valued in excess of $250 million. She began her career in the banking industry where she served as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, and Marketing Director for several of the larger banks in Houston, such as: Great Southern Bank, Fondren Southwest Bank, American National Bank and Charter Bank

Job Titles:

• Director of Special Events & Donor Development

Job Titles:

• Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of the
• Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of the Frenchy 's Companies
• Founding Member of the Maroon Alliance
• Naval Officer

Ernest Hunter II is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Frenchy's Companies, which includes Frenchy's Chicken, Frenchy's Sausage Company and Frenchy's Restaurant Group. He is a proven business leader with experience in operations, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) execution and financial advisory services. In his role leading Frenchy's, Ernest not only utilizes his business skills, but serves a company with a rich local heritage and strong employee community. Ernest is also a Founding Member of The Maroon Alliance, an investment group of Houston-based Black entrepreneurs and industry professionals with a focus on making control or non-control investments in Texas. Currently, 80% of The Maroon Alliance portfolio companies are based in Houston. He advocates for entrepreneurship and ensures that The Maroon Alliance focuses on the start-up ecosystem, offering support beyond financial investment. Ernest's career began when he attended Texas A&M University on a full Navy ROTC scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, while remaining active in numerous campus organizations. Upon graduation, Ernest was commissioned as a Naval Officer. He spent six years as an active duty Naval Officer, traveling domestically and abroad. He served on multiple ships, including deployment on a guided missile destroyer, and also served as an Intelligence Officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. Following his time as a Naval Officer, Ernest earned his Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he graduated with honors. He then joined Deloitte, where he served in Strategy and Operations and Corporate Valuation. He later transitioned into investment banking by joining Deloitte Corporate Finance, and subsequently BKD Capital Advisors. He received both his Series 79 and Series 63 licenses and gained significant business deal experience, including sell-side and buy-side M&A, restructuring and debt finances. Outside of work, Ernest believes in being involved within the communities he serves and lives in. He is on the Executive Board of Directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), serving as Promise Ball Co-Chair for both 2020 and 2021. He is additionally a Houston Committee Member for the Association of Corporate Growth. Most importantly, Ernest focuses on spending time on his prize investments: his accomplished wife, Shannon, and their two beautiful children, Shelby and Ernest III.

Frances Moody Buzbee was born into an iconic family with a surname that's been synonymous with Texas business and philanthropy since the 1850s. Frances has continued to be involved in many of the family business interests and traditions. The tradition of philanthropy and non-profit work holds a special place in her heart. After graduating from Southern Methodist University, with a degree in sociology and psychology, Frances has been actively involved with many organizations involving children and animals throughout Texas. Frances is a proud board member of the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, Habitat For Horses, and Houston Children's Charity. Frances alongside her husband, Tony Buzbee, have converted their ranch, Antioch Ranch and Farm, Frances Farms, into a modern-day Noah's Ark. These two facilities offer abused and neglected animals a safe haven, a place where they can heal and live in peace. There they receive the proper rehabilitation and vet care needed while thriving on thousands of acres. Frances hopes to create a program with Houston Children's Charity to bring children in need to the farm. Frances and Tony chaired the 2021 Houston Children's Charity Gala raising record numbers, and between the Moody Endowment and her husband, have contributed over 17 wheelchair-accessible vans. Frances loves spending time with her husband and traveling the world creating memorable experiences. She also loves to spend her free time with her family, friends, and her beloved dogs, Buddy & Burton.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Officers Team
• Vice Chairman of the Board

Gary Becker is a native Houstonian. He has two children, both attending St. Edwards in Austin, Texas. After leaving PACE Entertainment Corporation in 2003, the company founded by his Father, Allen Becker, and where he worked for over 25 years, Gary has been involved in managing the theaters in San Antonio, New Orleans and Brooklyn for ACE Theatrical, a company that survived the sale of PACE Entertainment Corp. In addition, Gary manages The Becker Family Foundation, which provides financial assistance to many agencies that serves the needs in the medical, educational and Jewish areas of concern. Gary has dedicated most of his Philanthropic activities to Houston Children's Charity, which he has been president for six of the nineteen years of its existence. Houston Children Charity prides itself in providing critical support to children and families in the Houston area who would normally fall through the cracks of any other support. HCC has donated more than 21 million dollars in financial support and program services during its history. Gary Becker led the team who developed and managed the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, Texas. He stepped into the pivotal role after over 40 years with the legendary live entertainment company, PACE Entertainment Corporation. As of January 8th, 2019, his company sold that venture and now he enjoys a consultant role to the new owners and COSL. Before the venue opening in January 2017, Gary fostered a seven-year public-private partnership with The City of Sugar Land. From concept through construction and daily operations, Gary managed the team for the 6,400-seat state of the art theater.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Officers Team
• President / Executive Producer of Rainmaker Films
• President of the Rainmaker Group
• Vice President / Funding Co - Chair / President

Grant Guthrie is the President of the Rainmaker Group, providing executive management and communications advisory consulting and investment banking services including strategic planning and financial structuring. Most recently, he was senior advisor on a Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation (SPAC) offering. As President/Executive Producer of Rainmaker Films, Grant has produced twelve feature films distributed theatrically and internationally and presented at major film festivals. Most recently he executive produced the film Bill & Ted Face the Music starring Keanu Reeves and released by MGM/Orion Pictures. Grant was formerly Managing Director of Amerifund Capital, a boutique investment banking firm providing strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions, and private equity sourcing in media, energy, and real estate. Previously Grant was the Founder/President of Texas Video & Post (TVP), a media communications company, in association with Sony Corporation, which he successfully merged with a national entertainment company. Grant has received over 100 music, television, and film awards including Cine Gold Eagle and platinum/gold record awards for musical artists the Eagles, Queen, Warren Zevon, and Joe Walsh. Grant was one of the original Founders of Houston Children's Charity and received the Chairman's Award for his service. As a Board member of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, he was awarded Board Member of the Year for his work in developing the Woman of Distinction. He has received special recognition for his contributions to Children's Assessment Center, Texas Children's Hospital, and United Way. Grant has three daughters - Kelly Thornton, Kirby Sykes, and Kary Ashby. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Texas with a BBA in Finance. - Rainmaker Group Executive Producer - Rainmaker Films The Rainmaker Group provides executive management consulting and investment banking services including strategic planning, business development, merger/acquisition, equity sourcing, media program development, and communications. Clients include corporations, digital media, and video production companies, feature film companies, and television and radio stations. Grant was Executive Producer of ten feature films which have been released theatrically and distributed internationally.

Job Titles:

• Co - Chairman of the Fant Foundation

Jana Fant is Co-Chairman of The Fant Foundation where she oversees the day to day responsibilities and directly interfaces with the various charities and individuals the Foundation supports. Additionally, Mrs. Fant serves on the boards of The Houston Ballet, K9s4Cops, Hope Stone and Houston Children's Charity. Jana Fant has supported Houston Children's Charity since 2013 with major table purchases to the annual Gala. More recently, her dedication has been to the Houston Children's Charity Chariots for Children program and has donated 25 wheelchair accessible vans since 2016. Married to Richard Fant, they share a love for their two black Labs and a passion for giving back to the community.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Officers Team
• President
• Vice President / Funding Co - Chair

John B. Johnson is the President and minority partner of Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., the nation's largest distributor of Anheuser-Busch products. Silver Eagle employs over 1,100 employees that serve 16 counties in Texas through operations in Houston, San Antonio, Conroe, Cypress and Rosenberg. Silver Eagle also distributes Grupo Modelo beers, a broad selection of microbrews and craft beers and several non-alcohol beverages and waters. Prior to joining Silver Eagle Distributors, John held numerous positions of leadership within the Anheuser-Busch sales and marketing team. The positions included Vice President, responsible for national sales, and Officer of the Anheuser-Busch Companies. Johnson has served as President of Houston Children's Charity's Executive Board of Directors and is currently on the Board of Directors. He is also a member of The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, the San Antonio Sports Foundation and serves on the Corporate Contributions Committee of Texas Children's Hospital. Johnson is a graduate of Saint Louis University where he received a Bachelor of Arts. He is a proud father of son Brian.

Job Titles:

• Chairman and CEO of Silver Eagle Beverages

John L. Nau, III is Chairman and CEO of Silver Eagle Beverages, one of the largest Anheuser-Busch distributors in the nation. Silver Eagle Beverages employs over 500 employees who service a territory that includes the greater San Antonio area in Bexar County and extends over 12 additional counties in southwest Texas. In addition, Silver Eagle Beverages distributes Grupo Modelo beers, a broad selection of national and local craft beers and several non-alcohol beverages and waters. Nau's commitment to service is apparent through a broad spectrum of participation in civic, community, and philanthropic organizations in Texas and throughout the country. His current involvement includes Chairman of the Texas Historical Commission, National Park Foundation Board of Directors, American Battlefield Trust Board of Directors, Andrew Jackson Foundation Board, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation Board of Directors, Baylor College of Medicine Board of Trustees, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Board of Trustees, University of Houston Board of Visitors, Honorary Trustee of Texas Heart Institute, Honorary State Trustee for the San Antonio Parks Foundation and Advisory Council member to the Center for Big Bend Studies. He also serves as a Board Member for Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park, Houston Police Foundation, San Antonio Zoo, and The Admiral Nimitz Foundation. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and previously served on the Board of Visitors, a position appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is founder and President of The Nau Foundation.

Job Titles:

• Special Projects & Volunteer Coordinator

Job Titles:

• Program Services Director

Job Titles:

• CEO
• Member of the Officers Team
• President

What began with a tried-and-true, $5-per-plate spaghetti supper benefiting her children's private Christian school blossomed into nothing short of a meaningful career for Laura Ward. Thirty-one years and over 100 million dollars later, the President and CEO of Houston Children's Charity ranks among the city's top fundraising executives. Growing up in rural Crowley, La., Ward and her eight siblings didn't have to look far to spot the devastating effects of poverty, especially on their fellow youth. After graduating from LSU, she returned to the impoverished community to serve a brief stint as a librarian, during which time her sack lunch would disappear from her desk drawer on a daily basis.

Job Titles:

• CEO of Smart Financial Credit Union

LeAnn Kaczynski was named CEO of Smart Financial Credit Union in April 2022 having previously served as Executive Vice President, CFO, and VP of Electronic Member Services over her 17-year tenure with the company. LeAnn is also currently the President of the Smart Financial Foundation and has participated with multiple area charities during her years in the Houston area including Best Friends Animal Society and Habitat for Humanity. Before joining Smart Financial, LeAnn began her career in the credit union industry at Power Federal Credit Union in Syracuse, NY. She entered their management trainee program in 1994 and held several positions during her tenure, including Vice President of Accounting and E-Commerce. Early on in her career with Power, she became active in both the Jaycees and Junior Achievement and remained active until moving to Houston in 2001. LeAnn graduated from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution and an MBA in Finance and Accounting. Originally from a low-income rural area in upstate New York, LeAnn is a strong advocate for children's causes and has directed the Smart Financial Foundation's focus for fundraising and volunteer activism towards underprivileged children in the Houston area. LeAnn is also a strong animal rights supporter with her love of animals spurred by her years growing up on a farm and serving in 4-H. In her free time, LeAnn enjoys the vibrant restaurant scene in Houston and spending time in her second home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is married to her husband, David of 34 years, and has a daughter Mikaela.

Job Titles:

• Vice President
• Vice President for Sonic Automotive

Maria Moncada Alaoui is the Porsche Vice President for Sonic Automotive. She's been in the automotive industry for more than 20 years and held several positions, working her way up from administration to management. Maria has been with BMW for twelve years and proudly serves as General Manager. Moncada Alaoui attended Sonic Dealer Academy, and Sonic's Leadership Academy which prepared her to become a dealer principal. Maria is an avid learner, and most recently a graduate and fellow of San Diego's University Shakti Leadership Program. In her current role, she is responsible for operational and financial oversight, as well as customer and associate satisfaction and ensures the company is not only profitable but reaches its full potential. Maria has been recognized as Executive of the year by the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, at the tribute to Hispanic Women. Moncada Alaoui was named one of the top 30 most influential women in Houston by Dmars, and in 2014 Mayor Annise D. Parker recognized Moncada Alaoui as "true role model and an influential community leader." Maria's tenure with Chevrolet earned her department #1 Chevrolet new car dealer of the year and with BMW her dealership received the honor of being named top 10% among the BMW dealerships in the nation and earned the prestigious Center of Excellence award. BMW of West Houston has recently been named Market One dealership in Houston within the BMW group and has received recognition as profile in achievement recipient many years in a row. Her store was selected to be the first future retail dealership giving consumers a glimpse into the future of car buying. Maria is influenced by numerous individuals. From a personal perspective, she is influenced by her parents because they led a great example through their standard of integrity, hard work and high morals, Maria has learned what it takes to be an effective leader and good businesswoman. Maria is one of seven children and attributes her ability to work with large groups and in a competitive environment to her great family. From a business perspective, Moncada Alaoui is influenced by a couple of mentors she has met throughout her business career. She is inspired by their examples of hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence, Karen McKemie, the first female boss she ever had, who is tenacious and a big supporter. Moncada Alaoui is also inspired by Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive. Maria is passionate about making a difference and giving back to the Houston community. She is involved with Women Driving Business, Bo's place, The Lupus Foundation and The Houston Foodbank. Maria is also on the advisory council of Altus Global Network and has served on the board of The Latino Learning Center. Recently co-founded MPower serving to develop and empower women in the automotive industry. Nevertheless, what is near and dear to her heart are children in need and for the twelfth year in the row she and her dealership are proudly contributing to Houston Children's Charity. Maria is married to Omar, whom she credits for being her strongest supporter and source of encouragement. She has an amazing stepson, Joseph. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family going on long road trips in style with The Ultimate Driving Machine. She is a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. A quote Maria remembers her mentor using and one she still refers to today is "Excuses are no more than an admission to failure." "Essentially it means, whenever we begin to make excuses for why something didn't work, we've already admitted defeat. Instead, we should use our energy to focus on what it takes to make it happen" Maria explained.

Melissa Juneau is active in several charitable organizations in Houston, including Houston Children's Charity, Texas Children's Hospital, and The Lone Survivor Foundation. She is very interested in finding ways to assist combat veterans' transition into civilian life, with an emphasis on achieving success in business and in life. Melissa and her husband, Brad, host retreats for veterans at their ranch, the Lazy J, where they also enjoy hunting and spending time with family and friends. They have one daughter, Scarlette, who attends the Kinkaid School. Melissa Juneau holds a BS in Education, specializing in Special Education. She taught elementary school for 15 years and still volunteers for The Kinkaid School.

Job Titles:

• Partner at Foley & Lardner LLP

Michael F. Rogers is a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP. His law practice primarily involves negotiating and documenting commercial transactions for a variety of clients. These transactions include sales, purchases and mergers of existing businesses, formation of joint venture arrangements, creation of new business entities, the procurement of both debt and equity financing for business operations and the implementation of significant operational contracts. His clients represent diverse business interests but include those in the business of live entertainment, oil field services, beverage distribution and manufacturing. Mr. Rogers received a B.A., cum laude, in chemical engineering from Rice University in 1980 and a J.D. with honors, from the University of Texas in 1983. He and his wife Janell live in West University and attend Church of the Apostles - Houston.

Morris Smith has held numerous positions with increasing responsibility during his tenure in the Coca-Cola system. Morris is currently the Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications and Sustainability for Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. He is responsible for managing the core public affairs and communications accountabilities for Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas. Morris is responsible for government relations, issues management, stakeholder relations, local media relations, local community giving strategy, and leadership communications. Morris is a graduate of Valparaiso University and holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. Among his recognition are the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club Legacy Award, The YMCA Black and Hispanic Achievers Award, and Dollars and Cents Magazine's Best and Brightest Business and Professional Men and Women Award. Morris served as the Chairman of the Board for 100 Black Men of Chicago, Board Member PUSH-EXCEL, Board Member, William A Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity, and is Nominations and Governance Chair for Houston Area Urban League.

Job Titles:

• Formerly Chairman & CEO of R & B Falcon Corporation

Paul B. Loyd, Jr. was formerly Chairman & CEO of R&B Falcon Corporation the world's largest and most diversified offshore drilling company. In 2001, R&B Falcon Corporation merged with Transocean Sedco Forex. At that time, Mr. Loyd retired as Chairman and joined the Board of the new company. He currently is a principal and manager of a Houston based energy hedge fund. He formerly served on the Board of Transocean, Inc., Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., and was on the Board of Enterprise Oil, plc a London Stock Exchange-listed independent oil and gas company until its sale to Shell Oil Company in 2002. He was also formerly a director of Vetco, International, a privately owned oilfield services company until its sale to General Electric in 2007. Mr. Loyd also serves on the Board of Trustees of Southern Methodist University and is Chairman of its Athletic Committee. He serves on the Executive Board of the Cox School of Business and on the Board of Houston Children's Charity. Mr. Loyd graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and was a captain of the football team. In 2012, Mr. Loyd was named a SMU Distinguished Alumni, the highest and most prestigious award the University can bestow upon its alumni. He received his Masters of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business where he earned honors. Mr. Loyd resides in Houston, Texas. He is married to Penny Requa Loyd. They have five children and two grandchildren.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Officers Team
• Secretary

In 2009 Penny, along with her husband, created The Loyd Charitable Foundation to support numerous charities in the Houston area as well as international charitable organizations. From goodwill mission trips in American Samoa to generous donations to the Baylor College of Medicine, Penny's generosity knows no bounds. Penny attended Southern Illinois University and St. Louis University. Her extensive career includes working as a banker, a computer analyst, an insurance executive, and time in the Foreign Service. She is currently the Vice President of The Loyd Charitable Foundation and works diligently to improve the lives of children in need through her service on numerous boards and charities across the community and internationally.

Job Titles:

• Assistant Treasurer
• Member of the Officers Team

Robert E. Ogle, CPA was born in St. Louis but has been a resident of Houston for 40 years. He is a well-known Certified Public Accountant and Certified Turnaround Professional. He has served as President of the Houston Chapter of the Texas Society of CPA's, President of the Good Samaritan Foundation, President of Operation Rainbow, Partner with Arthur Andersen, founded the Houston Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association and served as the first President of Houston Children's Charity. Mr. Ogle is a Senior Advisor with The Claro Group and serves as a trustee, chief restructuring officer, consultant or receiver for various companies. He and his wife Debbie have one son, Robbie.

Job Titles:

• Head
• Managing Director
• Head of U.S. Energy Investment Banking for TD Securities

Rob Pierce serves as Managing Director, Head US Energy Banking for TD Securities based in Houston, Texas. Rob joined TD Securities in 2018 and has worked in energy investment banking over 20 years. During the course of his investment banking career, Rob has represented corporate clients and financial sponsors across all verticals within the energy sector, focusing on midstream, infrastructure, and master limited partnerships. His areas of expertise include corporate and partnership mergers and acquisitions, asset acquisitions and divestitures, and equity, debt, and structured capital markets transactions and private placements. Prior to joining TD Securities, Rob served as Head of Energy Investment Banking, Americas for UBS Investment Bank. Before his investment banking career, Rob practiced corporate and securities law with a focus on the energy sector. Rob holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center. Rob, his wife Amy, and their four children live in Houston, Texas, and are active in a number of community organizations, including Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), SEARCH Homeless Services, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, and their children's schools.

Personally and professionally, every one of us has defining moments in life - moments that shape and define us and often shape the lives of others in the process. Helping others has come to define my life. The work is always fascinating, always challenging, and demanding the absolute best of me. At the end of the day, the greatest reward is feeling you've made a difference in someone's life. Profession/Career 1996 - Current: President and CEO, RobinYoung & Company, Inc. An advocate for plaintiff's rights for over two decades, Young-Ellis specializes in an array of guaranteed structured vehicles and services.

Job Titles:

• Program Services Coordinator

Job Titles:

• Accountant

Job Titles:

• Founder and CEO of Gringo 's Mexican
• Founder and CEO of Gringo 's Mexican Kitchen & Jimmy Changas

Russell Ybarra is the Founder and CEO of Gringo's Mexican Kitchen & Jimmy Changas restaurants. Russell started his restaurant career in the kitchen washing dishes and learning first-hand all facets of the foodservice industry. He caught the entrepreneurial spirit early and started El Matador Foods in 1986, a tortilla factory in Baytown, Texas. Gringo's Tex-Mex came to life in 1993 when Russell had the opportunity to branch out on his own, taking over a building in Pearland that had been home to four other failed restaurant concepts. Russell applied his philosophy of serving the highest quality Tex-Mex at the lowest price possible to the new venture. The community responded and has allowed Russell, along with his 2,600 team members, to expand the company to 23 locations, including four other concepts - Jimmy Changas, Bullritos®, The Lunch Box and Burger Libre with two more Gringo's locations currently in development, Tomball and Kyle, Texas. Thirty-one years later, with annual revenues expected to exceed 160 million dollars in 2024, Russell's passion for the well-being of his team members and community is paramount. Take care of what is important and the rest will fall into place. Russell considers himself extremely fortunate to serve Tex-Mex for a living and believes that in order for a business to realize its true purpose, their primary mission must go beyond focusing only on profits.

Job Titles:

• Chairman of the Board
• Member of the Officers Team

Tilman J. Fertitta, a Houston native, is an accomplished businessman and recognized as a world leader in the dining, hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries and is often referred to as "the world's richest restaurateur." Fertitta is the sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment which owns the restaurant giant Landry's, the Golden Nugget Casinos and Hotels and the NBA's Houston Rockets. Through his restaurant and hospitality company Landry's, Fertitta owns more than 600 properties in 36 states and in over 15 countries. He is also one of the largest employers in the nation with more than 60,000 employees. His restaurants include a signature collection of eateries, as well as more than 60 different restaurant brands and award-winning concepts. The Signature Group includes some of the world's premier fine dining concepts, such as Mastro's Steakhouse and Ocean Club, Morton's The Steakhouse, The Oceanaire, Vic & Anthony's, Brenner's Steakhouse, Grotto, Atlantic Grill, La Griglia and Willie G's, while the multi-unit restaurant brands include such well-known favorites as Chart House, Landry's Seafood House, Rainforest Cafe, Saltgrass Steak House, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Mitchell's Fish Market, Dos Caminos, Bill's Bar & Burger, Joe's Crab Shack and McCormick & Schmick's. Additionally, Fertitta owns 50% of Catch Hospitality - one of Los Angeles' and New York's most popular eateries, and is one of the principal shareholders in the fast-growing restaurant platform for online ordering and secondary on-demand food delivery, Waitr. He also owns and operates numerous gaming, hospitality and entertainment venues, including the iconic Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel brand, with 5 locations throughout the United States, including Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Biloxi, Mississippi and Lake Charles, Louisiana. Fertitta also launched into the online internet gaming world in the state of New Jersey with GoldenNuggetCasino.com and has been recognized as the top iGaming operator in the country, receiving the top iGaming operator of the year award in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In the Houston/Galveston area, he owns the award-winning San Luis Resort, The Westin Houston Downtown and several other award-winning regional hotels. In March 2018, Fertitta opened the much anticipated Post Oak Hotel, the newest ultra-modern, luxury destination located in Uptown Houston. His entertainment destinations include the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, The Kemah Boardwalk, Downtown Aquarium Denver and Houston and Tower of The Americas in San Antonio which are all featured on the Forbes, Travel Channel and USA Today's top five lists of attractions. In October 2017, Fertitta purchased the NBA's Houston Rockets for a record $2.2 Billion and is the sole owner of the team. During the first year as an NBA owner, the Houston Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Finals, set a record for the Most Wins in Franchise History. An influential business figure, Fertitta stared in his own reality TV show on CNBC called Billion Dollar Buyer. Fertitta first debuted on the Forbes 400 list in 2012 and is frequently featured in the nation's top financial and industry publications. He is also a frequent guest of prominent national business and sports programs on networks like CNBC, MSNBC, Bloomberg, ESPN, and Fox. He is considered one of the foremost authorities in the restaurant, gaming, entertainment, and hospitality industries and is slated to release his first business book "Shut up and Listen" with HarperCollins Publishers in fall of 2019. Fertitta's many personal honors include - Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Ernst & Young and induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame as the second youngest inductee. In 2012, he was named Amusement Today's Person of the Year, and in 2013, he was named Casino Journal's Executive of the Year and is one of Restaurant News' top executive almost yearly. In honor of his contributions to the travel and tourism industry in Texas, Fertitta was the recipient of the Texas Travel Industry Association's Heritage Award in 2016. In 2018, Fertitta was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Greater Houston Restaurant Association and named Executive of the Year by the Houston Sports Authority. Fertitta believes in the importance of giving back to the community and devotes a substantial amount of time to civic service and charitable organizations. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board - Houston Police Foundation, Chairman of the Board - Houston Children's Charity and is currently serving his sixth year as Chairman of the Board of Regents - University of Houston. In 2016, Fertitta contributed $20 million dollars to fund the University of Houston Basketball team's arena to be named "the Fertitta Center," which opened in December 2018. He is on the Executive Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is one of the nation's largest charitable organizations. Additionally, Fertitta serves on the boards of the Texas Heart Institute and Greater Houston Partnership. He and his wife Paige live in Houston with their four children, Michael, Patrick, Blayne, and Blake.