Current Members
Bob Binder
Profession: Attorney
Job Title: Principal
Company: Bob Binder & Associates, PC
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: J.D. UT Law School
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78731
Resume Highlights:
Binder Bob & Associates PC is a legal office located in Austin, TX. Credentialed Mediator. Austin City Council; Univ. of Texas, Student Body President; Austin Airport Advisory Board, Chairman and Vice-Chairman and Board Member; Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, Past President; Univ. of Texas Army ROTC Alumni Ass'n. (Texas Caissons); Austin YMCA, Past Director; Cat Mountain Homeowners' Ass'n. Past President and Board Member; Austin City Hall, Mayor’s Design Committee Board Certified as Trial Lawyer in Personal Injury.
Savy Buoy
Profession: Real Estate Broker
Job Title: President
Company: Savy Realty and Acquisition
Ethnic Heritage: Asian
Gender: Female
Education: ACC; Texas Real Estate & Broker License
Category: Legal & Professional
Residential Zip Code: 78734
Resume Highlights:
Savy, the owner of Savy Realty and Acquisition, a certified women business enterprise, located in Travis County Precinct 1, is a contributing member of her community, actively engaged in numerous Asian business organizations and real estate associations. Savy is a knowledgeable and trusted realty specialist with a decade of experience in the real estate industry. Licensed as a broker, she has gained a reputation for exceptional customer satisfaction, dedicated follow-through and quality service.
Socar Chatmon-Thomas
Profession: Real Estate Broker
Job Title: President
Company: Elegant Estates by Auction
Ethnic Heritage: Black
Gender: Female
Education: Rice Univ; BS Electrical Engineering
Category : Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78701
Resume Highlights:
Top producer with more than 17 years of real estate experience. Has received several honors for her work in real estate, including OMEGA TAU RHO Award. As NAR Director, chosen as the Federal Political Contact (FPC) for Congressman Lloyd Doggett. Served on various boards: TAR Housing Initiative Committee; TAR Financial Services Task Force, Advisory Member; TREPAC Trustee; has participated in TAR Hill Visits in Washington, D.C. since 1996. Chairman of Energy Conversation Subcommittee (ABOR). Assisted Katrina Victims relocating to Austin in 2005-06.
Daniel Chi
Profession: Finance
Job Title: President
Company: Chi Financial Group
Ethnic Heritage: Asian
Gender: Male
Education: UT - BA Economics
Category: Legal and Professional
Residential Zip Code: 78730
Resume Highlights:
Market company expertise in executive benefits consulting, employee benefits plans, and business transition strategies to closely held companies. Provide high net worth individuals and families in the areas of estate distribution strategies, charitable giving, family trusts planning. Affiliations: Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce; Board member (2012-present) Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau; Board member (2004-2005) Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce; Treasurer, Board member (2003-2012).
David Courreges
Profession: Attorney
Job Title: Founding Member
Company: Courregas, PC
Ethnic Heritage:Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: St.Mary's Univ - J.D.; MPA; UT - B.A.
Category: Legal & Professional
Residential Zip Code: 78739
Resume Highlights:
David is the founding shareholder of Courreges, PC. His practice includes legislative and governmental affairs, administrative law, association law and mediation. He is president-elect of the Austin Young Lawyers Association, co-chairs the ABA/AYLA Leadership Academy, and the Austin Bar Wildfire Legal Response Team. He is also active in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Austin Young Chamber, The Settlement Home for Children, Leadership Austin, and Volunteer Legal Services.
Martha S. Dickie
Profession: Attorney
Job Title: Partner
Company: Almanza, Blackburn & Dickie
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Female
Education: UT Doctor of Juris; UT BA
Category: Legal & Professional
Residential Zip Code: 78746
Resume Highlights:
President State Bar of Texas, 2006-2007 and Board of Directors 1989-1992; 1989-92 Travis County Bar Association (President, 1988-89; President, Criminal Law and Procedure Section, 1985-86); Texas Board of Legal Specialization (June 1995-May 2001), Texas Bar Foundation (Trustee, 1992-95, Chair of the Fellows, 2003-04); President Austin Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) 2010-2012.
Frank Fuentes
Profession: Development & Construction
Job Title: Owner
Company: F & B Development and Construction
Ethnic Heritage: Hispanic
Gender: Male
Education: Not shown on resume/vita
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78730
Resume Highlights:
Listed among the Top 100 Latino Businessmen since 1999. Received the Hispanic Achievement Award for Business Entrepreneurship from Hispanic Business Magazine. One of the founders of the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association. Chair and member of the Board of Adjustment for the City of Austin. Appointed to the Advisory Board of Small Business for the U.S. Department of Energy in 2005. Appointed as Chair of the Travis County Bond Advisory Committee.
Larry Graham
Profession: Senior Management
Job Title: Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Company: Texas Gas Service
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: UT LBJ, MA; Georgetown BS Business
Category: Downtown/Business Interests
Residential Zip Code: 78757
Resume Highlights:
Downtown Austin Alliance; Chair, Board of Directors, October 2012-present;Texas Bicycle Coalition; Board of Directors, 2008- 2013, Chair 2011-13; Mexic-Arte Museum; member, Board of Directors, October 2010 present; Travis County Citizen’s Bond Review Committee; February-August 2011; Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; member, Board of Directors, 2002- 2009, Leadership Austin, Essential Class, 2005-06; St. Edwards University; Business Development Council, 2001- 2003; Town Lake YMCA; Board of Managers, 2003 – 2009; Central Texas Better Business Bureau; Board of Directors, 2004 2006
Thedora (Dora) Hernandez
Profession: Executive Management
Job Title: Consultant-Community Edu. & Outreach
Company: Self Employed
Ethnic Heritage: Hispanic
Gender: Female
Education: Not shown on resume/vita
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78613
Resume Highlights:
Former positions include: TX Department of State Health Services: Asthma Program Coordinator, managed program funded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wrote and submitted successful grants, bringing in several million dollars. Projects Manager, Infectious Disease Surveillance & Epidemiology Branch: Developed and implemented continuing medical education activities for physicians, other clinicians and community health services providers. Regional Manager, Earle Palmer Brown, communications firm, Washington, DC: Managed field operations over 22 states. U S Immigration & Naturalization Service, Washington, DC: Served on the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform.
Grova Fregia Jones
Profession: Retired
Job Title: Vice-President
Company: First Citizens Bank, Austin, Tx.
Ethnic Heritage: Black
Gender: Female
Education: Lamar University - BBA
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78736
Resume Highlights:
Lyons Gardens Senior Housing (Board of Directors) 2009- current. Family Eldercare – Board President; 2012-2013 Family Eldercare – Board of Directors; 2009-2013 Other Previous Board Appointments include – Austin Area Urban League (Chair), Meals on Wheels (Secretary), Zachary Scott Theatre.
Christopher Kennedy
Profession: Community Leader
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Leadership Austin
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: UT Austin; BS Communication
Category: Aesthetics & Design of Public Places
Residential Zip Code: 78703
Resume Highlights:
Accomplished business and community leader with over 25 years of progressively responsible experience and proven track record to deliver successful results. Self-motivated problem solver with consistent ability to set and achieve prioritized goals by developing and implementing strategic plans. Strong skills in public speaking and conflict resolution. COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP: Lift Alliance; Communities in Schools; The Trail Foundation; Leadership Austin; Austin Area Research Organization; Austin Community Foundation; St. Austin Church.
Michael P. McGill
Profession: Government Administration
Job Title: Policy Director & Chief of Staff
Company: Office of the Mayor Pro Tem, Sheryl Cole
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: Penn State University
Category: Downtown/Business Community Interests
Residential Zip Code: 78702
Resume Highlights:
Michael spent 10 years in the Semiconductor industry working on strategic planning and technology roadmaps prior to engaging his passion for public policy with the City of Austin. Certifications include those in planning, logistics and process improvement. He is a graduate of the City Works Academy, Leadership Austin Essentials Class and ARRO McBee Fellowship. Michael is a past president of his neighborhood association and home owner’s association and also volunteers actively on behalf of health, parks, arts and historic preservation charities.
Linda Phan
Profession: Policy Management
Job Title: Executive Director
Company: SAHELI – Asian Family Support Services
Ethnic Heritage: Asian
Gender: Female
Education: UT - BS- Evolution; - BA Biology
Category: Family Services
Residential Zip Code: 78723
Resume Highlights:
Experience with overall organizational management including financial administration and business administration; grant preparation and administration; program planning and development; volunteer management; event planning; strategic planning; Board and community relations; and marketing and communications. Asian Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Institute;National Domestic Violence Hotline; Texas Council on Family Violence, Policy Committee Member; Travis County Family Violence Task Force; Travis County Victim Services Task Force; City of Austin, Commissioner on Immigrant Affairs.
Rajina Pradhan
Profession: Food Service
Job Title: General Manager
Company: Tarka Indian Kitchen
Ethnic Heritage: Asian Indian
Gender: Female
Category: Downtown/Business Community Interests
Frank Rodriguez
Profession: Financial & Business Planner
Job Title: Business Owner
Company: various
Ethnic Heritage: Hispanic
Gender: Male
Education: Trinity Univ. Urban Studies Program
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78741
Resume Highlights:
City of Austin coordinator for city's improvement program (CIP) - involved in development of five bond programs during a time high growth. Promoted to Budget Director for COA's operating budget of over $700 million and capital improvement program of over $900 million. Helped to develop and analyze private/public partnerships for a new city hall; healthcare delivery options; led team to perform management audits of several City departments with recommendations to the City Manager and City Council. Served as Vice-Chairman of the City of Austin's Economic Development Commission; Chair of Travis County Appraisal Review Board.
Cookie Gregory Ruiz, C.F.R.E.
Profession: Executive Management
Job Title: Executive Director
Company: Ballet Austin
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Female
Education: Not shown on resume/vita
Category: Downtown/Business Community Interests
Residential Zip Code: 78750
Resume Highlights:
Has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of strategic planning, organizational development and non-profit fund-raising/management. AWARDS: Austin Business Journal's "Profiles in Power" Award, Austin Community Foundation's Beverly S. Sheffield Award for Excellence as a Nonprofit Executive, The American Red Cross "Clara Barton Medal of Honor," Volunteer of the Year for the Austin Independent School District, The Junior League of Austin Volunteer Extraordinaire Award, the Lone Star Girl Scout Council "Women of Distinction" Award.
Mia L. Sneed, LMSW
Profession: Social Work
Job Title: Social Worker
Company: Office of Parental Representation
Ethnic Heritage: Black
Gender: Female
Education: UT MS Social Work; Belmont Univ. BA
Category: Family Services
Residential Zip Code: 78749
Resume Highlights:
Certified Facilitator, Parent Engagement in Self Advocacy (PESA) Training. Certified Facilitator, Knowing Who You Are Training. Member, Travis County Model Court, Disproportionality Committee. Field Instructor, School of Social Work Social Work, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work; Field Instructor, School of Social Work, Texas State University, School of Social Work . Member, National Association of Social Workers. Board Member, Parenting Across Colors (2011-2012). Mentor, Alumni and Community Mentoring Program for Students of Color, University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work.
Julia Spann, MSW
Profession: Executive Management
Job Title: Executive Director
Company: SafePlace
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Female
Education: UT Arlington-MS; Tx A&M-BS Psychology
Category: Family Services
Residential Zip Code: 78751
Resume Highlights:
Basic Needs Coalition of Central Texas, Past Chair, current member; One Voice Central Texas, Past Chair, current member; I Live Here, I Give Here, Advisory Committee member; Austin Community Foundation Women’s Fund, Past co-chair, Membership Committee Downtown Austin Alliance, 2005 Board Member; Security and Maintenance Committee member; Austin Area Human Service Association, Executive Committee member; Ending Chronic Homeless Organizing Committee (ECHO); Envision Central Texas, Social Equity Committee member; Texas Council of Family Violence, Member of Public Policy Committee.
Kenneth D. Thompson, Sr.
Profession: Professional Manager & Supervisor
Job Title: Talk Show Host "The Dad-Show"
Company: Child Inc. Austin
Ethnic Heritage: Black
Gender: Male
Education: Dynamics of Elec Southwest Inst.
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78753
Resume Highlights:
Director of "All American Mentoring Project" - emphasis on children from single parent homes. and low social economic status. Program Coordination for fatherhood roundtables for various regions in the state. Lead facilitator, key note speaker, policy writer and reviewer, exploring methods to engaging fathers in various settings throughout Texas. Counseled students on defining career and work related goals and objectives. Obtained grants to defer costs for community programs to assist disadvantage youth. Volunteer coordinator for Travis County's Sheriff Campaign Community Program, Adult Education, "Focus on the Father."
Jeffrey W. Travillion, Sr.
Profession: Senior Business Consultant
Job Title: Division Manager, Systems Engineering
Company: COA - Public Works Dept.
Ethnic Heritage: Black
Gender: Male
Education: UT LBJ School; Master of Public Affairs
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78660
Resume Highlights:
In 1996 selected by Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock to be part of a team to develop the Family Pathfinders Program that was designed to identify community resources and build a community infrastructure for Texans receiving public assistance. Co-Chairman of Education and Employment for the African American Quality of Life Initiative. Staff liaison to City of Austin and AISD Joint Committee to identify partnership opportunities and helped develop best practices to support and enhance educational attainment for students. Graduate of Leadership Austin. Executive Committee Member of the Board of the Austin Project.
Rosa Rios Valdez
Profession: Business Development/Real Estate Lending
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: BCL of Texas
Ethnic Heritage: Hispanic
Gender: Female
Education: UT Austin graduate
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78736
Resume Highlights:
Certified in development finance by the National development Council of New York. Has served as Executive Director for BCL of Texas since 1997, growing company's net assets over 21 fold from $600,000 to over $13,000,000. Has served as manager of business finance in the Texas Governor's Office of Economic Development. Former Director of Economic Development for LCRA. Serves on the Economic Development Board for the Capital area Planning Council of Government. Serves on the Board of the NeighborWorks America Community Capital Corporation. Completed Exec. Mgt. program at Harvard University, JFK School of Government.
Michael J. Whellan
Profession: Attorney
Job Title: Civil Litigator
Company: Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: UT, Lib.l Arts , B.A; J.D. with Honors
Category: Legal & Professional
Residential Zip Code: 78731
Resume Highlights:
Michael Whellan represents local and national clients in a variety of disputes, including those involving trade secrets, contracts, misrepresentations, fraud and product liability. He also represents clients before city and county governmental entities in land-use and business matters. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County - President 1999-2000; Board of Directors, 1994-2001; Founders Board, 2001-present. Travis County Dispute Resolution Center - Board of Directors, 1995-1999; Advisory Board, 1999-present; Volunteer Mediator. Leadership Austin, Class of 1996-1997.
Melvin G. Wrenn
Profession: Economics and Business Development
Job Title: Principal
Company: LCM Capital Marketing Group
Ethnic Heritage: Black
Gender: Male
Education: Tennessee State University - BS
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78724
Resume Highlights:
Founding principal of Local Community Management (LCM), an Austin-based company, has been involved in community, economic and business development since 1980. He has over twenty years of experience in management and business ownership and has worked with corporate financing, venture capital, franchises and government financing through city, county, state and federal programs. He has been an active volunteer in multiple nonprofit organizations where he has assisted in the revitalization of distressed low-to-moderate income communities.
Former Members
Brian East
Profession: Attorney
Job Title: Senior Attorney
Company: Disability Rights Texas
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: J.D. UT Law School; BA - Sociology, UT
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78723
Resume Highlights:
He worked at legal aid for two years, and in private practice for 14 years, before joining the Texas “P&A,” Disability Rights Texas (formerly known as Advocacy, Inc.), a non-profit corporation advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Currently a Board Member of both the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and the Texas Employment Lawyers Association (TELA). Serves on the Legal Advocacy Subcommittee of the American Diabetes Association, and in the past has served as the Chair of NELA’s Disability Rights Comm., and on the legal committees of the Nat. Disability Rights Network and of AIDS Services of Austin.
Michael A. Kennedy, SIOR
Profession: Real Estate
Job Title: CEO, President
Company: Commercial Texas
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: South Tx, Doctor of Juris; Univ. St. Thomas BS Educ
Category: Downtown/Business Community Interests
Residential Zip Code: 78703
Resume Highlights:
Throughout his career, Mr. Kennedy has been recognized as one of the most active office leasing and sales brokers in the Austin area. active member of the SIOR - Society of Industrial and Office Realtors®. This prestigious designation is recognized throughout the industry for denoting the most well-studied, capable, ethical and experienced brokerage practitioners. He is a charter member and past president of the Austin Commercial Brokers Association (CBA). Former President of the ZACH Theatre Board; Former Board of Trustees Member of the Austin Museum of Art; Founding Fellow of the Austin Bar Association.
Perry Lorenz
Profession: Real Estate Developer
Job Title: Principal
Company: CVI
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: UT Austin; MBA & BA
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78703
Resume Highlights:
Lorenz has formed and serves as managing general partner of numerous partnerships involved in the development and redevelopment of downtown properties, with a recent emphasis on inner city residential projects. In 2001, with partners, he developed The Nokonah, the first high-rise, high end condominium project in downtown Austin in 25 years. More recently he, with partners and through CVI, of which he is a founding principal, has developed more than 700 condominium units in mixed use projects throughout Central Austin.
Heather McKissick
Profession: Organizational Development Specialist
Job Title: VP of Human Resources
Company: University Federal Credit Union
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Female
Education: Not shown on resume/vita
Category: Legal & Professional
Residential Zip Code: 78737
Resume Highlights:
Former Chief Executive Officer of Leadership Austin; Director of Organizational Development and Education for the Seton Healthcare Family; Former Assistant Dean of Humanities at St. Edward's University; Recipient of the Austin Business Journal “Profiles in Power” award; Member of the Community Advisory Board for the Young Women’s Alliance; Chair of the Advisory Council for the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce which named her “2013 Inspiring Leader of the Year. ”Honored by the Girl Scouts of Central Texas with their esteemed “2014 Women of Distinction” designation.
Richard A. Moya
Profession: Retired
Job Title: Commissioner Precinct 4
Company: Travis County
Ethnic Heritage: Hispanic
Gender: Male
Education: Durham Business College
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78736
Resume Highlights:
Consultant on Public Outreach & Governmental Affairs, Various Clients; Consultant, 1st Tee of Greater Austin; Director of Field Operations, First Team Austin; Deputy Chief of Staff, Texas Governor Ann Richards; Director of Field Operations, Texas Agricultural Commissioner Jim Hightower; County Commissioner, Travis County Precinct Four; Chief Investigator, Legal Aid & Defender's Society - Travis County. MEMBERSHIPS: Capital Area Planning Council - Chairman, Past Vice-Chairman; National Association of Counties - Board of Directors; Capital Area Rural Transportation System - Chairman.
Bill Oakey
Profession: Retired
Job Title: Accountant
Company: Tx Health and Human Services Comm.
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Education: Texas State University - BBA
Category: Commissioner at Large Appointee
Residential Zip Code: 78703
Resume Highlights:
Served on the City of Austin Electric Utility Commission from 1985 to 1990. Recently served for three years on the board of the Austin Visual Arts Association. In 1987, proposed two taxpayer reforms to the Texas Legislature that were adopted into law. These were the Truth in Taxation law for public hearing notices on local property tax increases and the over-65 freeze on school property taxes. Been actively involved in research and communication with the Travis County Commissioners and with county staff regarding the proposed new Civil & Family Courts Complex.
Laura Wolf
Profession: Attorney
Job Title: Executive Director
Company: CASA of Travis County, Inc.
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Gender: Female
Education: UT - J.D.; Smith College - BA Psychology
Category: Family Services
Residential Zip Code: 78731
Resume Highlights:
Leads non-profit organization with a budget of more than $3 million, a staff of 47 and a volunteer base of 600 in providing advocacy for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. COMMUNITY SERVICE: Children’s Justice Act Task Force, Texas Center for the Judiciary - Elected member of statewide task force and chair of Grants Committee; Travis County Child Protective Services Board - Board member appointed by County Commissioner; The Junior League of Austin - Past President & Treasurer; One Voice Central Texas - Treasurer; Con MI MADRE - Board of Directors; Austin Rape Crisis - Former President.
