PIE | Leadership North East | 2011-2012 Participants
The Leadership North East (LNE) Class of 2012 is comprised of about 40 community members with a vested interest in NEISD. Members come with a variety of backgrounds--business professionals, retirees, stay-at-home parents and more.
Eddie Aldrete
As an IBC senior vice president, Eddie monitors local and federal policies that directly impact the financial market and international trade. He has more than 28 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations and political, governmental and public affairs, and he leads advocacy efforts corporate-wide. Eddie is also heavily involved in immigration reform, border security, transportation and international trade. He works with advocacy groups that share similar beliefs, including the Alliance for Security and Trade (AST), the Texas Border Coalition (TBC) and Texas Employers for Immigration Reform (TEIR). Prior to joining IBC, Eddie served as a managing director with Public Strategies, a strategic communications firm, and he also spent nearly a decade heading up his own firms, Aldrete Communications and Aldrete & Terrell. Actively involved in the San Antonio community, Eddie is the 2011 chairman for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He is active with the US Chamber of Commerce, serving on their public affairs, immigration and accreditation committees. He was appointed to the board of directors for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute by Congressman Henry Cuellar, and also serves on the Free Trade Alliance board of directors. Previously, he served on an advisory board of the College Ready Agenda in Texas for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and has served on the boards of the San Antonio Symphony, San Antonio Public Library Foundation and Accion Texas. Eddie graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and was named Outstanding Alumnus by the university’s College of Mass Communications in 2003. He and his wife Cristina spend their free time keeping up with their three young children: Cristian, Diego and Andrea.
Albert Alvarado
Albert was born and raised here in San Antonio. He moved into NEISD in 1991. He is married to Denise, and they have two children: Addison, a senior at Johnson High School, and Kaitlin, a third grader at Encino Park Elementary School. Albert is currently a Realtor (7 years) with Keller Williams Realty Heritage. Prior to that, he has 23 years of banking experience. Attended UTSA and University of the Incarnate Word.
Kendra Barnes
Kendra has been married to Rick Barnes for 18 years, and they have three children who attend schools in NEISD. She is a Texas A&M graduate with an Accounting Degree--she holds both CPA and CIA licenses. She has been a stay-at-home-mom for the last 11 years and and has served on the Tejeda Middle School PTA Board as Special Projects Chair and on the Encino Park Elementary PTA Board as 1st Vice President. She is active in her church, Bulverde United Methodist.
Joseph Bray
City President, BBVA Compass.
Arlene Brazell
Arlene H. Brazell RN, BSN is married to Kent L. Brazell. She grew up in San Antonio and is a product of NEISD. She attended Olmos, Nimitz and graduated from Lee in 1991. She received her Associates of Applied Science degree in Nursing from San Antonio college and Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Texas at Arlington. She works for Methodist Healthcare systems at Northeast Methodist Hospital as a charge nurse of the telemetry unit and serves as the telemetry representative of the Staff Nurse Practice council. Currently she is awaiting acceptance to the University of Arlington Masters degree program for Nursing Administration.
She has three children who attend/attended NEISD schools, Jeremy, Elijah and Christa Nicole. This will be her second year serving as the PTA president for Woodstone Elementary School, having served as parliamentarian two years ago. She is also a community member for the Wellness in NEISD leadership Institute or "WINLI," representing the Woodstone community in the Madison cluster.
She is also a parent member/volunteer and "first aider" for Cub Scout pack 506. She will be taking over at the chairman for pack 506 this coming year in 2012. She is also an adult member/volunteer with Girl Scout troop 119 where she serves as the troop nurse and leader for the daisy's in Girl Scout Troop 119.
She and her family attend Friendship Church in San Antonio which is in the NEISD community as well. She served in the United States Air Force during the Gulf War and is now a veteran having been honorably discharged in 1998. She is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Pat Bush
Pat earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering degree from the University of Wyoming. He entered the US Air Force flew B-52 bombers as an instructor pilot and deployed to fly combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. Pat earned an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was transferred to Wright-Patterson AFB where he was an F-16 safety analyst, executive officer and acquisition program manager. Pat transferred to Wichita Falls, Texas as an instructor pilot and then to Randolph as an instructor and program manager. After retiring from the Air Force, Pat started at Friedrich Air Conditioning Company where he has been a manufacturing engineering manager, supply quality engineer and project manager. Pat is married to Cyndi Bush, a realtor, and has three children. His son Casey is a junior at Texas A&M University, His daughter Hannah is a freshman at Texas A&M University, and his son Alex is a sophomore at Reagan High School. Pat has been on the Reagan Diamondbacker Sports Organization board for the last four years where he served as VP of Membership, Board President and is currently VP of Team Reps.
Shellie Cecchine
Shellie has lived in San Antonio for the past seven years. She is married with a 15 year old son who attends Johnson High School and a 12 year old son who attends Bush Middles School. She has served with a PTA/PTO for the past 11 years. She currently serves on the North East Council of PTAs as 1st Vice President, PTA president at Bush Middle School and 3rd Vice President at Johnson High School. She is the recipient of a Texas Lifetime Membership and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
David Choate
David is currently serving as the manager of System Performance in south central Texas for Verizon Wireless. His wife, Jennifer, is a substitute teacher for NEISD after having worked 18 years as an elementary level classroom teacher. Their daughter, Olivia, is a graduate of Madison (2010). Jordan their youngest, is currently a junior at Madison. This school year begins his sixth year working with the Madison JROTC Booster Brigade. He has served this organization as parliamentarian, treasurer, past-president advisor, and president (my current role). During the elementary years, he served as the PTA treasurer before graduating to “Orchestra Dad” during the middle school years. His start in telecommunications came in the Air Force as a microwave radio technician. His career foundation, however, started with a degree in Telecommunications Technology. He has continued to pursue academic growth as part of a life-long commitment to personal development. David earned a BS in Business Management in 2005 and an MBA in 2008. He is constantly involved in academia as a professional; either as an advisor to campus engineering programs or an editor of academic resources. He also offers editorial comments on professional trade resource manuals for Wiley & Sons, Ltd. West Sussex, UK.
"As a leader and mentor I ask my teams to be engaged in all of their activities. As a father and volunteer I am engaged in the lives of my children and continuously encourage them to take on the challenges their peers shy away from. We encourage each other to take chances, learn from our mistakes, and most importantly, continue to move-on." --David Choate
Denise Cunov
Denise is married to Kyle Cunov, a Churchill graduate. She has three sons: Chad an 8th grader at Bush, Cole a 6th grader at Bush and Cade a 3rd grader at Tuscany Heights Elementary. Denise has served as a member of the Tuscany Heights PTA Board (Secretary & 1st VP), the Bush PTA board (Founder's Day Chair & 8th Grade Party Chair). She has also served on the Canyon Springs Neighborhood Swim Team Board, Canyon Ridge Elementary PTA Treasurer, Parliamentarian and Bike Rodeo co-chair, and the Junior League of San Antonio (Ole' Market Place Merchandise Chair, Ole' Marketplace Publicity Chair, Boysville Nature Camp volunteer). She earned a BBA in Accounting & Finance from Texas A&M University.
Lisa deBona Paula
Lisa, an active mother of four and native of Maine, is a busy PTA mom and owner of Ideas in Color, LLC. Ideas in Color designs popular products such as Phrase Café®, Tag Types™, and the new Spirit Monkey™ line of sticker patches. In addition to leading a large PTA at Canyon Ridge Elementary School and managing her business, Lisa admits that her true love is spending time with her family in their San Antonio home.
Michael De La Paz
In college, Michael De La Paz discovered his passion for law and felt that working as an attorney would best utilize his skills, while making a significant difference in the lives of others. Born and raised in South Texas, Michael De La Paz graduated from The University of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He continued his studies at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree and, in 1996, was admitted to the Texas State Bar. Eager to begin fighting for the injured and vulnerable, Michael De La Paz established his firm, The Law Offices of Michael R. De La Paz.
Staci Dennis
Staci is working her dream job right now as a Center Director for Huntington Learning Center in San Antonio. She gets the opportunity to help NEISD students of all ages meet their educational goals in reading, writing, math, study skills and test taking. She is currently at the Huntington in the Stone Oak area and was previously at a Huntington in Woodstock, GA, where she served in several different roles, including Director of Education and SAT teacher. Before that, Staci worked in marketing at Microsoft and volunteered with the Girl Scouts as a Leader and Service Unit Director. Staci grew up in Sugar Land, TX, went to college at the University of North Texas, lived in Georgia for eight years, and was extremely excited to finally move back to Texas this past February. She enjoys reading, beading, and cooking, and lives in New Braunfels with her husband and two dogs.
Jack Dodge
Jack is the proud father of a 3rd grader. He had the fortune and privilege to attend Oak Grove Elementary, Garner Middle School, and MacArthur High. He went on to attend San Antonio College and graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a degree in Business Administration. Jack spent several years working in the corporate world; however, after the birth of his son, he went to help manage his mother's rental properties. A few years ago his mother's health declined and so he took over full time. This allows him more time to be involved with his son and the flexibility to volunteer at his school.
Jennifer Easley
Jennifer is married to Jeff Easley, and has three children: Ella (5th grade), Dylan (3rd grade) & Alex (1st grade). She attended North East Schools (Wilshire, Eisenhower & Churchill). Jennifer has served in the following groups: Tuscany Heights Elementary PTA President, Roan Forest Elementary PTA Treasurer & Bike Rodeo Chair, Summerglen Property Owners Association Board Vice President & Treasurer, and Junior League of San Antonio SA Works & Ole Volunteer. She was a Principal Management Consultant for Price Waterhouse Coopers. Jennifer earned B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin
Conrad Gonzales, Jr.
Conrad is a retired San Antonio firefighter/paramedic. He is now the CEO and founder of S.A.F.E. Familia and It’s A Sign…by Conrad. Conrad is a songwriter--he's produced and recorded safety songs for children and promotes his safety CD and also provides concerts locally, statewide, and nationally. It’s A Sign…by Conrad, is a company he started in 2010. He has developed safety posters that cover issues from fire safety to buckling up, literacy, staying in school, and health related issues as well. Conrad has traveled abroad to cities such as Miami, Dallas, Sacramento, New York City, Puerto Rico as the former Director of Safety Programs for the National Latino Children’s Institute based in San Antonio. He was awarded the “Paramedic of the Year Award in 1988 and 1992 for the San Antonio Fire Department. He has been teaching safety classes since 1980. He has also developed programs for teenage drivers and about drinking and driving. Conrad is also a former REALTOR and developed a first time home-buying class for high school students.
Rick Gonzalez
Chief Financial Officer, CommuniCare Health Centers and Stahl Elementary School parent
Shannon Grona
Shannon is married and has a sophomore son at Johnson High School and a 7th grade daughter at Tejeda. She has been involved as a PTA officer at her kids' schools for the past 6 years--she is an officer at both schools this year. For the past two years, she was PTA President at Tejeda. This will be her fourth year as a Council PTA Officer. She has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award every year since 2006 and has earned the Outstanding Volunteer at both Roan Forest and Tejeda, as recognized by the District. She also also received the Texas PTA Life Membership award.
William Harrison
President, Texas Associates S.A. Eisenhower Middle School parent.
Rebecca Hays
Rebecca is married to her best friend (12 years) and is the mother of three girls. She grew up in East Texas and began moving around as a young child when her mother joined the army. She met her husband when they were stationed at West Point, NY and they married when he graduated the Academy. She spends her time volunteering at her church, but keeps her family her main focus. However, after the events on September 11, 2001, her focus stretched to find ways to help others through her Family Readiness Group (FRG), which gave her many opportunities to help. They made several care packages for soldiers and sent items to New York to aid in the devastation. Rebecca joined the PTA at Fox Run Elementary after her husband retired from the military. She later became the treasurer in 2008-2010. In 2010 to present date she is the PTA President at Fox Run. She is also as of 2011 to present date the PTA 1st Vice President at Harris Middle School and on the PTA Councils Reflection Committee. She volunteers at her church Madison Hills Baptist by working with AWANA’s on Wednesdays and the Children’s Elevate program on Sundays. She is also on the decorating committee at Madison Hills Baptist and NEISD Bond Committee. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to see extended family.
Mike Henry
Consultant for RobotNext
Gene Hileman
Eugene is a Professor Emeritus at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK where he served as Professor of Business Administration and Assistant Dean of the College of Business and Technology. He has also been Vice President for Development at Central Methodist College (Missouri) and Chair of Business and Economics at Maryville College (Tennessee). He earned a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee. Eugene presently serves as the Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is second Vice President of the San Antonio Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and represents Texas United Methodist Churches on the Texas VOAD.
Charles Hunt
Charles is a Professor/Program Coordinator for San Antonio College (SAC). He earned his BA in Business Administration from Bishop College in Dallas, TX; his Master's in Management from Webster University in St. Louis, MO; and his Ph.D. in Education - Organization Leadership from University of the Incarnate Word here in San Antonio. Prior to his current teaching position, he was a job development specialist for SAC, as well as Vice President over Operations for Eason's Institute of Technology - Trade School. Before coming to SAC, he was the owner and president of InnerCity Enterprises, Inc.; the owner and operator of Hunt's Medical Supplies; the owner and operator for Hunt's Wash-A-Car; and a Marketing Representative for IBM Corporation.
Brian Lancaster
Brian Lancaster is the H-E-B Team Lead for SC Johnson & Sons, Inc. In this role, Brian has the ultimate authority and responsibility for all of the business inactions between H-E-B and SC Johnson. Brian and members of his team have won “Best of Class Awards” which recognizes top performers within the SC Johnson organization. Brian has also held jobs within SC Johnson as a Category and Insights Team Lead as well as a Manager of Consumer and Trade Solutions. Prior to his employment with SC Johnson, Brian worked for Kraft Foods for seven years. During his tenure with Kraft, Brian held numerous positions beginning with Sales Rep building up to a Customer Category Manager. Brian is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a product of the NEISD. He attended Thousand Oaks Elementary, Bradley Middle School and MacArthur High School. In addition, his three children will attend NEISD Schools with his oldest a first grader at Huebner Elementary.
Jack Leonhardt
Jack was elected Mayor of City of Windcrest on May 5, 2001; unopposed for 2nd term in May 2003; re-elected for third term in May 2005; unopposed for fourth term in May 2007; retired, May 2009. As Mayor, he served in the following positions:Immediate Past-Chairman, Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG); Previous Vice Chair, San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Policy Board (TPB); member representing the Greater Bexar County Council of Cities;President, Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 7;Treasurer, Greater Bexar County Council of Cities;Treasurer, Northeast Partnership (nine cities along NE I-35 corridor);Secretary and Acting Chairman, Walzem Road Area Revitalization, Inc.; and Appointed by Mayor Hardberger and Judge Wolff to the Transportation Task Force. Jack is married to Barbara, a gourmet cook. He has two adult daughters: Jacqueline Denham, Bandera, TX, schoolteacher and Joanne Brickson, Camp Shelby, MS, graphics illustrator. Jack was born in Willard, OH; however, he grew up in Indianapolis, IN. He earned a BA in Latin American Studies, 1963, Indiana University; MBA in Personnel Management, 1966, Indiana University; Squadron Officers School; Air Command & Staff College. Jack spent more than 20 years in the United States Air Forces, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Following his time in the air force, Jack worked for the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) from 1987-1999. He is a member of the: Windcrest American Legion Post 612; Windcrest Lions Club; Northeast Partnership; Greater Randolph Chamber of Commerce; Walzem Road Area Revitalization, Inc.; elder at John Calvin Presbyterian Church. Jack's hobbies include: eating, fishing, bridge, and yard work
Mike Leroy
Mike is the Proprietor of the Outback Steakhouse on 281. He has been the managing partner of this location since September 2010 and has been with Outback for nine years. He started with Outback in May of 2002 as a busser while attending UTSA. He worked as an hourly employee for five years when he had an opportunity to go into management with Outback. He trained for five months in the kitchen and then became an assistant manager for Outback working in College Station, Killeen, and San Antonio. He grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated high school in 2000 from Carroll High School. He and his wife Lyndsey have son named Carson. Since being managing partner he has gotten involved with the San Antonio Restaurant Association, San Antonio Young Life, and Optimist Club of San Antonio.
Morgan Matson
Attorney / Owner of Preferred Counsel Legal Placement. Oak Meadow Elementary School parent.
Patti Mezzatesta
Executive Director, North East Educational Foundation. Had children attend Encino Park Elementary School, Stone Oak Elementary School, Driscoll Middle School, Bush Middle School and Reagan High School.
Don Myles
Married 47 years to Mary Jo (Gordono) Myles--they have four children and six grandchildren. Don is a retired Army Colonel who served 28 years active duty. He has a B.A. in Humanities from Merrimack College, a Masters in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, and a PH.D. in Social Work from the National Catholic School of Social Service at the Catholic University of America. He has devoted much time to public service to the City of Windcrest serving as Mayor, Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Vice Chairman of the City Charter Commission, Vice Chairman of the Ethics Commission, and member/Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Corporation. He was Past President of Windcrest Lions Club and is currently the President of Windcrest Optimist Club.
Lara Osborn
Interior Design for Strictly Design. Northwood Elementary School parent.
Sara Parks
Sara has lived here in NEISD land for three years. She has three children in middle and elementary school. She is a substitute teacher and sub. para. She is the 2nd year secretary for her middle school's PTA, she volunteers at both schools running copies weekly, and enjoys helping out with the Alamo Area Cub and Boy Scouts.
Kym Pharris
Kym grew up in La Vernia, TX where she competed grades K-12 in the same school system. She played volleyball while furthering her education at The University of the Incarnate Word and received her degree in Education. Kym was a middle school teacher and coach for NEISD before taking a head coaching/teaching position at Fort Sam Houston High School. Currently “retired” from coaching and teaching, Kym has taken time off from her career to raise her three children: Connor (12), Carson (10) and Carlee (8). She has served as PTA President at Wilderness Oak Elementary and is currently the 2nd Vice-President in charge of Fundraising at Lopez Middle School.
Lisa Piazzi
Eisenhower Middle School and Churchill High School parent
Jason Salinas
Jason was born and raised in San Antonio. He graduated from Central Catholic High School, and received a Bachelors & Masters Degree from St. Mary's University. He lived in Houston for about 15 years after college; however, he and his family moved back to San Antonio in 2007. Jason has worked primarily in the government sector. He is married and has two daughters (ages 9 & 13), and both attend NEISD schools. Jason is currently the Chief of Constituency for District 9 City Councilwoman Elisa Chan.
Susan Shoemake
Susan has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, joining McGriff, Seibels & Williams in 2001. She holds a Property & Casualty General Lines Agents license, specializing in Public Entity accounts and Owner Controlled Insurance programs. Susan enjoys a long history of account management as well as new and renewal marketing for intermediate to large commercial accounts. In addition to her leadership role in the San Antonio office, she is also very active with the Alamo Chapter of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters, Independent Insurance Agents of San Antonio, Insurance Institute of America, the Texas Chapter of Public Risk Management Association, South Texas Risk Insurance Management Society, and National Alliance.
Susan is a Licensed Risk Manager, is OSHA certified and is currently teaching Commercial Property Insurance for the American Institute of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters. In her spare time, Susan teaches 7th Grade Religion classes, is the President of the Alamo Chapter CPCU, immediate Past-President of the LaVernia High School PTO; judges Cross Examination (CX) debate for UIL; and is active in both the Speech & Debate Club and LaVernia Athletic Boosters Association.
Alan Shoho
Alan is a Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio where he has been for the past 17 years. His research focuses on aspiring principals and assistant principals, high school social processes, and organizational cultures. In 2010, he served as the President for the University Council for Educational Administration. Alan earned his Ed.D. at Arizona State University, M.Ed. at the University of Hawaii, and his B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering at California State University at Fullerton, whereupon he worked as an Electrical Engineer at Rockwell International designing gyroscope guidance systems for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). He subsequently taught high school mathematics in Hawaii before moving into higher education. He teaches graduate courses in educational leadership including introduction to school administration, supervision, internship, a doctoral proseminar and ethics.
Andy Sowa
Andy was born in Houston. He has lived in Austin and San Antonio since 1998--San Antonio is home for good (He just recently got married on Sept. 24). Andy has two sons, 8 and 9 that attend Castle Hills. He coaches his boys at McAllister Park Little League. He loves fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1997. He's spent 10+ years in Financial Software and Banking, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100.
Laura Talley
Eisenhower Middle School PTA President / Volunteer. Laura has children at Eisenhower and Churchill High School.
David Thompson
Professor and Chair, Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio
Erik Vasys
FBI Special Agent, U.S. Department of Justice
Marika Wissel-Littmann
Marika is fortunate to be a stay-at-home mother of two NEISD students. Originally an Army brat from Oklahoma, she has called Texas home for the past 19 years and has been a San Antonio resident for the past 3 of those years. She attended Rockhurst University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. As an undergraduate she was a member of the Psychology Club, Rockhurst Organization of Collegiate Women, and Phi Sigma Tau. She holds a Masters in Developmental Psychology from the University of Houston where she taught classes in Adolescence, Cognitive psychology, and Child Development while completing her course work and research. Currently her days are filled volunteering at Harmony Hills Elementary where she is First Vice-President of Fundraising for the PTA, Chairman of the Used Book Sale and the Holiday store. She also serves on the PTA Budget and Finance Committee and is a school representative for the NEISD Council of PTAs. In addition, she is on the Library Advisory Committee at Harmony Hills. Outside of NEISD she volunteers at Classics Elite Soccer Academy as a team manager. She enjoys attending sporting events with her family, traveling, reading, and working outdoors. Her husband, Jeffrey, is Sr. Vice President of Practice Operations for Airrosti Rehab Centers. Their son is a 6th grader at Bradley Middle School and their daughter is in 4th grade at Harmony Hills Elementary.
Liz Worley
Liz has two children: Margo, a 6th grader at Bradley MS; Parker, a 4th grader at Hidden Forest ES. She is an active member of the PTAs at both schools and views supporting her kids’ educations and schools as her primary responsibility. She currently serves on the City of Hill Country Village city council, immersing herself in that city’s budget, personnel, and legislative matters. She works part-time as a freelance editor and holds a Texas real estate license. Previously Liz served for five years as a member of the school board for New Frontiers Charter School district, located in south San Antonio, as that district transitioned from a for-profit management company to being self-managed by its CEO and principal. She has been a senior editor at Education Week, covering education reform nationwide; an associate at the Public Education Network, which supports community-based education groups; and an editor of various textbooks and publications for the education community. Liz earned a master’s degree in education policy from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the University of Kansas.