Tyler ISD Foundation Board of Directors 2007-2008

OFFICERS

Mike Thomas is serving a second term as president of the Foundation board.  He recently opened his own firm, Michael Thomas, CPA of Tyler.  Mike and his wife, Shea, have two daughters, Kelsey (age 7, Rice Elementary) and Katherine (age 1).  Mike has been active in a variety of community activities such as United Way (board president), Chamber of Commerce (board president), Leadership Tyler (Class 10), and First Christian Church activities.  Mike has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Louisiana State University.

Ross Conner is serving as vice president-development and will chair this year’s annual fund drive for the Foundation.  Ross is the president of Conner Communities, Inc. in Tyler.  He and his wife, Stacy, have one son, Jack (age 4).  Ross attended Hubbard Middle School and Robert E. Lee High School and received his BBA from Texas A&M University.  He has been involved in PATH, Leadership Tyler (Class 19) and the Tyler Area Builder's Association activities. 

Dawn Franks, vice president-governance, is serving her second term as an officer of the Foundation.  Dawn is employed as program officer for the Fourth Partner Foundation.  She attended Dixie Elementary, Ramey Elementary, Boulter Junior High, John Tyler High School and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Tyler.  She has been involved in the Tyler Executive Women’s Network, Leadership Tyler (director at large), South Tyler Rotary Club (program chair and past president), UT Tyler Alumni Association (president), and the East Texas Council of Governments Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. 

Larry Bolton is serving as treasurer of the Foundation and will chair the Finance Committee.  Mr. Bolton is senior vice president and chief lending officer for Austin Bank, Texas NA.  He and his wife, Sandra, have two daughters, Amy Bolton Brown and Susan Bolton Hill.  Larry received his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and graduated from the School of Banking at SMU.  He has served on the Board of Directors for the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tyler Health Facilities Development Corporation.  Mr. Bolton serves on the City of Tyler’s Tax Abatement Review Committee and Smith County’s Tax Abatement Review Committee. 

Lynette Birdsong is the secretary of the Foundation Board of Directors.  She is the office administrator at Birdsong and Armstrong, P.C.  She and her husband, Lindsey, have two daughters in Tyler ISD, Nichole and Erin.  Lynette received her BBA in marketing from TCU.  Her activities have included:  Junior League of Tyler, Women’s Symphony League, Literacy Council, PTA Council, campus PTAs, Green Acres Baptist Church activities and Cattle Baron’s. 

Kathey Comer serves as a director at large on the Executive Committee for the Foundation Board of Directors.  She is executive vice president of the Tyler Area Builders Association.  She and her husband, Edward, have one daughter, Katie, a Tyler ISD graduate who works for Ralph Hall in Washington. Kathey graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s degree from the University of North Texas.  Kathey serves as a board member of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Leadership Texas Alumnae Association, and several other Tyler area civic and leadership activities.   

Tom Slack also serves as a director at large on the Executive Committee for the Foundation Board of Directors and has chaired the Gil Hitt Memorial Golf Tournament for several years.  Mr. Slack is the CEO and vice president of managed care for HealthFirst TPA, Inc., East Texas Medical Center.  Tom and his wife, Marcia, are the parents of four children, all Robert E. Lee High School graduates.  Tom holds degrees from Lee College and Southwest Texas State University (BA in accounting).  He served on the University of Texas Development Board and President’s Council. 

DIRECTORS

Blake Armstrong is an attorney with Birdsong and Armstrong, P.C.  He and his wife, Kelli, have two children, Avery age 3, and new baby Alec.  Blake’s bachelor’s degree is in political science from Stephen F. Austin and his law degree is from the University of Tulsa.  Mr. Armstrong has been active in the United Way of Tyler/Smith County, serving on the Board of Directors.  He also served on the Red Cross Board of Directors and the Tyler/Smith County Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors. 

Tab Beall is an attorney with Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP in Tyler.  He and his wife, Bonnie, a Tyler ISD teacher, have two children, Jennifer and Trey, who attended Tyler ISD schools.  Tab also attended Tyler ISD and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School.  His undergraduate degree is from Trinity University and his J.D. is from Texas Tech.  Tab’s community involvement includes:  Marvin United Methodist Church, Heart of Tyler/Main Street, Tyler Tennis and Swim Club, Smith County Bar Association, Smith County Bar Foundation, and the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority.  Tab served as president of the Foundation Board for three years.

Dr. Lou Ann Berman is the assistant vice president for student success at the University of Texas at Tyler and has been the dean of allied health at Tyler Junior College.  Dr. Berman has degrees from Tyler Junior College, Stephen F. Austin University, the University of Texas at Tyler and her doctorate from Texas Woman’s University.  Lou Ann has been active in the community through the East Texas Symphony Orchestra Board, Women’s Symphony League, UT Tyler Alumni Board, Cattle Baron’s Gala Committee and past board member of Smith County Habitat for Humanity and Tyler Civic Ballet.  She and her husband, Leo, live in Tyler but spend a great deal of time in Austin during legislative sessions.

Betty Bower is a retired college and high school journalist/marketing and advertising faculty member.  She and her husband, Louis, have been married more than 50 years and have three children.  Betty’s undergraduate and graduate degrees are from the University of Missouri.  She currently serves as president of the Tyler Sister Cities, Inc, and immediate past president of the University of Texas Friends of the Arts.  She is past president of the East Texas Symphony, past president of PEO Sisterhood, and state editor of the American Association of University Women news magazine.

Bill Coates is the sports anchor/account executive for Gleiser Communications, LLC.  Bill is an on air personality on KTBB as well as Tyler ISD TV, cable access channel 19.  His wife, Diana, is employed with Tyler ISD, and they have three children who have attended Tyler ISD schools.  Bill attended Jones, Hogg, Stewart and graduated from John Tyler High School in 1975.  He has an A.A. degree from Tyler Junior College and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.  Mr. Coates is involved in the Rotary Club of South Tyler (president, assistant district governor) and Junior Achievement (board member). 

Dr. Jack Davidson is the only person elected as a life loyal director of the Tyler ISD Foundation Board of Directors.  He is the retired superintendent of Tyler ISD and was instrumental in the creation of the Foundation in 1990.  Dr. Davidson and his wife, Ina, are the parents of three children, William, deceased; Nancy and Evan.  Dr. Davidson’s degrees include: A.B. from Franklin College, Indiana, M.S. from Indiana University, Ed.A. Indiana State University, and his Ph.D. from Indiana University.  He has done post-doctorate course work at Harvard University and Columbia University.  Dr. Davidson is involved on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army and the Finance Committee at Marvin Methodist Church.

Paul A. Fisher is the business leader, Tyler operations, for TRANE.  He and his wife, Beth, have four children, Dexter, Dakota, Dancie (R.E. Lee) and Denali (Jack Elementary.)  Mr. Fisher holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Iowa and a MBA in finance/organizational development from Southern Illinois at Edwardsville.  He has served as a United Way board member

Dr. Gary Gross is with the Blood and Cancer Center of East Texas.  He graduated from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons with a MD and has been in the profession for 31 years. Dr. Gross has two daughters, both John Tyler High School graduates, and two step-daughters with his wife, Lisa.  Dr. Gross has been involved with Vote Yes Committee.

Catherine Harrison is a campus volunteer with Tyler ISD.  She and her husband, Craig, are the parents of three sons: Craig II (Lee), Christian (John Tyler and Lee), and Chandler (Hubbard).  Mrs. Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from Baylor University and certification from Baylor’s O.R. Nursing Program.  Catherine is involved in the Women’s Symphony League, coordinator of the Junior Symphony League, motivational speaker on behalf of education, sponsor of the John Tyler fencing club, PTA (JT, Rice, and Lee), Medical Alliance, John Tyler’s representative for Title I Advisory Committee, John Tyler CAS coordinator for IB Program, and Lee volunteer for NHS.

Gary Howell is president of Hibbs Hallmark and Company.  He and his wife, Ann, are involved in several Tyler community activities.  Gary has two children, Chris and Melissa.  He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas.  Mr. Howell is active in the Smith County Historical Society, Camp Ford Historical Society, Cooperative Teachers Credit Union Board of Directors, and is a former Tyler ISD school board trustee. 

Doug Hunsley is director of advanced manufacturing engineering, TRANE, in Tyler.  He and his wife, Connie, have three daughters, Sarah, Suzanne, and Stefanie, who attended Woods, Hubbard and Lee in Tyler ISD.  Doug graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  He has been involved in the leadership of the United Way of Tyler as chairman.

Phil Hurley is president and general manager of CBS 19 KYTX; Max Media of Texas.  Mr. Hurley and his wife, Jenise, have two children, both Tyler ISD graduates.  Phil served nine years on the Tyler ISD school board of trustees and is a past president.  He has a BBA in marketing from the University of Texas at Austin.  Phil’s community activities have included:  East Texas Food Bank (director), United Way of Texas (state director), Rotary Club, Trinity Mother Frances Long Term Acute Care Hospital (board member), Green Acres Baptist Church, Children’s Miracle Network (TV producer), and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce (director). 

Chris Jones is the branch manager of the East Texas Professional Credit Union in Tyler.  He has his wife, Lesley, have two children, Presley (age 1) and Peyton (age 5).  Chris attended Clarkston, Moore and Lee.  He holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler.  Chris is the vice president of the Tyler Area Chapter of Credit Unions. 

Micheal Lavender, commercial relationships at First Federal Bank, Tyler.  He and his wife, Erin, have two daughters, Campbell and Abigail.  He holds an associate of arts degree from Tyler Junior College, a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology/sociology from Texas A&M University, an MBA (finance/statistics) from Texas A&M University, and Certificate (Entrepreneurial Business): Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence from University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and St. Edwards University (consortium).  He has been involved as a United Way loaned executive, Leadership Tyler (Class 18), Tyler Area Chamber Technology Committee and Contact Club and serves on the Leadership Tyler Board of Directors.

Mark McDaniel is the deputy city manager for the City of Tyler.  He and his wife, Cindy, have three children, Meagan, Jim and Will, all Tyler ISD students.  He holds a B.A. degree and an M.P.A. degree from the University of North Texas.  Mark is involved in the Tyler Rotary Club, United Way, Tyler Men’s Garden Club, East Texas Fair Board, and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Felicity Reedy is president of The Genecov Group.  She and her husband, John, have two children, Andrew and Amanda, who attended Rice, Hubbard, and Lee.  She holds a M.Ed. from the University of Texas at Tyler.  Felicity is involved in the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, Tyler Economic Development Board and CASA. 

Randy Reid, Ed.D. is the Superintendent of Tyler Independent School District.  He and his wife, Vicki, a TISD counselor, have three sons, Brent at the University of North Texas, Scott at Baylor, and Todd, a sophomore at Robert E. Lee High School.  Dr. Reid received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University and his graduate degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

Kristen Seeber is a community and campus volunteer.  She and her husband, Joey, have two sons, Joseph and Witt, who have attended Andy Woods and Moore MST.  Kristen attended Hubbard Middle School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School.  She holds two degrees from Baylor University (B.A. and M.S.)  Kristen has been involved in the Junior League of Tyler, Historic Tyler, Rose Festival, Children’s Miracle Network, Li’l Wranglers (Cattle Baron’s), Andy Woods PTA, Moore MST PTA, Vote Yes Committee and First Baptist Church.

Mary Lynn Smith is a community and campus volunteer.  She and her husband, Roger, have two children, Jake, a Lee grad now at Rice University and Mika, a Lee High School student.  She holds a BBA degree from Stephen F. Austin in accounting.  Her current community activities include:  Lee PTA Board member, Marvin United Methodist Church (librarian, Council on Ministries, administrative board, and hand bell choir), St. Paul Children’s Foundation (food pantry volunteer and newsletter editor), AAUW (scholarship chair), and East Texas Church Librarians Association. In the past, Mary Lynn has been involved with Literacy Council, president of Parents for Public Schools, Vote Yes Committee, Leadership Tyler (Class 9), and Tyler Community Tennis Association.

Lonny Uzzell, executive vice president of Southside Bank, is a native of Tyler and attended the Tyler public school system.  He is a graduate of John Tyler High School and received his associate of arts degree from Tyler Junior College.  He was awarded the TJC Young Alumnus Award in 1997 and was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2003.  He and his wife, Kelley, have two sons, Mark and Matt, both Tyler ISD graduates.  He has been involved in numerous community activities including:  East Texas Fair, Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler Police Foundation, Tyler Rose Festival (past president), Tyler Rose Museum president, All Saints Episcopal School board member, and UT Health Center Tyler Development Board among others.

Ron Vickery is an attorney for Peltier Enterprises. He and his wife, Leigh, have two children, Will (age 10) and Smith (age 8) who are Tyler ISD students.  Mr. Vickery received his bachelor’s of business administration degree at Baylor University and his J.D. at the Baylor School of Law.  He is vice president of the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees and has served on the board since 2003.  Ron is president of the Smith County Bar Association, president of the Smith County Bar Foundation, board member of Parents Anonymous, and past board member of both Historic Tyler and Tyler Teen Court.

Ed Wallace is retired from a successful career and is now involved in real estate management in the Tyler area.  He is active in several civic activities.