2014 Hometown Heroes names four outstanding individuals, one business

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Four individuals and one business have been selected as the 2014 Hometown Heroes. Dr. Austin Lane, Brenda Mizell, Jeff Shipley, Bret Strong and the Huntsman Corporation are the honorees that will be recognized for their many contributions to the community at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, benefiting Interfaith of The Woodlands. The late Dr. Vance LeCrone will be honored with a special award, Hometown Angel.

The Gala will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, according to Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. The 2014 Hometown Heroes were chosen by a Selection Committee composed of Hometown Heroes alumni, a group that includes 97 residents of The Woodlands and 11 businesses that have contributed to the educational, civic, cultural and spiritual fabric of the community. The annual tradition of honoring Hometown Heroes began in 1999 as a part of The Woodlands 25th Anniversary Celebration and has continued ever since.

“The Hometown Heroes are positive role models in The Woodlands. We appreciate the dedication, volunteerism and compassion they demonstrate in the community,” said Snyder. “This year, we had so many wonderful nominations which speaks to the true value and essence of this community we call home.”

A resident of The Woodlands, Dr. Austin Lane is a devoted father and great leader, serving as President of Lone Star College-Montgomery since 2009. During his first semester at the college, he showed his belief in student Kaity Beauregard Fisher. She was president of the school’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the chapter faced extinction. With Lane’s support and guidance, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Lone Star College-Montgomery received Student Organization of the Year and Most Improved Chapter in the State of Texas. Lane received an Outstanding Support award for his contributions to the chapter. Throughout his tenure, he has led the college through a period of enrollment growth and multiple campus building projects, all while keeping the college focused on its strategic planning and student success efforts.

Lane is very active in the community and holds key positions with Amegy’s Advisory Board, Montgomery County United Way Board (serving as Campaign Chair in 2011-12), The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Economic Development Council, and Conroe Regional Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. He was named to the Southern Methodist University Education Policy and Leadership Advisory Board in 2013. He has also shown volunteerism with Montgomery County Homeless Coalition, Montgomery County Women’s Center, Interfaith of The Woodlands, Montgomery County Food Bank, and more.

“Dr. Lane is a servant leader and leads by example. His true passion for student success creates motivation, determination, and perseverance,” said Sheila Davenport, Administrative Assistant to the President at the college. “Every day Dr. Lane walks into Maverick Country with a smile, excited and energized, so happy to be the President of Lone Star College-Montgomery.”

Brenda Mizell, and her husband, John, have been residents of The Woodlands and church members of The Woodlands United Methodist Church for 22 years. They raised their two children, Katherine and Ross here. Mizell works with many charities but is best known for her work with the Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity. Mizell serves in different roles for the nonprofit organization including being a member of the Board of Directors; serving as Chair of the Inaugural Gala in 2012; Co-Chair in 2013 for the “Building Hope” Gala; and Underwriting Co-Chair in 2014 for the 25th Anniversary “There’s No Place Like Home” Gala.

Mizell is on the Board of The Pavilion Partners, the official volunteer organization of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. She also serves on the Scholarship, Annual Wine Dinner and Prom Night Gala Committees for The Pavilion Partners. She is a member of the Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties, Inc. and volunteers for the Houston Ronald McDonald House. Mizell is active with The Club at Carlton Woods and their support of the South Texas PGA Foundation. In the past, she was active with The Woodlands Junior Golf and Conroe ISD schools.

Mizell gives freely of her time and resources to help make a difference. “It is because of individuals like Brenda and how she lives her life each and every day that demonstrates the basic core values of The Woodlands and what makes this community stand apart from other cities or communities,” said 2003 Hometown Hero CJ Haynes.

Jeff Shipley and his wife, Susie, are proud to be residents of The Woodlands. They have three children – Katie, Matthew and Caroline. He is Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group. Over and above his career responsibilities, Shipley is philanthropic and demonstrates volunteerism through Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity; The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival; The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, benefiting Interfaith; The Salvation Army; mission trips and serving on the Finance committee for The Woodlands United Methodist Church; and American Red Cross. Along with his tireless efforts, he has found time to coach Orwall and Upwards sports.

Shipley is currently Chairman of the Finance Committee and Trustee Committee at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. He has previously served as Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, and Chair-Elect with The Pavilion. Presently, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors at Interfaith of The Woodlands. He has also served as Vice Chairman, Chair-Elect, and Treasurer for the Board of Directors at Interfaith. Continuing roles for Shipley include Director/Treasurer/Executive Committee member of Montgomery County Women’s Center; Director of South Montgomery County YMCA; and Advisory Director of Texas New Community Alliance.

“Jeff is passionate about his service to his community, unselfishly and indiscriminately volunteering his time and talent to a variety of organizations, many of which he has a leadership role,” said resident of The Woodlands, Rich Henderson. “Jeff personifies and defines the Hometown Hero.”

Bret Strong and his wife, Angela, have two children together while Bret has two additional grown children. Strong has been a resident of The Woodlands for over 25 years. Strong is the Founder and Managing Shareholder of The Strong Firm P.C., a law firm he established in 2004 in The Woodlands. He has helped many organizations including the South Montgomery County YMCA, where he has shown his compassion and support for such programs as Partners in Youth - enabling children and youth access to activities to improve their quality of life. Along with helping various programs, Strong has served as Chairman and Board member for the YMCA and Board member of the Montgomery County United Way. He also mentors college students in his role as an Advisory Board member of the Professional Mentorship Program at the University of Colorado’s Leeds Business School.

Strong has served in various leadership roles in the community including Past Chairman and Board member of the now called, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. He is a Board member of Leadership Montgomery County and is a graduate of the Class of 2005. Strong was on the Facilities and Bond Planning Committee in 2003 and 2007 with the Conroe Independent School District. He is a Founding Board Member of The Woodlands Bar Association, a nonprofit organization of area attorneys offering legal advice, in which he participates in the “Wills for Heroes” program. In 2012, Strong became an Elected Fellow of the Texas Bar Association. He is also a member of The Woodlands Running Club.

“Bret shares his enthusiasm, core values and dedication to make our community a better place, and he possesses the drive and perseverance to make it happen,” stated Liz Grimm. “His integrity, consistent example and community pride over the years are the pillars of his character. Bret truly personifies all the qualities of a Hometown Hero.”

Huntsman Corporation, a publicly traded global chemicals manufacturer, relocated its corporate headquarters to The Woodlands in 2004 and now employs over 1,000 associates in Montgomery County. Over the past decade, the Company has evolved into a true community partner. Huntsman and its employees not only provide financial support to local nonprofit organizations, Huntsman associates also contribute countless volunteer hours.

Huntsman Corporation is a strong advocate of the Montgomery County United Way, including sponsoring several Days of Caring; Interfaith of The Woodlands; Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EfTA); the South Montgomery County YMCA Brightlife Program; Child Advocates of Montgomery County (CASA); the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s ‘Light the Night’ event; and many more. Huntsman is a Presenting Sponsor at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and has also been a Presenting Sponsor of the annual Public Safety Heroes Award Banquet.

"Huntsman was founded on a platform of integrity and social responsibility, and the leadership has continued that philosophy through their philanthropic efforts in our community,” said Jerry MacDonald, President and CEO of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

A special award, Hometown Angel, will be presented to the family of the late Dr. Vance LeCrone. Lecrone left behind his wife, Amy, and their three young children – Adeline, Thomas and Charlotte. In 2004, Dr. LeCrone founded LeCrone Orthodontics in The Woodlands where he served as a positive influence for children and adults.

He generously contributed to over 60 local organizations including numerous PTOs, Booster Clubs, Sports, Band and Cheerleading programs at Conroe ISD Schools, Willis High School and private schools in The Woodlands. He also supported Boni’s Dance & Performing Arts Studio, Class Act Productions, The Woodlands Mothers of Multiples, Memorial Herman Foundation In the Pink of Health event, the Will Herndon Foundation – Beyond Batten Disease, Montgomery County Women’s Center, New Danville, and many more.

“Dr. Vance LeCrone was a role model for us all. His work in Honduras, his involvement in his church and his positive example of family man are only some of the values he represented. He was always quick to contribute to the community through charity work and supporting teams and organizations in The Woodlands,” stated Laura Slay, local resident.

Criteria for the selection of the Hometown Heroes included, but were not limited to:

• Positive role model

• History of volunteerism

• Sacrificing personal gain to achieve noble goals

• Leadership and courage

• Embodies the values of The Woodlands community; family values, importance of education, the arts and culture, environmental consciousness

• Dedication to public service

The Celebration of Excellence Honoring Hometown Heroes is the largest annual fundraiser for Interfaith of The Woodlands, the primary social services organization in the community. The event is sponsored by many businesses and organizations in The Woodlands. To purchase a table or make a donation, contact Ann Wolford, Chief Development Officer at Interfaith of The Woodlands at 281-367-1230 or awolford@woodlandsinterfaith.org.

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