The Chamber Welcomes Newest Board Members

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that seven prominent business people have been elected to its Board of Directors for three-year terms, beginning September 1, which is the beginning of our fiscal year. As required by our Bylaws, each candidate is a Chamber Member in good standing, resides or works in The Chamber’s trade area, and has agreed to accept the responsibility of directorship.

The slate is the result of Nominating Team deliberations, which considered such factors as involvement in The Chamber and our community, leadership skills, potential, and decision-making ability. There is also the on-going endeavor to shape the Board’s composition to represent the diverse business and geographical sectors of our trade area, plus a recognition that effective Chambers of Commerce strike a balance between those whose involvement earned them a place on the Board and those within our corporate community who bring resources and influence to help accomplish The Chamber’s goals.

The Nominating Team was composed of nine members--four are appointed from The Chamber membership-at-large and five are from the current Board of Directors. This year, our Immediate Past Chairman Bev Earl headed the team.

Karen Hoylman, The Chamber’s President & CEO, said, “We are so pleased to have such a distinguished group of leaders who represent our business community. We appreciate that they are willing to lend us their time and valuable expertise.”

Rand Key
Rand serves as the Senior Vice Chancellor of the Lone Star College System. In his role, he is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day administrative and auxiliary operations.

Specifically, he oversees the system’s workforce development and corporate college, human resources, general counsel, institutional research and effectiveness, public safety, campus security planning, and Lone Star College-University Center.

Rand holds a Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University, where he also earned his M.B.A. He received his M.Ed. from the University of Alabama and also received his B.S. from Samford University.

Mike Shinn
Mike and his family have lived and worked in The Woodlands for more than 10 years. He and his wife own the Learning Express toy stores located in Market Street and Woodlands Crossing. He was previously in the energy business for over 20 years--working for Oiltanking, Hess, and Entergy. He has interests in OrderCorner.com and DryScrubs.com. He has worked on numerous political campaigns and was involved with the White House Advance Office for over 27 years.

Mike also participates in a variety of Chamber activities and is on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery County United Way. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Ann Snyder
Ann is President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Colorado State University, Master’s Degree from University of Missouri, and Doctorate of Education from Baylor University.

Known for her years of community service, she serves on Conroe ISD Board, Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration Committee, Grand Island Foundation Board, Executive Women Association, and Education for Tomorrow Alliance Board.

Ann has been a Hometown Hero, Montgomery County Woman of Distinction, South Montgomery County People of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Grand Island Education Foundation Hall of Honor, Rotary International Service Above Self, Paul Harris Award, Rotary District 5910 Hall of Fame, Sustainer of Year, Chamber’s Citizen of Year, and Drum Major.

James Stilwell
A Partner with Martin, Stilwell & Jones, LLP, James has wide-ranging litigation practice, including homeowners association work, builder/developer litigation, insurance litigation, fiduciary litigation, and commercial litigation.

His trial practice includes matters in state/federal courts plus arbitration/mediation. He serves as trial counsel for clients and routinely advises on contract/insurance matters. He received an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, indicating “Very High to Preeminent” legal ability.

He earned his JD from University of Texas School of Law and BA in Economics and Political Science from Baylor University. Admitted: Texas 1995 U.S. Court of Appeals for Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Court for Northern District of Texas; U.S. District Court for Southern District of Texas; and U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Texas.

Josh Urban
Josh has been Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital since June 2008, having joined Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in 2000. He was Chief Ambulatory Services Officer at Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center; he held progressive leadership roles there since 2003.

During his tenure with Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center, Josh played pivotal roles in its growth and services lines, including development of 30-story Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza and new clinical services lines--including oncology, transplant, and general surgery. He was instrumental in raising the Urology Program’s profile, named top-50 program by US News and World Report.

He earned his MBA/MHA from University of Houston – Clear Lake and B.A. – Business Administration from Franklin & Marshall College.

Garry Watts
A resident of South Montgomery County for 13 years, Garry has lived in City of Shenandoah since 2004. He was City Council Member for Position #5 and elected Mayor in 2008. He is owner and president of G.B. Watts Investments L.L.P.

He is actively involved in Shenandoah’s development and operations. Texas Municipal League recognized him for completing the highest number of continuing education credits in municipal administration; he received designation of Certified Municipal Official. He represents Shenandoah on Houston-Galveston Area Council and is founding member of Shenandoah’s Branding/Marketing Committee. He belongs to Rotary Club of The Woodlands.

Garry retired as American General’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. He spent 30 years in insurance and banking industry.

Nick Wolda
Vice president of marketing & public affairs for The Woodlands Township, Nick develops and implements marketing strategies, including public relations and advertising, and oversees events including Red, Hot & Blue Festival; Public Safety Heroes Awards; and holiday events.

He is president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Town Center as premier regional destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and conducting business. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin, Nick began his career as a writer for Lufkin Daily News and Houston Chronicle. In 20 years of marketing, he provided guidance to a variety of corporations, state associations, and governmental entities.

Nick is on Orwall Little League’s Board and is the voice of CISD Football Radio Network.

Please help us congratulate these seven outstanding individuals! When you see them, please thank them for their assistance in helping grow The Chamber……and our great community!