Strengthening Leadership: Project Beacon Adds Three Board Members and Two Advisors

OAK RIDGE NORTH, TX -- Project Beacon, a not-for-profit neuroinclusive housing and vocational developer for adults with Autism and other neurodiversities, is proud to announce the addition of three new board members and two new board advisors. Each brings unique expertise, deep community ties, and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive future.

Carol Garon Durkee is a lifelong community volunteer and education advocate who also joins the board. Since moving to The Woodlands in 1997, Carol has held leadership roles in organizations including the Junior League of The Woodlands and numerous Conroe ISD PTA/PTO boards. She helped establish The Woodlands High School Art Trust and has been honored for her contributions to education and community engagement. As a parent of four children, including one on the autism spectrum and three who navigated dyslexia, Carol brings invaluable lived experience and passion to Project Beacon’s mission.

Matt Sanderson joins the board with both professional and personal passion for the mission. As Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at TETRA Technologies, Matt brings global leadership experience and operational insight. He and his wife, Melissa, moved to The Woodlands in 2016 with their son Owen, who is on the autism spectrum, which drives Matt’s commitment to supporting the neurodiverse community through Project Beacon.

Dr. Steven Gordon is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialized training in hand and microvascular surgery. He currently serves as the Chief of Surgery at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. He completed his fellowship at The Hand Center of San Antonio and his plastic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. He earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and holds an undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University. Dr. Gordon and his wife Morgan, are devoted parents to two children. Their son is non-speaking and on the autism spectrum. This personal experience has deeply influenced Dr. Gordon’s commitment to advocating for neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Gil Staley, also serving as a Board Advisor, brings decades of experience in economic development and regional strategy. As CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, Gil has helped shape the business landscape of Montgomery County. His insights and connections will be invaluable as Project Beacon continues to grow and integrate into the broader community.

Jim Wolf, joining as a Board Advisor, brings decades of experience in business leadership and nonprofit governance. A longtime resident of The Woodlands, Jim has served as Board Chair and Finance Committee Chair at the Montgomery County Food Bank, where his leadership helped guide organizational growth and improve board practices. As the former Managing Partner of Meridian Compensation Partners, he advised boards across North America on governance, executive compensation, and strategy. Now retired, Jim is focused on continuing his commitment to community service through volunteer leadership.

With these new additions, Project Beacon strengthens its leadership across governance, economic development, education, and lived experience—all essential to advancing its vision of inclusive community living.

“Project Beacon’s mission is to deliver a customized, sustainable residential community for adults with Autism and other neurodiversities. More than just a place to live, the residence (and associated social and vocational programming) will be a place to thrive; an inclusive, sustainable home where residents can form friendships, develop life skills, secure jobs, and become vital and visible members of the community.” — Kelly Baughman, Project Beacon President, Co-Founder