BOARD OF

TRUSTEES

Jonathan Neerman – Chairman

Jonathan Neerman is a highly skilled trial attorney with experience in all phases of litigation, not only at the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts, but also in various alternative dispute resolution forums.

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Linda LaMantia – Past Chairman

Linda LaMantia dedicates much of her time to STARS, a scholarship foundation that makes higher education accessible to students from South Texas and the El Paso area.

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Ashlie Thomas – Secretary

Ashlie A. Thomas is Vice President of C.L. Thomas Inc., based in Victoria, Texas. Her role encompasses various aspects of the company, including store development, food service, and operations.

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Joel Sawyer – Vice Chairman

Bio coming soon!

Kris Heckmann – Treasurer

Kris is a partner at Granite Public Affairs, a consulting firm that provides lobbying, public relations and issue advocacy services.

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Fred W. Heldenfels – Member-at-Large

Fred W. Heldenfels IV of Austin Texas is President and CEO of Heldenfels Enterprises, Inc.

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H. Rex Corey Jr. 

H. Rex Corey Jr. is President of Sulphur River Exploration Inc. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering.

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Tommy J. Azopardi

Bio coming soon!

Chris Gober

Chris Gober is a trusted legal adviser for the most consequential matters in American politics: campaigns, PACs, and nonprofits; constitutional and political litigation; and government investigations and enforcement actions.

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Rene A. Ramirez

Rene A. Ramirez is the founder and President of Pathfinder Public Affairs, a consulting firm specializing in state and local government relations, communications and crisis management.

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Todd Routh

Todd Routh is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in real estate development and management. As Managing Partner of Routh Development Group since 1994, he has overseen over 10.8 million square feet of shopping centers across Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. He has also founded and partnered in various businesses, including a funeral home company, a municipal water supply company, and several country clubs, some of which he has sold. Additionally, he has developed more than 1,500 lots as a real estate developer and home builder. Earlier in his career, he worked as a tax auditor for the State of Texas and served as a U.S. Army Reserve Officer. He has also held leadership roles in charitable and educational organizations, notably serving as Vice Chairman of the Texas A&M Health Science Center Foundation Board.

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Mike Shaw

Mike Shaw graduated from Texas A&M in 1968 with a BBA. While at Texas A&M, Mike was a member of the Corps of Cadets, a Distinguished Military Student and graduate.

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William H. “Bill” Flores

William H. “Bill” Flores is an entrepreneur, business visionary, and public policy leader. In early 2021, he transitioned from public service to reengage in the private sector through board membership, as well as to invest more time with family and community activities.

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Kelley Sullivan Georgiades

Kelley Georgiades, a Texas A&M alum, formerly ran Santa Rosa Ranch and now leads GKG Land & Cattle. She’s advocated for the beef industry, served on boards, and won “Woman of the Year” in Galveston.

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Karen Johnson Rove

Karen Rove is the founder of Infrastructure Solutions Inc., an Austin-based government affairs firm focused on Texas legislation and transportation. She’s had significant roles in successful state ballot initiatives and Bush-Cheney campaigns. A political heavyweight, Karen has served on various boards, including Texas A&M’s Political Science Advisory Board. She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Texas A&M University.

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Travis White

In 2023, Travis joined The Baker Group as an Account Executive in Texas. Previously, he managed endowments at Texas A&M and was a Principal at Lilly & Company. He’s a Texas A&M alum and an Astros fan.

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