Debbie Adams
Janus 1 Unlimited
Debbie’s employment journey started in high school with a first job under the Golden Arches. Thriving and succeeding, Debbie rapidly worked herself up the ranks from Crew Person up to Second Assistant Manager before heading off to college. She never dreamed the skills learned in the hectic, fast paced environment of McDonald’s: working under pressure, dealing with the public, prioritizing orders (essentially “triaging” customers), would translate well to the next adventure as an ER nurse.
Graduating from UT Health Science Center-School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the next twelve years as a nurse were very interesting, challenging, rewarding and ever changing. In addition to working at Sunbelt Regional Medical Center as both a Staff RN in the ER and Relief Supervisor, Debbie worked as a Clinical Preceptor and Instructor in the EMT/Paramedic Program for Houston Community College, and was Chief Flight Nurse for the Houston based crew of Air Ambulance Network Incorporated, making flights not only across North America and Canada, but to Central, South America and Mexico as well.
Debbie was the first in her ER Department to achieve CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) status, demonstrating expertise in Emergency Nursing through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. In addition to the CEN, Debbie achieved both provider and instructor certifications in: PHTLS (Pre-Hospital Life Support), BTLS (Basic Trauma Life Support), BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support), CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation), and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).
In 1989, an opportunity to return to her “first” job with McDonald’s presented itself, but this time as an Owner/Operator. What started with one restaurant has now expanded to 31 restaurants in the Houston/Pasadena/Sugar Land areas, employing over 1500 people, with annual sales of $64M, making hers the largest McDonald’s organization in the Houston Region.
Debbie is involved in the business on a day to day basis, but is delighted to be able to leverage her position to make a positive change in the community by combining interests and passions: Debbie served in a number of leadership positions with Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, chief among them, co-leader of her daughter’s troop, Troop #12437 from Brownie through Ambassador levels. She has served on the Capital Campaigns for: Pope John XXIII High School (Chair), West Houston Assistance Ministries (member). Additionally, Debbie serves on the Advisory Councils of: UT School of Nursing, Nursing Department at Houston Community College, and Camp Sign for Deaf and Hearing Impaired. She is on the Advisory Board for both the Ronald McDonald Houses of Houston and Galveston. Debbie has supported RMHC throughout her 21 years as an Owner/Operator, serving on the RMHC board in some capacity for over 15 years, the last eight years as President of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston, Inc. Most recently, Debbie was elected to the RMHC Global Advisory Council.
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Michael Aubuchon
Market President, Frost Bank
Michael Aubuchon was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended Sharpstown High School and graduated with a BBA in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has been with Frost Bank for the last twenty years and is currently Market President in the Commercial Real Estate Group.
In addition to serving on the Campaign Advisory Committee, Mike also serves on the Board of Directors of West Houston Assistance Ministries, Inc. He has been working in the West Houston area for many years and believes in giving back and supporting those within his community that are less fortunate.
Mike is married and has three beautiful children. He enjoys golf, hunting, and fishing. He is a member of Grace Fellowship United Methodist in Katy. In addition to volunteering at his church, Mike also volunteers on committees for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every year.
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Jeannie Bollinger
President and CEO
Houston West Chamber of Commerce
Jeannie is currently the CEO and President of Houston West Chamber of Commerce, a business membership organization with over 600 business members representing approximately 45,000 employees in west Houston. She is responsible for general management and coordination of all organizational activities. Under her leadership the chamber had grown in membership by almost 50% and revenues have increased by nearly 60%.
Prior to joining the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, Jeannie served as the Manager of Administration for AquaSource, Inc., a nationwide water utility. Previous to joining AquaSource, Inc., Jeannie served as the Associate Director of the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, a well established child abuse prevention agency.
Jeannie holds a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Florida International University in Miami and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Pembrook.
Jeannie is the former President of Texas Talkers, the oldest Toastmaster Club in Houston. Jeannie was unanimously elected President of the Houston Chamber Alliance, a business advocacy organization; she serves on the Board of the West Houston Medical Center, Spring Branch Partners In Education Board and American InterContinental University’s Business Development Advisory Board. She is recognized in Who’s Who – International, American Women, American Business Women, and Southern Women. She was recognized just this past March by the International Women’s Network on International Women’s Day for her creation of Women Driving Business a unique series of networking events designed exclusively for women business owners and “C” level executives to help them make “High Heel Connections” in West Houston.
Jeannie is married to Erik Hedegaard, Vice President, Wedge Commercial Property Group. She has a twenty-four year old daughter, named Dylan a graduate of Texas Christian University who works for Food and Vine Time Productions; and, two lovely step children, Erika (18) who will attend Stephen F. Austin University and Conor (17) who attends school in Katy. She has lived in Houston since 1981.
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Todd Caliva
Chief Executive Officer
West Houston Medical Center
Todd Caliva has been Chief Executive Officer at West Houston Medical Center since 2006. Prior to coming to West Houston he was CEO at East Houston Regional Medical Center for three and a half years. Todd’s focus is on employee, patient and physician satisfaction. His philosophy is that high satisfaction will impact the delivery of care and the success of the hospital. Todd is a Certified Healthcare Executive and the recipient of Modern Healthcare’s Up and Comer Award, an award bestowed on healthcare executives under the age of 40.
Todd is a graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelors in Marketing and Masters in Business. He began his healthcare career while in college working in positions such as business development, marketing, managed care, and physician recruitment. While completing his masters, he was the Director of Business Development at Doctors Hospital East Loop; Physician Services Manager at Columbia SunBelt Medical Center; Director of Business Development and then Associate Administrator at HCA East Houston Medical Center and Chief Operating Officer at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas.
In addition to managing the hospital, Todd is committed to serving the community. He is the 2009 President Elect for the Houston West Chamber of Commerce and a 2007 Graduate of the 2007 West Houston Leadership Institute Class.
Todd is an avid golfer having attended the University of Houston on a four year golf scholarship. He and his wife are the parents of 2 daughters.
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Paul E. Duncan
President, Board of Directors
West Houston Assistance Ministries
Paul Duncan has served on the Board of Directors of West Houston Assistance Ministries since October 2008, and as President since October 2009. He retired from the Chemical Division of Exxon Mobil Corporation in 2000 after 36 years of service in a variety of managerial and executive positions, primarily focused on international business management.
Paul grew up in Indiana and received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University prior to joining Humble Oil in Houston in 1964. His wife is Carole Edyna Tomlinson, a native Houstonian. They and their children, Paul Jr. and Kathryn, always considered Houston their home despite their numerous foreign and domestic assignments.
Paul and Carole reside in Lakeside Estates in west Houston. Paul is a former Director and President of the Lakeside Improvement Association and he and Carole are active members of Ascension Episcopal Church.
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Robert E. Pledger
He received his Bachelor of Science in Geology from Lamar University in 1969 and a Masters of Business Administration in Business/Finance from the University of Dallas in 1973. He is currently President of Ashford Oil & Gas Company, LLC, a private oil and gas exploration and production company. He is formerly President and a Member of the Board of Directors of Benchmark Oil & Gas AB, a Swedish public Company, Energy Securities Corporation, and St. Croix Resources, Inc. He has served as a consultant to numerous domestic and international companies. His areas of experience include the Gulf Coast of the US, West Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and California, Alaska and, internationally; France, Tunisia, Peru, Australia, Argentina, Morocco and Spain. Prior employment includes Sun Oil Company, May Petroleum Company, General American Oil Company of Texas, and Shenandoah Oil Corporation.
He is a member and has served as an officer in numerous professional organizations including the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists (SIPES), the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), the Houston Geological Society, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and is currently serves on a workgroup for the Texas Board of Professional Geologists.
His is a member of the Board of Trustees at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and serves as Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Department of Space and Earth Sciences. He is past President of the Board of the West Houston Assistance Ministries. He is a frequent speaker to both local and international professional groups on various aspects of the oil and gas business, and serves as a docent for the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
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Irma H. Sanchez
Vice President, Projects
Westchase District
Irma Sanchez has been with the Westchase District since January 2000. She is the Vice President, Projects for the Westchase District, a position she assumed in May 2004. Prior to that, while attending the University of Houston, Irma was the Assistant Projects Director. Irma’s current responsibilities include items related to the District’s Area Image and Beautification, Mobility, and the Westchase District Long Range Plan.
Irma is a member of Land Institute, West Houston Association, Scenic Houston, Houston Galveston Area Council Ped-Bike Committee and serves as Board Secretary for Houston West Chamber of Commerce. Irma also serves on the Board Directors for West Houston Medical Center.
Houston has always been Irma’s home. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. Irma, her husband, their 3-year old daughter, Xiomara, and their three dogs reside in northwest Houston. They are active members of Willowbrook Christian Church. Irma is an avid marathoner and plays in a co-ed soccer league.
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Jim Tomforde
Risk and Insurance Executive
Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC
Jim is proud to serve as Vice President of Sales for Insurance Alliance a Marsh & McLennan Agency Company. Prior to Insurance Alliance joining forces with Marsh Jim was a founding partner of Insurance Alliance. He is a third generation Houstonian and insurance professional. Jim is a licensed risk manager, group benefits agent and a local recording agent with over 20 years of industry experience. Jim has been a leader at Insurance Alliance constantly surpassing goals and proving to be one of the firms’ top revenue growth generators. control the cost of risk including employee benefit and employee injury costs.
Jim serves a diverse group of clientele focusing on the Technology, Energy, Non-Profit and Professional Services business practice areas. While Jim’s experience is deep in all areas, he is particularly adept at designing plans to better control the cost of risk including employee benefit and employee injury costs.
Jim is also heavily involved in serving the community. He is the current President of the Second Baptist School Parents Association. He serves as an Elder, adult teacher and youth leader at Grace Presbyterian Church. He is a Charter Member of TECH (Technology Executives Club of Houston). Jim serves on numerous Boards including; The Entrepreneurship Institute, Boys & Girls Country of Houston, The Bank of Houston Development Board and East Texas Oxygen Company. Jim is the past President and Emeritus member of The Children’s Fund. Jim also is the past President of the Memorial Timbers Homeowners Association and The Executives Association of Houston
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J. Kurt von Plonski
Vice President of Operations
Escondido Resources
Mr. von Plonski has over 26 years of petroleum engineering experience, primarily in production engineering and optimization. He has developed remote production optimization products and services and marketed same to the oil and gas industry for the past 16 years, while concurrently coordinating all field activities for Escondido and his previous production companies. His focus for the majority of his career has been on the South Texas and Texas Gulf Coast regions.
Mr. von Plonski is also a founding partner of Escondido Resources II, LLC along with its predecessor, Escondido Resources, LP, and is serving as Vice President of Operations. He was also a founding partner of Battlecat Oil & Gas, LLP in 1999. Prior to forming Battlecat, Kurt formed and is currently President of Sentry Technologies, Inc. Kurt was the creator and innovator of Sentry’s group of remote production optimization products. Kurt also worked as a consultant in the drilling, completion, stimulation and workover aspects of the oil and gas industry.
Kurt received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1983 from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer and is an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and numerous other professional entities.