Tag Archives: Hometown Hero

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS ANNOUNCES 2022 HOMETOWN HEROES

November 19, 2021
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The Woodlands, TX (Thursday, November 19, 2021) —Interfaith of The Woodlands is honored to announce the selection of the 2022 Hometown Heroes. The tradition of Hometown Heroes began in 1999, in celebration of The Woodlands 25th Anniversary. This year, four individuals and two organizations have been named to the distinguished list of Heroes, each recognized in a unique way for the lasting impact they have made on The Woodlands community.

Paula Klapesky, Walt Lisiewski, Tim Welbes, Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands and an anonymous recipient will officially join 140 other distinguished individuals, businesses and organizations as Hometown Heroes during The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala on Friday, April 1, 2022. Recognized for their many contributions to the community, these honorees have each demonstrated exemplary leadership and a dedication to preserving Mr. George P. Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands community.

The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala will also pay a special tribute to the late Reverend Don Gebert. A member of the first class of Hometown Heroes, Gebert was also the Founding Executive Director of Interfaith of The Woodlands and worked closely with Mr. Mitchell to establish The Woodlands. In addition to these honors, the Gala will feature dinner, a live auction and an after party headlined by The Bucktown All-Stars.

“We are truly excited to bring our community back together at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, after a two-year absence. This event is rooted in celebrating our hometown, as well as our neighbors who go above and beyond in service to others. The last two years have shown us the true importance of personal connections, not only for our well-being, but also for the growth and prosperity of our region. We look forward to celebrating all of our Hometown Heroes, while remembering those that have come before us, whose contributions have created this very special place we call home,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Criteria for the selection of the Hometown Heroes includes: serving as a positive role model, having a history of volunteerism, sacrificing personal gain to achieve noble goals, exhibiting leadership and courage and embodying the values of The Woodlands community. Nominations are open to the community and presented to a selection committee comprised of previously awarded Hometown Heroes.

 The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala is the largest annual fundraiser for Interfaith of The Woodlands. Generously sponsored by dozens of local businesses and organizations, all proceeds benefit Interfaith’s community programs and services. For sponsorship opportunities or individual tickets, please visit hometownheroesgala.org or contact Carolyn Donovan, Interfaith’s Director of Development, at development@woodlandsinterfaith.org or at 832-615-8225.

Paula Klapesky

Since the third grade, Paula Klapesky knew she wanted to be a teacher. She found a way to lead any activity she was a part of, and by the time she was in college had set her sights on becoming a school principal.

After achieving her degree, Klapesky began her career as a 3rd grade teacher in Humble ISD.  Encouraged by her then Principal, she began working on a Master’s degree in educational administration. During that time, she met her future husband, who was a teacher and coach in Conroe ISD. Together, they completed graduate school and began a marriage that has endured for more than 33 years. Klapesky moved to Conroe ISD and taught at both the elementary and intermediate school levels before accepting the role of Assistant Principal at Collins Intermediate.  Next, she joined the team who would open Mitchell Intermediate School, serving as the Assistant Principal for two years, and then becoming the Principal, where she has led thousands of children through their 5th and 6th grade experience for the last 24 years.

Beyond her caring and nurturing nature, parents remark that Klapesky not only ensures that all students achieve academically, they also learn to believe in themselves and find the drive to reach their goals. Under her leadership, students are reminded that they must always be true to themselves, and always remember their neighbor while they set-out on the path of life. In today’s challenging environment, pre-teens are faced with challenges to their emotional health and social well-being. Paula Klapesky meticulously boosts these traits, while emphasizing a delicate balance between their extracurricular activities and academics.

Outside of school, Klapesky and her husband, Larry, raised three children in The Woodlands, where each attended schools within the Conroe ISD system. With her husband serving as an Assistant Principal at The Woodlands High School, both were actively involved in their children’s lives. Now her oldest and his wife live in the community. Her daughter-in-law is a teacher in the Conroe ISD, her daughter is graduating from college in December and hopes to pursue a career in education, too. Her youngest is a photographer, videographer, and entrepreneur in the making.

Klapesky’s next goal in life is to earn a Doctorate in Educational Leadership while continuing her role as Principal of her second home, Mitchell Intermediate School. Educational formats have changed quite a bit in the last 30 years, but Klapesky is bringing the same commitment to her coursework that she has brought to her students and family for the past three decades. She graduates in December 2023. Klapesky’s love for her profession is boundless, and she is proud to have spent a lifetime positively influencing her students. In a hometown that has given her and her family so very much, Klapesky intends to continue nurturing and shaping young minds to become the leaders of tomorrow.

 

Pictured: Paula Klapesky, 2022 Hometown Hero, with husband, Larry, family members, and Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands

Walt Lisiewski

After four years in the United States Navy, Lisiewski enrolled and graduated from the University of South Florida School of Engineering earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduating, he began his career in Engineering Construction.

Lisiewski was employed for 23 years with Brown & Root, Inc. working in the fields of design, construction, and maintenance of nuclear power and petro-chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, refineries, pipe lines, and other specialties.

He was recruited by Jacobs Engineering for the position of Sr. Vice-President, North America, Construction and Maintenance. Lisiewski continued his career at Jacobs Engineering in this capacity for 12 years. His many duties included management and responsibility for a workforce of over 5,000 professionals.

After 35 years and over 2,000,000 flight miles, it was time to retire. Lisiewski decided to dedicate his time in service to his community. Just a few of Lisiewski’s community service activities include: volunteering with Neighborhood Watch for the last 13 years, Director and Vice-President of Montgomery County, Municipal Utility District #1 (two terms), Chairman of Panther Creek Residential Design Standards committee, Panther Creek flea market, Chairman of The Woodlands Township – Development Standards Committee, The Woodlands Township 4th of July Parade, Panther Creek Village Association, One Water Task Force, Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church Men’s Club, Habitat for Humanity, Voter Awareness Council, Founding Member of Township Future and Insperity Golf Tournament volunteer, earning his 10 year pin for service.

Lisiewski and his wife, Louise, have been married 47 years. They have two adult children, two grandsons, and two grand-dogs. They have lived in The Woodlands for the past 32 years.

Pictured: Walt Lisiewski, 2022 Hometown Hero, with wife Louise and family

Tim Welbes

Tim Welbes and his wife, Peg, have made The Woodlands home since 1985, raising four children and welcoming eight grandchildren. A Houston native, Tim graduated from The University of Houston with a degree in Accounting and shortly thereafter, obtained his CPA certification. He began his career with Ernst & Ernst, working in their Houston office for five years, before accepting a role with a small CPA firm in Colorado.

Houston quickly called him back home where he took a role with John Pace Homes as a new home sales consultant, ultimately becoming the Chief Executive Officer for the company. This led him to Standard Pacific Homes, where he began as a Sales and Marketing manager, eventually earning a promotion to Houston Division Manager. This role required him to purchase home lots in the newly developed master planned community of The Woodlands. Through this work, he met with executives at The Woodlands Development Company and in 1985, accepted a position on their team and relocated his family to the community. This began a 36-year career that led him to serve as the Co-President of The Woodlands Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Howard Hughes Corporation.

Welbes’ work in The Woodlands has led him to serve on various Boards, including United Way of Montgomery County, The South Montgomery County YMCA, Interfaith of The Woodlands, The Montgomery County Community Foundation, The Greater Houston Builders Association. He has devoted countless hours to guiding not only these nonprofit organizations, but also ensuring that Mr. Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands continues.

Pictured L-R: Jim Carman, President, Houston Region, The Howard Hughes Corporation; Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands; Tim Welbes, 2022 Hometown Hero, Peg Welbes; Robert Heineman, 2019 Hometown Hero; Lorrie Parise, Director of PR & Community Relations, The Howard Hughes Corporation

Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center

Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center is one of two survivorship centers in the state of Texas, and the only one serving the greater Houston area. Founded in 2016, Canopy has provided free programs and services to cancer survivors, patients and their families, regardless of where they are in their journeys or where they are receiving treatment.

Their strong community connection and compassionate support system make it possible for Canopy to provide programs geared towards improving the health and quality of life of cancer survivors post-diagnosis. Led by a volunteer team of over 70 individuals, Canopy offers 75 programs each month ranging from Art Therapy, Cooking and Yoga classes to consultations with oncology nurse navigators, numerous support groups, and a salon for wig, breast prosthesis and bra fittings.

In five short years, Canopy has become one of the preeminent leaders in survivorship centers, welcoming guests from around the region to learn more about the culture and programming they have created. Canopy is pioneering the effort to change the conversation about what survivorship means, seeking to not only support individuals during their continued medical plans of care, but also caring for them spiritually and emotionally. Visitors to Canopy instantly find a second family to walk alongside each patient, caregiver and family member through one of life’s most challenging medical diagnoses.

Pictured L-R, Front Row: Catherine Giegerich, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center; Justin Kendrick, Senior Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center; Amanda Poole, Manager, Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center; Lucy Gomez, Vice President Programs & Operations, Interfaith of The Woodlands Back Row: Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands; Linda Nelson, Director of Business Development, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center  pictured with staff and volunteers.

Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands

Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands has seen exponential growth since opening its doors in 2016. The expert pediatric care offered at this 74-bed hospital means patients don’t need to drive into the Texas Medical Center for top-tier treatment. It is the area’s first true, freestanding pediatric hospital designed, equipped and staffed exclusively to treat children and adolescents.

The 22-acre site includes the only pediatric Level IV trauma center in the north region of Houston, a recently recertified Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the Texas Children’s Urgent Care Clinic. It is the first local pediatric hospital to receive accreditation by the American College of Radiology. The hospital is widely recognized for its state-of-the-art orthopedic surgery and care, and is home to more than 41 pediatric subspecialties including Cancer and Hematology, Bariatric Surgery, Infectious Disease and Sports Medicine. No other pediatric hospital in the country is a national medical partner of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, treating the unique sport-related ailments of high level, competitive athletes. Additionally, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands is proud to have administered more than 32,000 COVID-19 vaccinations since January of 2021, following pediatric patient approval by the CDC.

Pictured L-R: Michelle Riley-Brown, President, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands; Ketrese White, Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands; Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. Interfaith provides basic needs assistance and special programs to families experiencing financial crisis, and supportive service through care and wellness programs to senior adults, in addition to many community programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

 

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS PRESENTS 2020 COMMUNITY HERO AWARDS TO LOCAL HOSPITALS IN SOUTH MONTGOMERY COUNTY

November 16, 2020
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THE WOODLANDS, TX (November 16, 2020) – As our county continues the ongoing battle against the global pandemic of Coronavirus, Interfaith of The Woodlands shifted its annual Hometown Hero Awards to focus on our local Community Heroes for 2020, honoring healthcare workers and administration from Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, St. Luke’s Health, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center The Woodlands for their bravery, sacrifice and service to keeping our community healthy and safe.

The 2020 Community Hero Awards were presented by Josh Urban, Interfaith of The Woodlands Board Chair, Congressman Kevin Brady and Missy Herndon, Interfaith President and CEO. Congressman Kevin Brady shared with each hospital his gratitude for everything they do each day to care for our community by selflessly giving to others, caring for the sick, welcoming new life into the world and supporting families during difficult times. Brady said he was proud of their efforts in responding to COVID-19 and as a token of his appreciation, each organization’s leadership was presented an official U.S. House of Representatives Commendation and a Community Hero Medallion.

It was a unanimous decision by the Hometown Hero selection committee this year to honor area hospitals instead of individuals, businesses and organizations. This annual tradition of honoring Hometown Heroes began in 1999 as part of The Woodlands
25th Anniversary Celebration and has continued ever since. Typically, Hometown Heroes are honored at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence, but the event was canceled due to the widespread pandemic.

“How beautiful it is that nearly 50 years ago while planning out what was to become The Woodlands, Mr. George Mitchell knew that above all else, this community would need to be built with heart. Together with Founding Executive Director, Rev. Don Gebert, they created Interfaith of The Woodlands to serve the human needs of those who called this new neighborhood home,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, “Today, in the midst of many challenges, the South Montgomery County area has pulled together to take care of those in need like never before. All of these hospitals are a beautiful example of the heart of our community and we are forever thankful to every single healthcare worker in our community who shows up in the name of service and caring.”

Interfaith of The Woodlands is grateful for the healthcare workers that continue to exhibit bravery and strength while serving on the frontlines of this health crisis, keeping patients safe and comfortable in their care. Congratulations to the 2020 Community Heroes!

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

 

 

Interfaith of The Woodlands Announces 2019 Hometown Heroes

August 13, 2019
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Interfaith is excited to announce the selection of the 2019 Hometown Heroes. The tradition of Hometown Heroes began in 1999, in celebration of The Woodlands 25th Anniversary. This year five individuals, one business and one non-profit organization have been named to the list of distinguished Hometown Heroes.

2019’s Hometown Heroes are Jerissa Belsha, MD, Mary-Lou E. Fitch, Stephen C. Head, PhD., Alex Sutton, Josh Urban, Leadership Montgomery County, and Market Street The Woodlands. These honorees will be recognized for their many contributions to the community at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, which benefits the many community programs of Interfaith of The Woodlands. The theme this year is “20 Years of Heroes” commemorating the nearly 140 Heroes that have been awarded since the program’s inception.

Celebration of Excellence Gala will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. In honor of their long-standing and generous support of the community, Interfaith has selected Waste Connections, Inc. as the Honorary Event Chair to receive special recognition during this season of celebration. The gala is being chaired by long-time supporter DeAnn Guidry, who was raised in the area and lives in The Woodlands with her husband and three children. In addition to honoring the Hometown Heroes, the event includes dinner, live and silent auctions items and a lively after-party.

Each year, the community nominates individuals and corporations to be considered for the coveted Hometown Hero honor. Heroes are chosen by a selection committee composed of Hometown Heroes alumni, which includes over 130 local residents and 15 area businesses that have contributed to the educational, civic, cultural and spiritual fabric of the community.
In response to the overwhelming number of nonprofit organizations nominated in 2017, the selection committee decided to create a new nonprofit category highlighting philanthropic efforts in the community.

“Honoring Hometown Heroes is a treasured tradition that celebrates the amazing individuals, businesses and organizations that continue to enrich our community with numerous contributions. Each honoree’s incredible generosity and dedication have made a lasting impact that will inspire generations to come,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Criteria for the selection of the Hometown Heroes includes but is not limited to the following: serving as a positive role model, having a history of volunteerism, sacrificing personal gain to achieve noble goals, exhibiting leadership and courage and embodying the values of The Woodlands community. The Woodlands prides itself on having a dedication to public service and recognizing the importance of family, education, arts, culture and environmental consciousness.

The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence, honoring Hometown Heroes, is the largest annual fundraiser for Interfaith of The Woodlands. The event is sponsored by local businesses and organizations. For sponsorship or underwriting opportunities, contact Carolyn Donovan, Interfaith’s Director of Development, at cdonovan@woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 832-615-8225. Sponsorships and individual tickets are available.

In 2017, The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala Committee debuted its Hometown Heroes Giving Circle, which allows individuals and businesses to make donations in honor of specific Hometown Heroes, as a way to pay tribute to their incredible commitments to serving the community. Donations to the Hometown Heroes Giving Circle will be directed to Interfaith of The Woodlands to help individuals and families in crisis through financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, gasoline, prescription drug assistance, emergency shelter, food, clothing, senior programs, counseling, job training and child care. Interfaith of The Woodlands exists to build a more loving and caring community through service. To honor a hero, go to hometownheroesgala.org or call 832-615-8225.THIS YEAR’S HOMETOWN HEROES

Jerissa Belsha, MD

Dr. Jerissa Belsha is a native Texan, born in Lockhart, Texas to a loving family where her parents worked as a school teacher and principal for the local elementary school. After graduating high school as valedictorian, she went on to attend Texas A&M University, graduating first in her class with a Biomedical Science degree. She completed her medical degree and pediatric residency at the University of Texas at Houston, where she was awarded Intern of the Year and served as Chief Resident. During her medical training, she was able to volunteer with World Medical Missions in Papua New Guinea, serve at HIV clinics in Botswana and Romania and gain valuable experience through a medical internship in Beijing, China.
After residency, Dr. Belsha joined a pediatric hospitalist group caring for newborns and sick children in north Houston hospitals. In 2015, she joined the local practice called Agape Physicians and has been caring for the children of The Woodlands community ever since.
Dr. Belsha has been described by her friends as a “quiet leader.” Her reach among charitable causes is considerable throughout the greater Houston area. Each year, she coordinates a group of 20 women to put together over 200 stockings for Houston’s Little Footprints program. To benefit Love Fosters Hope, Jerissa helps organize a family field day to benefit foster children within the organization and along with her husband, mentored two teenagers, helping to fulfill a need in their lives for parental figures. She is an active volunteer for many area charities including Interfaith, The Will Herndon Research Fund, Love Fosters Hope, Giving Goes Glam, Free the Captives, Montgomery County Food Bank and A Dress for Barbara.
Outside of The Woodlands, Jerissa has a passion to help others and served as a physician on numerous medical mission trips to Honduras and Costa Rica through The Woodlands United Methodist Church. In her most recent mission trip this past spring, she encouraged several friends to join her where they were able to serve over 700 patients in the course of three days. Her love of others is evident in all she does within her medical practice, throughout the community and most importantly with her family; husband, Thomas and their two children, Emma and Logan. Residents of The Woodlands since 2010, The Belsha Family embodies the spirit of giving.

Mary-Lou E. Fitch
Mary-Lou Fitch arrived in The Woodlands in 1989 and hasn’t stopped working in support of the community ever since. She tirelessly gives of herself to many charitable organizations and projects, all the while managing a household of four very active daughters. In the years since, those young girls have gone forward to build lives and careers of their own, giving Mary-Lou many reasons to travel to visit them and her six grandchildren. Even so, her heart for the community is stronger than ever. She is still a very active volunteer for many groups.

“Mary-Lou Fitch has proven herself time and again to have the biggest heart for our area youth,” said John Bracken, former Executive Director for Montgomery County Youth Services. “She has served as a former Board Member, supports our Holiday Project at Christmas, is a member of our Advancement Committee, Ladies Night Out and The Woodlands Golf Classic and Gala Committees. She fixes dinner for our Bridgeway Shelter kids while attending Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch on Wednesday evenings and hosts multiple events at her home throughout the year for various MCYS functions.”

Mary-Lou was instrumental in forming many organizations within The Woodlands including Class Act Productions, Grogan’s Point Residents’ Association and The Woodlands Orchestra. Mary Lou has been an active volunteer with a number of local groups, including Meals on Wheels, The Woodlands Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner, Cypress Woodlands Junior Forum, National Charity League – The Woodlands Chapter, and CASA. She has served on The Planning Committee for The Celebration of Excellence Gala since inception and regularly volunteers for Interfaith of The Woodlands driving senior neighbors to their medical appointments. She has served as a room mom countless times while her daughters were in elementary school, while also taking on many leadership positions within their various schools’ Parent Teacher Organizations.

Most recently, Mary-Lou joined the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red, volunteering for their Go Red Luncheon. She is also a member of The Montgomery County Republican Women and has served on their board as Vice President of fundraising. She loves her community and is always willing to help out, hosting many fundraisers and events in her home. She has called The Woodlands her home since 1987 and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon, adding to her 30 years of volunteering and service.


Stephen C. Head, PhD.
Stephen C. Head, Ph.D. became the fourth chancellor of Lone Star College (LSC) in 2014 after thirty years of service to LSC. Located in the north Houston metropolitan area, LSC is one of the largest community colleges in the nation. His priorities are student access, equality, success and completion; academic quality; workforce programs in alignment with community needs; and collaborative agreements with educational, business, civic and charitable organizations. He views the college as a critical contributor to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the community. His values include operating the college on a sound, fiscally conservative model based on data, efficiencies, accountability and common sense. He emphasizes transparency, ethical behavior and a culture of high expectations and achievement. Dr. Head is active in a number of local, state and national organizations that support the community college mission.
Dr. Head and his wife, Linda, both work at Lone Star College and reside in The Woodlands. They have four successful children and three grandchildren.

Alex Sutton
Alex serves as Co-President of The Woodlands Development Company. He holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Rice University and a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Houston. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer and a Certified Public Accountant. His responsibilities primarily focus on project and land development and commercial activities. He joined The Woodlands in 1994.

Prior to joining The Woodlands, Alex was a shareholder with Pate Engineers, where he managed a number of complex projects for municipal and private clients, focusing on water resources, transportation and land development matters. Earlier, he held a number of professional and technical positions of progressive responsibilities with Exxon. He has authored a number of technical papers and articles and holds two patents for computer-aided management approaches to managing public works systems.

His civic and industry involvement includes service as a Chairman of the North Houston Association , Director and Vice Chairman, Interfaith of The Woodlands, Director, The Montgomery County Foundation, Director, The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, Director and Former Chairman of Montgomery County Youth Services, Former Director and Secretary, The Woodlands Township, and he is a Member of the Urban Land Institute.

Alex and his wife Sharon live in The Woodlands Town Center, are members of The Woodlands United Methodist Church and have six grandchildren, four of whom reside in The Woodlands.


Josh Urban
Josh Urban moved to The Woodlands in 1994 with his family. An avid runner, there was not a week that went by that most people would not see Josh and his brother, Gabe, running throughout The Woodlands on their daily long runs. This commitment led Josh to finish 2nd in the Houston Marathon, with his brother not far behind.

Urban began his tenure with Memorial Hermann in 2000 as an administrative fellow reporting to Dan Wolterman, former President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. From there, he went on to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, working his way up from Director of Hospital Operations to Chief Ambulatory Services Officer. In 2008, Urban joined Memorial Hermann The Woodlands as Chief Operating Officer under now retired CEO Steve Sanders. Just five years later, he assumed the position of CEO. In that time, he has managed expansion and renovation projects in excess of $250 million and led the hospital’s pursuit of Level II Trauma designation. In addition, Urban has been instrumental in creating a culture of excellence, which has been recognized nationally in the areas of quality, patient safety and patient satisfaction. Under his direction, Memorial Hermann is the third largest employer in Montgomery County, with over 2,500 employees in the community.

An IRONMAN himself, Josh was a major influencer in bringing the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas event to The Woodlands which has generated revenue close to $14 million for The Woodlands community during each of the last nine years.

A 2011 graduate of Leadership Montgomery County, Urban currently serves on the boards of multiple business and civic organizations, including The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership and Interfaith of the Woodlands. He resides in The Woodlands with his wife and son. In his spare time, he enjoys running, fishing, hunting and travel.


Market Street The Woodlands
Market Street The Woodlands, established in 2004, has been providing The Woodlands a center for an exquisite shopping experience, a variety of fine dining establishments, a movie theater and green space where visitors can relax and enjoy the company of others. In these 15 years, they have become the go-to destination for retail therapy, as well as community events.

Market Street has committed themselves to The Woodlands community in many ways. They lend their support to dozens of area non-profit organizations; not only with sponsorships dollars, but also by encouraging their employees to serve on their boards and various committees. Additionally, Market Street is known to connect their tenants with charitable organizations, helping to raise awareness of local causes and increase philanthropic support.

Their Change for Charity program selects one non-profit organization for each quarter of the year as the beneficiary of the coins collected through the street parking meters. Since the program began, customer donations have exceeded $200,000.

Their Central Park area features a green space, performance stage and splash pad, giving families and visitors a beautiful place to gather. This area is also home to many events Market Street produces including their Spring and Fall Concert Series, Spring Fine Arts Show, Holiday Tree Lighting and Grand Chanukah Celebration. They have also generously hosted local events such as The Woodlands 4th of July Parade, The Woodlands’ Car Club Cars & Coffee For a Cause, the annual HEB Wine Walk, Cultural & Heritage Festival, Ten 4 Texas Road Race, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk, which bring hundreds of people together for fellowship and comradery.


Leadership Montgomery County
Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) is dedicated to developing and enhancing the current and future leaders of Montgomery County by preparing emerging and existing leaders to understand local issues, grow their leadership skills, and connect with others to better serve Montgomery County.

LMC’s core program is a class of business and community leaders that spans nine months between September and May. Throughout this time, participants learn through sessions on Infrastructure, Education, Government, Public Safety, Economic Development, Healthcare, Serving Our Community and Leadership Development. The LMC program promotes knowledge, awareness and insight into our community, providing an educational forum and leadership development opportunities for participants.

Leadership Montgomery County originally began as Leadership Conroe, launched in 1987 through the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce. In 1995, through a collaboration with The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, the program evolved into Leadership Montgomery County. Since that time the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber, the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber, the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber, and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce have also become partner chambers, as LMC transitioned into a nonprofit of its own. True to its original mission, LMC has been shaping strong leaders throughout the community, producing more than 850 graduates during the past 32 years.

LMC graduates continue to grow as leaders through alumni lifetime learning offerings including educational programs, social activities, and opportunities to give back. LMC alumni can be found throughout the community serving as nonprofit board members, political leaders, CEOs, and much more.