People
Our People
Our Board
Houston Endowment is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Directors composed of business, academic, and civic leaders in Greater Houston.
Each member is elected to a three-year term and may serve up to four terms.
Our Independent Investment Committee Members
The Investment Committee of Houston Endowment’s Board is supported by experienced independent members with deep investment knowledge.
Our Staff
We are a high-performing, courageous, connected, and committed team. We have a deep sense of respect for each other and the community we serve.

Elisa Villanueva Beard
President and CEO

Tabitha Rice
Vice President, Programs

Robiel Abraha
Evaluation Officer

Gaby Armenta
Program Administrative Coordinator

Ellen Battles
Manager, Office Administration

Rid Bhuiyan
Program Associate

Brita Blesi
Director, Learning & Evaluation

Jadeline Cao
Special Assistant to the President and CEO

Rony Canales
Digital Communications Officer

Bao-Long Chu
Program Director – Arts & Culture, Greenspaces

Helen Clancy
Senior Communications Officer

Laura Colorado
Accounting Associate

Kaylan Connally
Program Officer - Education

La Shaunda Davis
Senior Program Assistant

Lynn Droddy
Grants Associate - Civic Engagement

Earl Flowers
Controller

Erin M. Forssman
Director, Grants Management

Sherry Fultz
Director, People & Culture

Amy Gibbs
Program Officer - Arts & Culture

Stephanie DiCapua Getman
Director, Communications

Astrid Gomes
Grants Manager - Learning & Evaluation

Priscilla Gomez
Grants Associate - Education

Meghna Goswami
Program Director - Civic Engagement

August Hamilton
Program Director - Education

Juan Huerta Hernandez
Operations Associate

Jennifer Jouas
Director, Finance and Accounting

Sara Jones
Evaluation Officer

Lauren Kureska
People & Culture Manager

Eddie Mazariegos
IT Operations Manager

Onica Miller
Senior Accountant

Brigid Murphy
Grants Associate - Arts & Culture, Greenspaces

Katie Niemann
Director, IT and Building Operations

Laura Prus
Communications Officer

Leira Reyes
Hospitality & Events Coordinator

Miguel Rivera
Policy & Program Officer

John Rosenkild
General Counsel

Katie Rushdi
Senior Planning Officer

Julie Selman
Executive Assistant to the President and CEO

Matthew Sloan
Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Programs

Rod Turner
Facilities Manager

Carlos Villagrana
Program Officer - Education

Gislaine Williams
Program Officer - Civic Engagement











