SEADRIFT, TX, September 15, 2011- The San Antonio Bay Foundation announces the election of the Foundation’s newest board members at their September 3rd board meeting.
Executive Director Tommie Rhoad said, “We are so pleased to have these four new directors on board. They will each bring a new level of experience and expertise to the Foundation as well as represent the interests of people who value the resources of San Antonio Bay.
The new board members include Dale Fowler, President of the Victoria Economic Development Corporation. Fowler has longed recognized the delicate balance between industry and the environment and the demands that each places on the other. As a board member, he will bring a wealth of knowledge to the table to ensure that our bays, waterways and industry will thrive in a mutually beneficial environment. He is active on several community boards, volunteers with the Victoria County Sheriff’s office as a Patrol Deputy and is a Deacon with the Blythe Road Church of Christ.
Gene Colville, Refugio County Rancher, manages a successful cattle operation in the Guadalupe Delta. His ranch is bordered by Hynes Bay, the Guadalupe River and the wetlands of the Guadalupe delta. Colville, a retired cement executive, is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing at his bay-side ranch. His service on the Board of Directors will enhance scientific monitoring efforts on the river and in the bays.
Additionally, Gary Burns, Victoria County Commissioner, Precinct #3 has been tapped to serve on the Foundation Board. Commissioner Burns is recognized for his regional approach to problem solving and consensus building. He is a long time entrepreneur and serves on several community boards, is active in his church and raises cattle and horses.
Rhonda Cummins, Coastal and Marine Resource Agent for Calhoun County has an extensive background in secondary education as well as a Master’s Degree in Marine Resources Management. She holds a US Coast Guard 200 Ton Master’s License and captained the Galveston Historical Foundation’s 81-passenger tour vessel, conducting educational and historical tours of Galveston Harbor for school groups and the public. Her background will be invaluable to the mission of the Foundation.
Also serving on the board of the San Antonio Bay Foundation is Dr. Steve Wilson, a veterinarian and owner of Calhoun County Animal Hospital, as well as Wanda Roberts, a partner in the law firm of Roberts, Roberts, Odefey and Witte. Both are from Port Lavaca. Additionally, Dr. Todd Votteler, PhD, and manager of Intergovernmental Relations and Policy for the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) along with Debbie Magin, Director of Water Quality with GBRA serve as directors on the board of the Foundation.
The San Antonio Bay Foundation was created in July 2008 by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority to serve as a vehicle for the protection and preservation of the bay and estuary system at the end of the Guadalupe River Basin. The Foundation’s vision is to champion a healthy and prosperous San Antonio Bay system that will provide a quality environment for marine life, coastal wildlife and for the recreational and commercial endeavors of area residents and visitors.
