Meet Our Board

David Baylon

CMC Development & Construction

Why NEEF? ….

What is your connection to NEISD? ….

Fun fact about you? ….

Favorite book? ….

Occupation? ….

Randy Bristow

River City Bonding

Why NEEF? The goal of Foundation to enhance the educational experience of all students in NEISD is the driving force behind my willingness to commit my presence, gifts and service to its mission.

What is your connection to NEISD? My family has a long history and deep connections to the teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, campus service staff and students of NEISD

Fun fact about you? I attended Camelot Elementary and Ed White Middle Schools on the first day the campuses opened.

Favorite book? “Watership Down”

Occupation? My wife is my business partner in a family-owned insurance agency specializing in surety bonds.

Justin Clemens

Colliers Engineering & Design

Why NEEF? I serve because I believe in public school education, particularly within North East ISD, and want to do what I can to see that it flourishes.  I have participated from the “supporter” side of NEEF, and now feel honored to serve on the NEEF Board.  I am enthusiastic about applying my strengths in areas that can benefit NEEF in the upcoming years.

What is your connection to NEISD? I have a 2nd grader at Northwood Elementary – and WE LOVE IT!  Northwood feels like a small community. I have also had the privilege to work with NEISD through the engineering firm that I work for.  

Fun fact about you? I’m a diehard Radiohead fan – I’ve traveled to NYC, LA, and Chicago to see them.

Favorite book? “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell

Occupation? Business Development Manager at Colliers Engineering & Design

Keith Fey

RVK Architecture

Why NEEF? It is my hope that through NEEF I can provide additional support to teachers and students to enhance the education of the next generation.

What is your connection to NEISD? My family has been attending and working for NEISD for generations. My grandmother worked for NEISD, my mom and I graduated from NEISD, and my daughter currently attends a NEISD school. It is this connection to NEISD that makes me feel compelled to give back to a District that has given me so much.

Fun fact about you? I enjoy anime and comic books.

Favorite Book? Currently my favorite book is “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Occupation: Architect

Raul Garcia

5K Chair

TBA Douglas

Why NEEF? I have witnessed from a far all the good they bring to the NEISD family and I finally had the opportunity to be a part of it and try to help to keep it going.

What is your connection to NEISD? Both of my Children attend and attended NEISD schools and My Wife is a Special Ed Teacher assistant with the district. I have also worked on architectural projects for NEISD as far back as 2007.

Fun fact about you? I am a Steelers fan in Cowboy country

Favorite book?  The Catcher in the Rye

Occupation? Architect

Jasmine Gonzales

Gala Chair

Mom & Community Volunteer

Why NEEF? Love the giving back to kids and the teachers to make some wishes come true.

What is your connection to NEISD? Me, my family, and children have a connection to NEISD. I also enjoy volunteering and supporting a variety of events and causes in NEISD.

Fun fact about you? I love anything and everything with cows 🐄 ❤️ My favorite color is green and I enjoy soccer, beach life, and fishing.

Occupation? A blessed stay-at-home mom that’s able to give back.

Misela Gonzales-Vandewalle

Grants Chair

Mom & Community Volunteer

Why NEEF? I grew up in a family of educators and witnessed the impact my parents and their colleagues had on the lives of the students they taught. Throughout their career, my parents taught many students who were economically disadvantaged and often did not have access to the same resources as their peers. I think of these students daily and they remind me that I have a professional responsibility to be an advocate and seek to provide equivalent educational opportunities for all students.

As an architect focused on K-12 environments, I know that the spaces I design influence the experience and quality of education a student receives.  Although I did not directly follow in the footsteps of my parents, their passion led me to a career committed to education and serving the needs of students and educators.  By serving on the NEEF board, I hope to support my district and leave a lasting impact on the students of NEISD.

What is your connection to NEISD? I live in the North East Independent School District and have a son who will begin kindergarten in two years.

Engaging directly with students through volunteer opportunities at NEISD has been a rewarding experience and enriches the work that I do.  I participated in Career Day at Regency Place Elementary, and through the San Antonio Youth Literacy program, I volunteered as a Reading Buddy at El Dorado Elementary.

Fun fact about you? My name is uncommon and when I introduce myself, it is usually followed by, “Can you repeat that?”, “Can you spell that?”, and “Oh, just the way is sounds.”

I was named after a family friend, but her name was accidental and was the result of a mistake on her birth certificate.  My name is also an anagram of A Smile and Miles A, my husband’s first name and middle initial.

Favorite book?

Just one?  Currently I read more non-fiction and gravitate to books with some combination of history, culture, art, Texas, and relentless or revolutionary women.  However, my favorite author continues to be Sandra Cisneros.  Along with her books, two of my favorites to reread are “And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” by Tomas Rivera and “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel.

Your occupation/Company?

Mom & Community Volunteer

Shannon Grona

Vice Chair of the Board & Development Chair

Community Volunteer

Why NEEF? I have been a volunteer in the District for the past 23 years, serving on the NEISD Board of Trustees for the past 12 years. I chose not to seek re-election to the Board in 2024, however I wasn’t ready to stop volunteering for our District. I applied for NEEF so that I could continue to serve NEISD in some capacity.

What is your connection to NEISD? My husband and children are NEISD graduates. I served on the NEISD Board of Trustees from 2012-2024, and as president from 2016-2024.

Fun fact about you? I love to hunt and fish

Favorite book? I love to read and not sure I can narrow it to a favorite. But I am known for using Make Your Bed in my graduation speeches.

Your occupation/Company? Stay at home mom who hasn’t had kids at home since 2017!

Carole Harris

Broadway Bank

Why NEEF? Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the lives of our young people and future generations.

What is your connection to NEISD? A proud product of NEISD, my grandfather was known as the Dean of NEISD Principals—having opened up Regency Place and Wilshire Elementary Schools, my grandmother also worked in the finance department. Both of my parents graduated from MacArthur in 1963, my brother (89) and I (92), as well as my daughter (2024) all graduated from Madison.

Fun fact about you? I am obsessed with Pomeranians and have owned/rescued many.

Favorite book? My all-time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, but my most recent favorite is Let Them.

Occupation? VP, Marketing Operations Manager at Broadway Bank

Denise Henk

Frost Bank

Why NEEF? I LOVE supporting our students, educators, administrators and schools at the volunteer and PTA Board levels. I am excited to help promote and support NEEF in bringing new programs to our classrooms and engaging learning opportunities for our students.

What is your connection to NEISD? I have two children currently attending NEISD schools and serve on PTA boards for each of these campuses.

Fun fact about you? I love to read, but rarely have time to sit with a book, so I listen to about 75 audio books per year.

Favorite book? The Nightingale and so many more

Occupation? Private Banker – Frost Bank

Skip Hildebrand

Retired

Why NEEF? As a retired teacher I know what teachers face day to day.  There is always something that they need from time to time and support as well.  

What is your connection to NEISD? I graduated from Roosevelt HS and have four children that graduated from NEISD, two from Roosevelt HS and two from Churchill HS.

Fun fact about you? I coached state championship basketball team in 2005

Favorite book? Any math book.

Occupation? Retired and past State President of the Association of Texas Professional Educators

Anthony Jarrett

NEISD

Why do you serve on the NEEF board? ….

What is your connection to NEISD? ….

Fun fact about you ….

Favorite book? ….

Your occupation/Company? Superintendent of Schools for NEISD

Tony Jaso

Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc.

Why NEEF?

I’ve served the District in different capacities.  Serving on NEEF allows me to continue my service to North East ISD by working with a dynamic group of people to raise funds for critical projects that are needed to enhance learning opportunities.

What is your connection to NEISD?

I have two daughters that attended District schools, one graduated from Reagan in 2024 and the other is a sophomore at Reagan.

Fun fact about you?

I enjoy golfing and love to BBQ.

Favorite book?

Meditations

Occupation?

Investment Banker

John Lee

Cavender Auto Family

Why NEEF? I love the mission of NEEF which is all about supporting and broadening the classroom experience of our students. It’s hard not to support a group that is actively trying to fund amazing projects that are going to result in enriching experiences for our children.

What is your connection to NEISD? My wife and I have lived in the NEISD footprint since 2013, and we have two children enrolled in NEISD currently.

Fun fact about you? I love to cook and serve others!

Favorite book? “Lonesome Dove”

Occupation? Executive Director of Marketing

Steve Lin

Southtown Engineering & Consulting, LLC

Why NEEF? As a product of public education myself, I am acutely aware of how fortunate I was to have teachers and administrators throughout my K-12 years who were able to inspire me and bring out the best of my abilities.  These are the same teachers and administrators who think creatively and apply for NEEF grants.  They challenge their students and expose them to new innovations/hands-on technology that brings education to life.  Now, more than ever, our public school students need all the tools they can get for success in an ever-changing world..  It’s the right thing to do and it’s one of the best things we can do for our students.  

What is your connection to NEISD? Former resident in the NEISD district.

Fun fact about you? Last time I checked, I’m missing a uvula.  Not sure I miss it.  

Favorite book? Dale Carnegie’s classic “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”  His principles written in 1936 still apply today!  

Your occupation/Company? Director of Civil Engineering at Southtown Engineering & Consulting , LLC  

Joan Lovin

Sylvan Learning Center

Fred Morrison

Retired

Why NEEF: I believe in the mission of NEISD and the Foundation. The progress the foundation has fostered year after year since my initial involvement in 2004 has been inspiring and motivates me to stay engaged. The board is comprised of many incredible people. I learn from them every day.

What is your Involvement with NEISD? My daughter Amy and son Erik are NEISD graduates. They were both active members of the Reagan Band. My wife Maureen and I were active band parents during our children’s time at Reagan. We served on the Band Parents Booster Board as co-presidents. It was truly a family labor of love.

Fun fact: I love motorsports. I spent 30 years going to motorsports events around the country as part of my career in the Racing Fuels industry. I was part owner of VP Racing Fuels and sold my ownership in 2006.

Favorite Book? The Bible

Occupation: Retired, retired. I mean it this time.

William Niehoff

GM Financial

Why NEEF? …

What is your connection to NEISD? …

Fun fact about you? …

Favorite book? …

Occupation? …

Kristen Palme

Audit Chair

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Why NEEF? I believe our children’s education is paramount to the success of our community. I love that NEEF provides grants to our schools and teachers so that they can provide a more engaging environment for kids to learn.

What is your connection to NEISD? As a kid I attended Coker Elementary, Bradley Middle School, and Churchill High School, and my children have attended Stone Oak Elementary and Lopez Middle School. 

Fun fact about you? I enjoy spending my free time riding horses with my sons

Favorite book? I enjoy reading books about behavioral economics, and one of my favorites was also one of the first I ever read called Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan.

Occupation? I have worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years.

Cassandra Perez

Mom & PTA Volunteer

Why NEEF? ….

What is your connection to NEISD? ….

Fun fact about you? ….

Favorite book? ….

Occupation? ….

Kimberly Prater

Golf Chair

Mom & PTA Volunteer

Why NEEF? I believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. By serving on NEEF, I have the opportunity to contribute to and support programs that make an impact in our classrooms.

What is your connection to NEISD? I am a proud NEISD Alumni, having attended Larkspur Elementary, Eisenhower Middle School, and Churchill High School. My two daughters are currently attending Churchill High School. 

Favorite book? “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn

Occupation? Community Volunteer

David Rayner

Community Member

Why NEEF? ….

What is your connection to NEISD? ….

Fun fact about you? ….

Favorite book? ….

Occupation?….

Danny Smith

Firstmark Credit Union

Why NEEF? The North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) is instrumental in strengthening public education. NEEF supports NEISD by raising funds for innovative ideas and projects that help teach students each day. NEEF bridges the gap in funding for these programs, providing a life long learning experience for students.

What is your connection to NEISD? My wife and I have four children attending or have attended NEISD schools. Two graduated Reagan High School and currently attend Baylor University. One is currently at Reagan and another at Hardy Oak Elementary.

Fun fact about you? I served 24 years in the Navy Seabees, retiring in 2015.  

Favorite book? Sea Stories by Admiral William H. McRaven

Occupation? SVP/Chief Lending Officer at Firstmark Credit Union.

Joe Stiglmeier

IBM

Why NEEF? Our future is dependent on our ability to educate and invigorate our children and youth of today.
What is your connection to NEISD?  All of my children have been positively impacted by teachers and programs in the schools of NEISD.
Fun fact about you? I used row in college.
Favorite book? “Patriot Games” by Tom Clancy
Occupation? Vice President for IBM (International Business Machines Corporation).

Eric Tredemeyer

Chair of the Board

Northern Hills United Methodist Church – Ministry Center

Why NEEF? Having been an educator for 11 years, I know how it can be difficult to put some of your innovative ideas into motion. NEEF gives me an opportunity to give back to teachers and schools while encouraging out of the box thinking for reaching our students.

What is your connection to NEISD? My family and I live in the district and I have two daughters at Reagan High School, one of which recently graduated from Reagan HS, and the other is currently a junior there. I have volunteered throughout their educations mainly with their robotics programs.

Fun fact about you? Graduate of Texas A&M where I met my wife and realized my passion for helping students and being a part of equipping the next generation.

Favorite book? Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzalez

Occupation? Manager of Operations at Northern Hills United Methodist Church – Ministry Center

Allie Watters

Whataburger

Why NEEF?

I serve on the NEEF Board because I am inspired by educators. Their influence and effect on children is truly life-changing. Their selfless dedication to ensuring the success of our future leaders deserves the same kind of commitment from the community and parents. When our kids succeed, we all succeed.

What is your connection to NEISD?

I am a proud NEISD graduate attending Fox Run Elementary, Clara Driscoll Middle School and James Madison High School. My daughter isn’t in school yet, but she is on track to one day attend MacArthur High School.

Fun fact about you?

I work at the Home Office for Whataburger so I can safely say I’ve tried everything on the menu and I’ve even participated in an eating contest with my co-workers and came in 2^nd! My team had to eat 3 pies, a small shake, and a #1 complete meal.

Favorite book?

I honestly don’t have too much time to read lately (having a toddler will do that to you) but I love tv shows and movies based on books where I can go back and read all of the details later! I’m also extremely impatient so I love already knowing the ending.

Occupation?

Community Relations Manager,  Whataburger Restaurants

Judy Wheeler

Mom & Community Volunteer

Why NEEF? I serve on the NEEF Board because of my District Pride! I feel it is important to support and promote the Foundation for which its mission is to provide innovative grants for the district I live and my children attend schools. 

What is your connection to NEISD? I am connected to NEISD through the schools that my children attend, the community in which we live, and the committees that I serve.

Fun fact about you? My 10-year-old daughter and I are part of an educational group whose goal is to travel to all seven continents. Last year, we visited Asia (China and Hong Kong). Next summer we plan on traveling to Australia!

Favorite book? “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.

Occupation? I am currently a stay at home mom. During this stage of my life, I’ve been fortunate to serve as a community volunteer sitting on various boards and committees. In my prior life, I was employed by Broadway Bank as part of the Investment Management Group.

Sandy Winkley

Treasurer & Finance Chair

ATKG

Why NEEF? I am passionate about our NEISD community. To support an organization that funds innovative programs for NEISD students is one way I can give back to the District that helped raise me, and our two children.

What is your connection to NEISD? I am an Alum, resident in NEISD, work for an Advisory firm in the NEISD boundaries, and a former NEISD Trustee. 

Fun fact about you? I love to fish!

Favorite book? I have so many, it would be like picking my favorite child!

Occupation? Engagement Coordinator

David Beyer

Colliers Engineering & Design 

Why NEEF? I serve so that students can get opportunities in their classrooms that they might not otherwise receive; and so that teachers continue to innovate and engage their students in new ways.

What is your connection to NEISD? My wife was a student in NEISD and graduated from MacArthur HS.  Currently, my daughter and son both attend NEISD schools.  I am also on the NEISD Board of Trustees, representing District 4.

Fun fact about you? I play the drums.

Favorite book? “Blood Meridian” by Cormac McCarthy

Occupation? Landscape Architect

Amanda Crouch

Jackson Walker LLP.

Why NEEF? I am a product of NEISD schools and the proud daughter and sister of NEISD educators.  The teachers, administrators and staff that I encountered during my years as a student helped shape and mold me into the adult I am today.  Looking back on my educational experience, I had so many opportunities as a student because of phenomenal teachers and staff who did everything in their power to ensure student success.  When I heard about the mission and work of NEEF, I knew I wanted to get involved and give back to the teachers that gave so much to me.  Getting to be part of a group that is helping shape the minds of students through innovative grants has been so rewarding and I am so thankful to support NEISD in this manner! 

What is your connection to NEISD? I am a proud graduate of NEISD schools (Hidden Forest Elementary, Bush Middle School and Reagan High School).  Additionally, my mom, Nancy Guido, retired after 40 years serving special education students in NEISD as a teacher and administrator and my sister, Elise Tate, taught science at MacArthur High School.  My mom and sister’s passion for their students inspires me every day.

Fun fact about you? I was a teacher for a year between undergrad and law school.  In that short 12 months, I gained a whole new level of respect for educators!! In my spare time these days, I enjoy crafting and creating everything from baked goods to jewelry to handmade blankets.  

Favorite book? “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

Occupation? I am an attorney specializing in commercial litigation with Jackson Walker LLP.

Dee Lorkovic

Retired

Why NEEF? As a former educator, I have a deep passion for education! I have taught for 32 years and to be given the opportunity to help support and give back to students and teachers in our district is so rewarding!

What is your connection to NEISD? I have taught in NEISD at both Driscoll M.S. and Bush M.S. until my retirement in June of 2015. All three of my children attended NEISD schools and graduated from Reagan High School.

Fun fact about you? I attended Abilene Christian University with my three siblings and all four of us graduated together on May 1, 1983.

Favorite book? This is always a tough question because there are so many but, “You are Special” by Max Lucado really resonates with me. It’s appropriate for all ages and has a timeless message.

Occupation? Even though I’m a retired teacher, I continue to substitute in the District. It’s hard to stay away from the amazing schools and students!

Nicki Marrone

Alamo Architects

Why NEEF? Throughout 20 years of practice, I have come face to face with real challenges that women and minorities face in pursuing STEAM fields. Educational outlets provide some of the best avenues to change this paradigm! Creating opportunities, being visible as leaders, and advocating for those who need support are necessary if we are to challenge aspirations and encourage young thinkers and designers. NEEF allows me to make a difference in all of these fronts. 

What is your connection to NEISD? We have had a great working relationship with NEISD as a client, providing Architectural Services since 2012. Not only do we value the work that we do with NEISD, but we have also learned much about Educational Facilities and the North East Community in doing so.

Fun fact about you? I love baking cookies.

Favorite book?  Whatever book I am currently reading.

Occupation? Architect & Principal at Alamo Architects

Karin Stanley

Secretary

Retired

Why NEEF? It’s a way to stay connected with the NEISD community, by supporting teachers as they develop innovative teaching grants to enhance student learning.

What is your connection to NEISD? After graduating from college, NEISD offered me a job which lasted 40 years. During this time, I was fortunate to work with amazing students, talented educators and a company which forged lasting relationships within the NEISD family.

Fun fact about you?  I love to travel and experience different cultures and historical sites.

Favorite book? I recently read “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah and “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.

Occupation?  Pleasantly retired!