Meet Our Board

Cindie Hernandez

Chair of the Board

HDR

Why NEEF? I serve to support NEISD, the teachers, and the students by providing funding for innovation in the classroom. 

What is your connection to NEISD? I have children that have attended/are currently attending NEISD schools.

Fun fact about you?  I traveled around the world in 17 days – from Austin, TX to Washington, DC to Barcelona, Spain to Copenhagen, Denmark to Malmo, Sweden to Shanghai, China to Osaka, Japan to San Francisco, CA and back to Austin, TX.

Favorite book? “Gift of the Red Bird” by Paul D’Arcy

Occupation? Transportation Business Development Lead for HDR

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!

Joan Lovin

Sylvan Learning Center

Joe Stiglmeier

Audit Chair

IBM

Why NEEF? I believe in the critical importance that public education plays in forming our youth, in combination with hard work and a supportive home environment, to be productive contributing members of our society. 
What is your connection to NEISD?  All of my children have benefitted greatly from the outstanding education from NEISD, for which my wife and I are deeply grateful. 
Fun fact about you? I am a true Engineering geek who loves to solve problems.
Favorite book? “I Am Third” by Gale Sayers (a quick read with a profound meaning on how to live one’s life)
Occupation? Sales Executive for IBM (International Business Machines Corporation).

Avery Duke

Legacy Mutual Mortgage

Why do you serve on the NEEF board? I am a product of NEISD and went to elementary, middle school, and high school there. I have such great memories and was highly influenced by Madison’s exceptional music program. 

What is your connection to NEISD? I went to school in NEISD. 

Fun fact about you? I love singing opera and jazz music.

Favorite book? There are so many. I honestly can’t choose. Mostly anything true that gives me more insight into any subject. 

Occupation? Loan Originator for Legacy Mutual Mortgage.

Kimberly Prater

Gala Chair

Mom & PTA Volunteer

Why NEEF? I serve on the NEEF board to give back to the wonderful district I was fortunate enough to be raised in. NEISD is the best district because of the teachers and administrators that make it up. It is a privilege to fundraise and give back to all of the amazing individuals that work tirelessly for the students of NEISD, ensuring they are receiving a top-notch education.

What is your connection to NEISD? I grew up in the district, attending Larkspur Elementary, Oak Meadow Elementary, Eisenhower Middle School, and Churchill High School.

Favorite book? “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn

Occupation? Stay at home mom and volunteer with PTA for Hidden Forest & Bradley.

Tom Marks

Fleur De Lis Consulting

Why NEEF? I want to see success for future generations in NEISD. 

What is your connection to NEISD? I am a product of NEISD from Hidden Forest, Eisenhower Middle School, and Churchill High School. 

Fun fact about you? I collect political memorabilia, mostly from Texas Politicians. 

Favorite book? Fiction: “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck  

Non-Fiction: “In History’s Shadow” by Governor John Connally 

Occupation? I am a Political Consultant at my own firm, Fleur De Lis Consulting. 

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

David Beyer

KFW Engineers

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 innovative 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

Randy Bristow

River City Bonding

Why NEEF? I am motivated by working side-by-side with other NEEF Directors to meet the aspirational goal of improving educational outcomes for NEISD students 

What is your connection to NEISD? The Bristow family has deep connections in the district. I attended Camelot Elementary, Windcrest Elementary, Ed White Middle School and Theodore Roosevelt High School. Both of my daughters attended Windcrest Elementary, Ed White Middle School and Theodore Roosevelt High School.  

Fun fact about you? I was on a cheerleader squad in college.

Favorite book? “Whatever it Takes” by Geoffrey Canada

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

Dan Byrom

Joeris General Contractors, Ltd.

Why NEEF? To give back to the NEISD community and provide support to the faculty/staff/students of the district.

What is your connection to NEISD? I live in the district, and have served as the Project Executive for multiple addition/renovation projects at multiple campus through Bond Propositions with NEISD.

Fun fact about you? Would like to travel to Egypt to see the pyramids at Giza within my life time. 

Favorite book? Anything written by John Grisham.

Occupation? Director of Operations at Joeris General Contractors, Ltd.

Justin Clemens

Golf Chair

EBI Consulting

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? Account Executive at EBI Consulting

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.

Audra Frigon

Grants Chair

Masters Leadership Program of Greater San Antonio

Why NEEF? I love to serve the NEISD students, families, and community. 

What is your connection to NEISD? Parent of two NEISD students.

Fun fact about you? I went to 13 schools in four states (Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas) and one other country (Germany).

Favorite book? So many!! I adore reading. I am a fan of the Harry Potter series. 

Occupation? Masters Leadership Program of Greater San Antonio

Michelle Moon

Visit San Antonio

Why NEEF? Public education is a vital resource for our community. NEEF plays an essential role and bridges the gap in areas where additional resources are needed. I am honored to serve our district and contribute to the amazing efforts of NEEF in support of all NEISD campuses.

What is your connection to NEISD? NEISD is my home. As a San Antonio native, I attended Stahl Elementary and Fox Run Elementary, Clara Driscoll Middle School, and I am a proud graduate from James Madison High School. Our two daughters attend Hidden Forest Elementary and Winston Churchill High School in the NEISD district as well.

Fun fact about you? Probably one of the most fun facts about me is that I have a twin sister. We are best friends and our children are the same age as well. I could not imagine my life without her.

Favorite book? My love for reading came later in life once I started traveling more for work. I enjoy reading historic fiction novels with a little bit of mystery. One of my all time favorite books that I have read many times is “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.

Occupation? For over twenty years, I have served various roles in the tourism and hospitality industry from planning major events to curating interesting programming and engagement opportunities for clients. I currently serve as the Senior Director of Destination Experience and Special Events for Visit San Antonio, the destination marketing organization for our beautiful city.

Lilia Gibson

Vice-Chair of the Board & Development Chair

Linebarger

Why NEEF? Our Law Firm has been a part of the NEISD community for many years and several of our staff have participated at various levels to support the many projects and programs at NEISD.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of a dynamic education organization that seeks to support teachers who care about their students and innovation in the classroom. I serve because there is a call to give to the children in a very unique way that engages community partnerships. 

What is your connection to NEISD? I have served NEISD as a delinquent tax attorney since 2012. In that time, I have come to know the leadership of the District and have first-hand experience of the deep commitment to students, parents and teachers. Through community involvement and personal friendships, I also know many families that are a part of NEISD.

Fun fact about you? I love to travel and write. 

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

Occupation? Attorney and Capital Partner at Linebarger.

Misela Gonzales-Vandewalle

O’Connell Robertson

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.   

In my role with O’Connell Robertson, I manage K-12 projects in San Antonio and the South Texas Region.  Through my work with the firm, I have been involved in the design of NEISD schools and look forward to continued work with the district in the future. 

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?

Senior Associate at O’Connell Robertson

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

Cara Nichols

threefolded

Why NEEF? When I led the Rackspace Foundation, I worked with NEEF quite a bit as a funder. Now as a board member, I’m excited to support NEEF from the inside.

What is your connection to NEISD? I went to Castle Hills Elementary, Jackson Middle School and graduated from Lee High School. I had a short career in teaching and taught in both Oak Meadow Elementary and Wilderness Oak Elementary.

Fun fact about you? I published a book in 2022, called “The New Corporate Citizen” about the story of Rackspace’s philanthropy. It’s available at Nowhere Bookshop, The Twig, and on Amazon.

Favorite book? Whichever book I’m currently reading!

Occupation? Through my company, threefolded, I consult with companies to help them stand up charitable programs.

Jill Petri

Frost

Why NEEF? This is an opportunity for me to participate in supporting our schools and communities, allocating dollars to where the needs exist.

What is your connection to NEISD? Many connections! NEISD alumni; my husband, Gervais Adams, is a teacher and coach at Lee; my son graduated from Robert E Lee in 2015; my daughters attended Encino Park Elementary and one has continued with NEISD schools and is an 8th grader at Tejeda; my dad, Tony Petri, worked his entire career in NEISD; my sister, Julie Post, taught for over 25 years in the district; and my brother-in-law, Andy Post, taught for over 15 years in the district.

Fun fact about you? My dream job is to work in the Baylor Athletic Department.

Favorite book? The Great Gatsby

Occupation? Commercial Bank Strategist and Manager of the Business Development Strategies team at Frost

Steve Lin

CDS Muery

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, they need our support for the tools and learning space beyond the standard K-12 curriculum.  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? I live in the school 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? Senior Project Manager in Land Development at CDS Muery. 

Sean Maika, Ed. D.

NEISD

Why do you serve on the NEEF board? I serve on the board because I want to serve our NEISD community in as many ways as possible. Working for the District and having two children of my own in our schools, provides me varied perspectives of the of value education in our community and in our world. NEEF not only raises money to support innovative programs, but is chock-full of ambassadors for our District that help tell our story. I am honored to serve alongside the members of the NEEF Board as we work collaboratively to propel our district forward.

What is your connection to NEISD? I am the superintendent of NEISD and a dad of two students in our schools.

Fun fact about you My wife and I met when we were 14 and have been together ever since

Favorite book? “Shackelton’s Way” by Margot Morrell

Your occupation/Company? Superintendent of Schools for NEISD

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? I like American history. I read biographies of our founding fathers and historical figures.

Occupation: I am officially retired now. My last occupation was with a non-profit youth development organization named Crossmen Productions. I still dabble a little with an LLC that sells musical instruments and marching band supplies.

Becky Stallings

Jefferson Bank

Why NEEF? I believe that every child should be provided with the tools necessary to be successful in life. Teachers don’t always have the resources they need. The innovative grants that we fund allow the teachers to enhance the education of their students. 

What is your connection to NEISD? I grew up attending schools in NEISD, graduating from James Madison High School.

Fun fact about you? I was a ballerina and performed with Ballet West in the Nutcracker while in high school.

Favorite book? “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers.

Occupation? I am the Commercial Deposit Portfolio Manager in the Commercial Lending Department at Jefferson Bank.

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!

Wayne Starnes

BCS ProSoft LLC

Gregg Thorne

Firstmark Credit Union

Why NEEF? I serve on the board because I am a product of the district, as are my wife and two daughters and I know how important a quality education is for our community.

What is your connection to NEISD? My connections are our family history with the district and Firstmark Credit Union, which has served the education community since 1932 and was founded by 10 teachers.

Fun fact about you? My wife and I are on a quest to visit every major baseball park in the country…we are about a third of the way through

Favorite Book? The Bible

Occupation: Chief Alliance Officer at Firstmark Credit Union

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.

Eric Tredemeyer

Dad & Community/School Volunteer

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 rewards innovation and helps to remove the financial hurdle.

What is your connection to NEISD? My family and I live in the district and I have two daughters at Reagan High School. I have volunteered throughout their educations mainly with their robotics programs.

Fun fact about you? I enjoy traveling with my family and have gone as far East as London, as far south as Belize and as far North and West as Alaska.

Favorite book? Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzalez

Occupation? Dad and community/school volunteer

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 Experience Manager,  Whataburger Restaurants

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 attend District schools, one at Reagan High School and the other at Bush Middle School. 

Fun fact about you?

I enjoy golfing and love to BBQ.

Favorite book?

Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis

Occupation?

Investment Banker

Danny Smith

Firstmark Credit Union

Why NEEF?

By serving as a board member for the North East Educational Foundation, it allows me the opportunity to serve the community in which my family lives and to play a role in educational initiatives important to the continuing success of our children’s education and for many more students to come.

What is your connection to NEISD?

We live in the district and have four (4) children attending three schools within NEISD. 

Fun fact about you?

I am a retired Navy Seabee with 24 years of faithful service. 

Favorite book?

Sea Stories by Admiral William H. McRaven

Occupation?

Chief Experience Officer at Firstmark Credit Union.