20 Under 40 2019

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CLASS OF 2019 SAN ANGELO, TEXAS

VISIONARIES T O D AY LEADING TOMORROW

CONGRATULATIONS

20 UNDER 40

First Financial Bank congratulates the accomplishments of San Angelo’s 2019 20 Under 40 honorees. These honorees exemplify hard work, dedication, and a commitment to our community.

Congratulations from your friends at First Financial Bank!

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People matter. Here, people are at the heart of every decision made and everything we do – no store cares more.

EVERY PERSON COUNTS. HEB is proud to sponsor the 2019 20 Under 40 Program and are honored to be a part of recognizing exceptional young professionals in San Angelo.

HEB Congratulates you on your selection as a member of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2019

Letter from the Publisher

Congratulations to the 20 Under 40 Class of 2019 Always remember, Leadership is the ability to empower and inspire others.

Leadership is less about a title and more about integrity. Good leaders are in the business of promoting others, not themselves.

Leadership produces after it’s own kind. Effective leaders do not manage employees, they empower the right employees towards the right results.

Leadership is responsible for creating a healthy culture. Culture exists either by default or by design. What we value determines what we do and what we believe determines how we behave.

Leadership is about being yourself, not about knowing it all.

People would rather follow a leader who is always real than one who is always right.

WWW.HOWARDCOLLEGE.EDU

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Leadership characteristics live within each of us, but it is those who have persistence and drive who create the most positive impact in our communities.

The 20 Under 40 Class of 2019 is comprised of leaders under the age of 40 who have persevered and achieved even at times when everything around them indicated success was not possible. I hope you enjoy learning about what motivates these 20 professionals and the leadership roles they have in San Angelo as influencers.

Grace Media thanks the panel of judges who had the responsibility of selecting these professionals from a multitude of worthy nominations to be honored as a 20 Under 40 Class member. The 20 Under 40 program would not be in existence without the great partnership of our sponsors. With great gratitude we extend thanks to First Financial Bank, HEB, Shannon, Justin Porter Media, Cactus Rose Social Media Gardening and Howard College.

The 2019 Class is one of great meaning to Grace Media and with the best intentions we will be sunsetting the program under our umbrella. We hope to see the program continue with its new host and look forward to what will be a great approach for recognizing San Angelo’s great young leaders.

Grace Media introduces its final 20 Under 40 Class.

Thank you.

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AARON BROSH

OWNER & MASTER ELECTRICIan, Legacy Electric

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Aaron Brosh’s father was a lineman elec- Legacy Electric. “I took a leap of faith. It was trician and his grandfather did electrical the scariest thing I’ve done, absolutely, but work on airplanes. It shouldn’t have shocked I’ve found a little bit of faith goes a long way.”

Brosh when his high school aptitude test Brosh volunteers at Howard College showed he should be an electrician, too. teaching electrical skills in the Construction “I said, ‘No way!’” he admitted. It took Trades Craftsman program and is active in getting bored sitting behind a desk in class- program development. He said, “There’s gap es at Texas Tech and South Plains College to between being in the field and taking the convince him that the life test based on the elecof an electrician was for trical code book. I had him. to work really hard to He started as an appass. If there’s someprentice electrician with thing I can do to help Caldwell Electric in San students, I want to do Angelo and found it an it.” eye-opening experience.

He and Kaitlyn “I had no idea what I was are instructors in the getting into, but it didn’t R.A.D. self-defense take long to learn that I program. She got inenjoyed it,” he said. volved in it through - Aaron Brosh Aaron and his wife, the Laura W. Bush InKaitlyn, moved to Lubstitute for Women’s bock for a while where he worked for Acme Health. “At first I didn’t want anything to do Electric and vowed he would be a master with it,” Brosh said. “Then I started going to electrician before he was 30. When they trainings and fell in love with it. Now it’s one moved back to San Angelo, he became an of best things I do.” electrical superintendent with Acme, manStephanie Hamby, director of client seraging crews on building projects including vices for Galilee Community Development Central High School, Bradford Elemen- Organization, said, “Aaron is always willing tary School and the new Howard College to help others whenever he can. As a local buildings. He briefly commuted to Midland electrician, he is always busy but he finds the working for Acme before returning to Cald- time to go out and look at houses where elwell Electric to be closer to home. He earned derly and disabled live to help us figure out his Master license two weeks shy of his 30th what needs to be done to make their homes birthday. more safe and reliable. He has a heart for this In 2017 he started his own company, community.”

If there’s something I can do to help students, I want to do it.

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PORSCHE POTTS DETECTIVE, SAN ANGELO POLICE DEPARTMENT / CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

The 14th application was the lucky one for Porsche Potts. She was visiting friends in San Angelo when she applied for a job at the police department. She had come up empty-handed at 13 other applications, from Chicago to California.

“Out of curiosity, I applied here. I wanted to be in law enforcement all my life, there was no other desire in my heart,” she said.

Three and a half years ago, she got the job and moved to San Angelo. Now she is considered one of the fastest advancing police officers in the department.

David Howard, assistant chief San Angelo Police Department said, “During my career of 29 years, I can honestly say I have not met such a young, well-rounded officer in so many ways as Detective Potts. She transferred to the Detective Division faster than anyone that I know after one and a half years of service. This in and of itself speaks volumes about her on many levels.”

“I’ve always had a strong work ethic,” she said. “Even when I worked in a pizza restaurant, I’d take pride in my work and bring out the best pizza I could. When I was on patrol, I’d try to write the perfect report, and if it wasn’t right the sergeant would make me fix it until it was.”

It hasn’t all been easy. Porsche had a hard time on the department’s driving test because she is so short she couldn’t see out of the rear-view mirrors. At first, San Angelo’s street layout had her confused.

“I struggled with my orientation around the town,” she said. “It’s hard because I’m not from here and I didn’t understand how to get around. I got lost a lot. I worked with people who helped me and encouraged me. I don’t have any family here, but I’ve developed a family.”

Since then, almost everyone in her actual family has come to visit. They are glad that San Angelo is the place where - Porsche Potts Porsche uses her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.

Her personal ministry is to talk to people and encourage them. She is a youth leader at Freedom Fellowship church. “Getting to know people helps humanizes the police. Some people don’t see us as real people. Sometimes the uniform is a mask, but at the end of the day we still handle our own problems like everyone else.”

I don’t have any family here, but I’ve developed a family.

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BECCA

NELSON SANKEY WRITER / EDITOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Three things are obvious about Becca Nelson Sankey: She table book, Surprising San Angelo, features her genuine love has a compassionate heart, she is a talented writer and pho- for her city in a beautifully edited and laid out picture book.

“She has had literally thousands of published pieces in tographer, and she accomplishes everything while being an involved, loving mother to three children: Kate, 3; Savannah, both print and online formats,” said nominator Teri Greig.

“She has the vision to grow and adapt her photography busi10; and Gavin, 15.

“Everything I care about influences my writing — children ness as technological developments change the landscape. who are abused or neglected, animal overpopulation, people These leadership qualities enable her to excel in her profesin need,” Sankey said. “Fortunately, I get to pitch story ideas sional life, but she is also a thought leader when it comes to her passion projects. She is tireless in her to publications and write about those support of people and animals who have things. I am often assigned topics that found themselves in a tight spot.” happen to coincide with my interests, Tara Haidinger, another nominaor I’m assigned topics that spark a new tor, said Sankey is a consummate orgapassion.” nizer of ideas, people, and items in any Sankey began advocating for animals setting. “She is decisive with strong folwhen she was in elementary school in - Becca Nelson Sankey San Angelo, and more than 25 years later low-through while making those around her feel respected and encouraged,” she continues to do so. She co-founded and served on the Board of Directors for Angels for Animals Haidinger said. “Her passion for her community and the is(AFA), helped initiate the SNIP (Spay Neuter Initiative Pro- sues that impact it can clearly be seen, whether she is writing gram) with the City of San Angelo, and even trapped feral cats on the issue or talking to a group, and her ability to juggle for the TNR (trap/neuter/release) program funded by a Sum- multiple tasks and projects is inspiring.”

Of the many hats she wears, Sankey believes being a merlee Foundation grant.

An award-winning writer and photographer, Sankey has mother is the most important. “I was put on this earth to be written or writes for publications including the Sa Ange- a mom,” she said. “My husband, Brian, and I are raising kind, lo Standard-Times, West Texas Angelus, Texasliving, Texas happy humans who will contribute to society long after we’re Highways online, and With You in Mind Publication’s maga- gone, so we need to make sure that we’re positive examples in zines throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Her published coffee our work ethic, honesty and compassion.”

I was put on this earth to be a mom.

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AIMEE CAMERON FOUNDER / OWNER MAN MADE FITNESS

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

tential and to become the best version of Aimee Cameron themselves. I love coaching and educating in-

Aimee Cameron didn’t enter the field of fitness lightly. She studied, compared and combined her knowledge of finance with her degree in fitness to create Man Made Fitness.

Even before she opened the doors, she had success in mind.

Born and raised in San Antonio, she embraced San Angelo when she moved here eight years ago. She had worked mostly in accounting and finance but studied dietetics and kinesiology at the University of Alabama.

“I started Man Made Fitness as the owner in 2014,” Cameron said. “We expanded and moved into our downtown location almost three years ago. Prior to opening in 2014, I had worked in several fitness models. When I created my fitness/business model I examined both the fallacy and the most valuable components of each fitness model and designed a unique fitness model not represented in our community. We are a full-service open concept gym that offers personal coaching and individualized training plans.”

She picked a special location. “I specifically chose the heart of downtown to immerse us in San Angelo’s rich heritage and center point for cultural economic development. I wanted my business to be a part of the community, past, present, and future,” she explained.

Her favorite part, though, is the people who come to Man Made.

“I love helping clients reach their full po-

dividuals to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle, physically and emotionally. I love using my platform to serve and encourage others to serve the community. It’s important to me to be a leader in our community and to encourage and inspire others to take an active role in the community,” she said.

Cameron is also an active member and on the provisional committee of the Junior League.

She said, “Junior League trains women to be leaders in our community. It has a long legacy - Aimee Cameron of community impact, serving critical roles in bringing other non-profits to San Angelo. The efforts and mission are realized in the community long after members have served their active terms.”

Mom to son, Caden Woehl, 16, Cameron is secretary of Young Professionals of San Angelo, on the board of Downtown San Angelo, Inc. and a general member of Texas Business Women. She is also in the Leadership San Angelo class of 2019-2020.

I love helping clients reach their full potential and to become the best version of themselves.

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DR. BENTON BROWN, MD MINIMALLY INVASIVE/ROBOTIC SURGEON, SHANNON MEDICAL CENTER

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado Sometimes the darkest moments can provide down the same challenges I have met and, ultimatethe brightest light. That’s certainly the truth for Dr. ly, surpassed,” he said.

Benton Brown.

Dr. Brown also started the Shannon Reflux ClinDr. Brown was a freshman at Baylor Universi- ic, and, in only 3 years, has grown it into one of the ty working on a bachelor of science degree with a busiest reflux programs in America. This month, Dr. minor in medical humanities. Freshman year can be Brown and his surgical team performed their 300th hard enough, but Benton discovered a lump in his LINX procedure, making him the #1 surgeon for this neck. procedure in the state of Texas, and the third busiest “A month passed before I in the entire country. This was diagnosed with cancer – procedure can provide perHodgkin’s lymphoma,” he said. manent relief from heartThose around him, doctors, burn and gastroesophageal nursing staff, family and friends reflux disease (GERD). He advised him not to continue his continues to pioneer roeducation during treatment. botic surgical procedures But instead of focusing on the and is a physician leader challenges, he concentrated on at Shannon Medical Cenlife, all that it allowed, and how ter. Dr. Brown is in the top his diagnosis might shape his 1% of patient experience - Dr. Benton Brown future. scores stemming from He graduated with his his excellent surgical and medical degree and surgical training from the Uni- communication skills. versity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at “My first job was when I started my own janitoDallas, and became the Minimally-Invasive Surgery rial business in high school,” Dr. Brown said. “After specialist at Shannon. He is the youngest physician a long road, God led me into being a surgeon, and in Shannon history to lead the Intensive Care Unit I know this community is where He wants me to and Trauma programs that drive healthy outcomes be. Overall, I love getting to build relationships and for all of Tom Green County. be a part of so many patients’ lives by helping them “Looking back at it all, I know now that because through what is usually a pretty difficult time.” of my past experiences and personal understanding, You may have heard Dr. Brown on KSAN/KLST I have been blessed with the gift of being able to un- Shannon HealthBeat educational news segments derstand and relate to cancer patients in a way most benefiting Tom Green County. He never hesitates to people cannot. I hope to offer both a helping hand share the way it’s possible to find a light even during and an empathetic heart to those who would stare the darkest of times.

I love getting to build relationships and be a part of so many patient’s lives

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BRANDON LIGON ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, GLENMORE AND FT. CONCHO ELEMENTARY

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado Brandon Ligon may well be the only assistant a lot of time in this world of education there are principal who has a deejay name. His alter ego, moments that are not laughable. Kids come to B. Liggy, is an educational rapper and motivation me feeling they’re going through the end of the speaker who has toured all over Texas perform- world. Sometimes just a little humor will steer ing his music for school districts, consulting with them away from that feeling.” teachers, and providing support with instruction His parents, Keith and Karen, filled their while incorporating music. His music and videos home for Brandon and brother Blake with music stream all over social media and on his popular and laughter. “Mom was my third-grade teacher,” YouTube channel. His music has even been fea- he said. “The whole family is educators or musitured on radio stations. cians – except for my fa“I like to be different,” ther, but he is funny, I’ll Ligon said. “I started writlet him have that.” ing and singing songs in Ligon is an active class and I found when kids force in the San Angelo sang my songs, they rememIndependent School Disbered the lessons. The deetrict. He visits schools jay name just kind of stuck promoting kindness and I rolled with it. I might and being a B.O.S.S., an have had a crazy dream of acronym that stands for being a real rapper, but I Believing in Yourself, discovered being the guy Owning your learning, who sings and makes kids Setting goals, and Strivlaugh is very cool.” ing for success.

He came from a family “I have been for- Brandon Ligon of educators and tried to tunate to go around steer in the opposite directo schools and jump tion. “Slowly but surely I became a teacher. Then around in the gym in pep rallies to spread a mesI thought I didn’t want to be a principal, but as sage. It’s fun to get kids excited; l Iike pep rallies I took on more leadership positions, I kinda be- with pep and participation.” came an involuntary leader. I said maybe one day Ligon dedicates his time to motivating and this principal thing could be part of my calling inspiring kids and teachers. He also serves as the and I could grow into it. Then the next step: I praise and worship leader at his church, Christian went to get a master’s degree and here we go!”

Fellowship Baptist Church. He and wife Taishi He laughs as he talks. “I learn better when I have two children, Boston and Maxwell. laugh,” he said. “Laughter feels like comfort, and

I started writing and singing songs in class and I found when kids sang my songs, they remembered the lessons.

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CHADD BROWN OPERATIONS MANAGER, NORTHWEST LOGISTICS

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Chadd Brown is what you could call an Angelo State legacy. The graduate of Miles High School got his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Angelo State, where both his grandmothers, his mother Karyn, two aunts and his sister Tamra all graduated.

“It’s important to carry on that family tradition!” he said.

Five years ago when Brown started with Northwest Logistics, the company had a strong vision but zero employees. “They hired me because they wanted a local person to help develop the company,” he said. “I started leaning on my contacts and my former experience. I just spread the word and we built a fleet of over 100 drivers.”

Northwest has recently added a yard in Lamesa, and Brown travels at least twice a week to that location to personally work with the employees. Whether the San Angelo or Lamesa employees just want to visit or have a concern, Brown works hard to be available face to face, even if it means traveling more than 15 hours a week.

He said, “Working as the operation manager creates new challenges each day, and I continue to learn and grow while using my current skill set. I’ve received opportunities to learn new areas of the industry and be part of its growth into West Texas. The company as a whole is family-oriented and cares for its employees.”

Those values were tested when their youngest child, Daxtyn, was born at 25 weeks, weighing only one and a half pounds. North-

west Logistics allowed Brown to work from a hospital room at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth and the local McDonald House to keep the employees and the company running at full speed.

“The way it worked out was a blessing in disguise,” he said. “The owner of Northwest had a nephew go through the same thing, so he understood. He had faith in me that I would be able to handle things and it was a huge blessing that he allowed us to work from Cook and we made it work. It could have gone the other direction, but now we have a perfect little boy.”

Up to speed now are Daxtyn, 2, and his brother Brody, 7.

- Chadd Brown Brown is a family guy through and through. “I would say my parents have been a huge influence on me. My dad said ‘You don’t have to be the smartest, but you have to outwork everybody else.’ My mother and sister said, ‘You can do anything you want.’

And my grandfather, he was known as being a good man. That’s what I want. I want to be known as a good man.”

Working as the operation manager creates new challenges each day and I continue to learn and grow while using my current skill set.

www.nwlogistics.com 1623 Old Ballinger Highway San Angelo, TX 76905

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CODY BROADWAY FILM DIRECTOR, BROADWAY PRODUCTIONS

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Cody was born a Broadway. Yes, he got a degree at the even the simplest story and help it connect with people New York Film Academy and won eight Emmys and three and draw out emotions. I look at the idea and if it moves Edward R. Murrow Awards, but Broadway is his real name. me, if it draws me in, I want to put it on the screen.”

Cody was also named the winner in the 2018 Salute to He does shine the bright lights on San Angelo through his Excellence Awards by the National Association of Black work as news director of Fox West Texas television.

Journalists for a story in Denver about When he started in the broadcast a piano player at the 16th Street Mall. industry, he got a lot of rejections.

“Don’t let someone’s ‘no’ keep you It’s an upbeat story. from doing what you love,” he said.

“Oh, I am positive,” he said. “I do my best to promote positivity to in“Don’t let ‘no’ define you. I get emospire people around me. We don’t all tional thinking about that. Growing have a good outlook on life; we don’t up, I struggled with people not believing in who I was. Just the slightest all know how to overcome difficult times. I want to push people to think hello or attention meant the world to - Cody Broadway differently, to reach for their dreams.” me. I’m in a position now to give back He came back to San Angelo to the way that meant to me.”

Cody loves to get others’ stories out into the world. His take the job as news director to help tell stories. “I fell in love films are all inspirational and tell about people who have with storytelling and I wanted to do that in my hometown. worked through adversity. One of his films, “4 Quarters of I want to teach young journalists that no matter where you Silence” about a deaf football team, has been screened at are, you still have the ability to make an impact. I try to tell others, ‘You may never know the impact you have on indi20 festivals and has almost 1 million streams on Amazon.

He said. “Whenever I go at a story, I like to jump all in. viduals. But your impact may be overwhelming.’”

I’m passionate to tell about it and blessed with a gift to take

“Don’t let someone’s ‘No’ keep you from doing what you love.”

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CORY WORD

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC SAN ANGELO FIRE DEPARTMENT

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

CORY WORD

Cory Word’s wife, Samantha, mother of ing, he fills in.

Case and Miranda and probably the person who “I can drive the ambulance as a paramedic as knows him best, calls her husband a hometown well,” he said, “and make calls with a team memhero. ber.”

Word thinks that’s just because he’s doing That resulted in an EMS Life Saving Award. what he loves. He said, “First of all, I love my job. “We made a run on a guy who had a massive carI am a fixer; I like to solve problems. I like to work diac event and we did everything in our power with my hands, and I like to be outside. The fire to give him the best chance of survival. A year department allows me to do all of those things later a man walked into the station and said, ‘I AND make a positive imhad massive cardiac event pact on our community.” and this crew saved me.’ I He also believes in remembered him and we speaking his mind. “Perfelt fortunate to be recogsonally, I feel strongly nized. About 9.9 times that if something’s right, out of 10, we don’t get it’s right. You don’t have any follow-up, and the to justify it or prove your confirmation was really case, only remember nice.” what’s true.”

Word and the team Born in San Angelo work on 24-hour shifts, and a graduate of Central 10 shifts a month, living High, Cory’s first job was in the fire station when as a feed loader at Parmer they’re on duty. “We joke Feed & Supply. Since he’s that the hardest part of dedicated to being honthe day is for five guys to est, he confessed that he figure out and agree what - Cory Word became a firefighter bewe want to fix for breakcause his older brother fast and dinner each day,” joined. He joked, “I said if my brother Chris can he laughed. do it, I can do it too! Now I can’t imagine doing He also owns CW Metal Construction comanything else as my career.” pany. “Most of the guys have a second job,” he He was hired by the fire department in 2009 said. “I started my own company, and I really like as a hoseman and promoted to his current rank it. I like working with my hands, fixing things, of driver in 2016. The driver job means he pri- taking raw material and turning it into somemarily travels from duty station to other fire sta- thing somebody finds useful.” tions, and if someone’s out on vacation or train-

I like working with my hands, fixing things, taking raw material and turning it into something somebody finds useful.

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COURTNEY BINGHAM PREVENTION DIRECTOR, ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COUNCIL FOR THE CONCHO VALLEY (ADACCV)

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

“In a world in which negativity often colors the day, Courtney is a positive, upbeat hope that shines for the world around her,” wrote nominator Debbie Sonberg, who has known Courtney since she was a college student.

Courtney is a positive force in a profession that isn’t always bright and sunny. “In the realm of substance abuse disorder, I stay positive just seeing how lives change,” she said. “I love seeing the lightbulb come on, whether it’s with youth we work with or adults in treatment. It gives me hope for them and for future clients as well.

“I love that our mission is to save lives and create healthier communities and that we do just that every single day.

I love that I get to work with an amazing prevention team that works - Courtney Bingham with everyone from first grade on up into adulthood to help give them the knowledge and skills that they need to be the best that they can be. We have such amazing staff in every department at ADACCV who are passionate about what they do and it shows through their work every single day!”

I love that our mission is to save lives and create healthier communities and that we do just that every single day.

As the Prevention Director for ADACCV, Courtney and her team teach students of various ages about the risks and dangers of alcohol and drugs and provide them with tools and advice on dealing with peer pressure and other potential pitfalls. She trains her staff to work with people who are at-risk. “I tell them to start by just having a conversation, not going in with a mission. When they build rapport, they can work toward what they want to achieve. If we see a glazed look, we have to stop, step back and get back when we have the rapport built.”

“We work with everyone from first grade on up, and we plan according to the grade level and population. We have evidence-based curriculum and our own activities that our curriculum team comes up with in a collaborative effort. Over the years we know what works and what doesn’t, and we are constantly adapting and making it relevant to the people we work with. “ Another positive side of Courtney is the eight international mission trips she has taken to Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, and New Zealand. She said, “I felt a tug on my heart from a young age to be a part of missions. My first two were to Mexico while I was in high school, and I feel blessed that God called me to see other things, to go and serve. I’ve done some things I didn’t expect, like helping deliver a baby in Kenya. Things I do on the mission trips are certainly things I do not normally do in the U.S.!”

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JASON FERNANDEZ RESTAURATEUR/ENTREPRENEUR FERNANDEZ RESTAURANT & SALSA

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Hard work is the only kind of work for Jason Fernandez. His grandparents Juan and Anita Fernandez opened their namesake restaurant in San Angelo in 1967, and Jason’s first job was as one of their dishwashers. Anyone who thinks they’re working hard should try washing dishes at a popular Mexican food restaurant!

“That’s where I learned I’m not happy unless I’m working,” he said. He is now a manager at Fernandez Restaurant, helping his parents Roy and Elsa with the day-today assignments. He added, “I own 100 percent of the Fernandez - Jason Fernandez Salsa company, selling the spicy, flavorful salsa that customers kept telling me they wanted to purchase.”

“I went out of my comfort realm for the salsa,” he said. “I had to take classes at Texas A&M to learn things like pH level and all about food chemistry. I went to the Texas Health Department and did a lot of paperwork to get approved to sell the salsa. It was a real learning experience.”

My salsa is now one of the products that gets the backing and promotions of the State of Texas.

This year Fernandez Salsa got accepted as a Go Texan product. He said, “The Go Texan program is sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture and encourages consumers to seek and purchase Texas-made products. My salsa is now one of the products that gets the backing and promotions of the State of Texas.”

That means more work, but Jason doesn’t mind that. He markets and sells the salsa around the state and even started a small printing business so he can make his own labels.

When he’s not at work, Jason is on the board of the City of San Angelo’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) that was created to preserve the near- and long-term integrity of the economic and social investment and to encourage additional new projects. He helped create El Puente Foundation to help local businesses and projects get small grants to help with specific projects. He is also a very active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral and on the Board of Directors for The San Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Rosie Montelongo, who nominated him, said, “Jason is always looking for ways and ideas to improve and better his businesses.

He’s never afraid of a little hard work or to get his hands dirty!”

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DR. TAYLOR KINGMAN UROLOGIST / SHANNON CLINIC

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Dr. Taylor Kingman goes full force a million miles an hour toward his three passions – medicine, his family and education. He works long hours each week seeing patients in the clinic, performing surgery, and making rounds in the hospital. He often spends early mornings and late nights checking in on patients.

He has a true love for medicine and wants to take care of each individual not as a “patient,” but as a person. “The reality of medicine is a lot of complicated things,” he said. “But I try to put the diagnosis and treatment in a way that people can understand, the way you would want your family to be talked to. Then, at least, people can make a decision that is right for them instead of being told what to do.”

His work at the hospital extends even further. Dr. Kingman researches and advocates for new advances in his field. “I try to stay updated,” he said. “We are blessed with a good hospital system, but it’s not part of a university medical program, so I go to conferences, read, and make an effort to stay up to date so I can offer the standard of care.

We want to make sure we are aware of all the options in San Angelo.”

There are a lot of advances in his field of urology. “We didn’t do robotics five years ago, and even 12 months ago we couldn’t do Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia as an outpatient procedure,” he said. “We are constantly trying to bring things with good data to San

Angelo.”

He serves as the department’s champion for gathering input from his colleagues and offering feedback on how to improve the system and solve issues, and recently became the lead within the surgery department for Shannon’s new electronic medical record system.

Dr. Kingman spends as much time as possible with his wife, Codi, and children Kyle, 7; Brynn, 5; and Walker, 4. That leads to his third passion: education. He was elected to the San Angelo Independent School District Board of Trustees in 2017. He followed the example of both his father in - Dr. Taylor Kingman San Antonio, and father-in-law in Ozona, who both served as school board members.

“My wife and I strongly believe in public schools, so that everyone is given the opportunity to succeed. We made a commitment to education in San Angelo. Two things help me in that: My wife is wonderful, and it only takes about ten minutes to get anywhere in town!” he said.

I try to put the diagnosis and treatment in a way that people can understand, the way you would want your family to be talked to.

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V I S I O N A R I E S O F T O D AY LEADINGFORTOMORROW

FELICITEE VASQUEZ JONES DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES CONCHO VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

When Felicitee’s mother worked in Germany for the suits her very well. “I am very, very rule-oriented,” she said.

Department of Defense, all the high schools had a college “As director of Human Resources being within the guidenight. Felicitee and her parents decided to fly from Germa- lines is very important. My passion is to follow all those rules but still have everything functioning so that the operny to San Angelo to check out ASU for one weekend.

“We stayed in a dorm overnight,” Felicitee said. “and it ation is good for the company and the employees.”

Felicitee was instrumental in the creation of the Emwas a done deal. We liked the small town environment but ployee Engagement Committee. “We it had everything we needed, and we create events and activities to break loved how inviting everybody was.“ down walls in the organization. There “After that weekend, I came here are several different departments and to go to ASU, I met my husband Jerone hallway might not associate with emy Jones, and I never left. Shortly another; the events bring everyone after that my sister and her husband together, so we all get to know one settled down here, then not long after another.” that my parents moved here. Living Leadership is not an easy role, but in Germany made our family so close Felicitee does it with grace and huthat we just want to be together. We’re mility. She said, “I want to help where very active at Boys and Girls Club ac- Felicitee Vasquez Jones help is needed. I might not know how tivities, and you’ll see us working in to do something but I’m not afraid to the concession stand--my mom, my sister, our kids Aurelia and Rafael, the entire family. We ask questions, I’m not afraid to bring in somebody with exwatched our mom and dad always involved with our school pertise. I work with a team and what we accomplish is a or church and that rubbed off on us. We help where we’re result of people coming together. I might have an idea, but needed and make time to make the community better.”

I never able to do it alone. I need help of my peers, coworkHer job at the Concho Valley Council of Governments ers and the community for the ideas to come to fruition.”

I work with a team and what we accomplish is a result of people coming together.

Thank You for leading the team behind our team!

Congratulations from

ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY

DR. WILL DICKISON Associate Professor Department of Agriculture

our 2019

20 UNDER 40 HONOREE People like Dr. Dickison make Angelo State University a great place to work and study.

Our outstanding academic programs and faculty, award-winning facilities and the Ram Family tradition create endless possibilities for our students.

Make

ANGELO STATE YOUR #1 CHOICE. Learn more about becoming a student:

myfuture.angelo.edu Support our mission:

angelo.edu/giving

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V I S I O N A R I E S O F T O D AY LEADINGFORTOMORROW

DR. J. WILL DICKISON ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR / ASU

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado ASU’s Davidson Endowed Chair for Ag- interdisciplinary agriculture and his MS was riculture Dr. J. Will Dickison supervises stu- in agricultural, both from Texas Tech. His dent teachers, organizes judging contests PhD in physiology of reproduction (animal for state participants in high schools and science) was from Texas A&M. teaches courses in the Agriculture Science He has been the primary coach for the and Leadership proaward-winning wool fession. judging team at ASU To him, teaching since 2013 and coordiagriculture is a calling, nates contests and opnot just a job. portunities for teams “It’s because of the across the nation. He day and age we live organizes the Area II in,” said Dr. Dickison.

Convention in sum“Each generation loses mer and area judging a little bit of knowlcontests in spring for edge about what agriall the FFA chapters culture is and where in the area along with our food and fiber leadership opportunicome from. In fact, if ties for all the students you stood in a parkinvolved.

- Dr. J. Will Dickison ing lot and asked peoDr. Dickison and ple where food comes his wife Brook live in from, 30 percent of the people would tell Sterling City with their two children, Rett, you it just comes from the grocery store.”

12, and Quinn, 7. He is the President of the ASU is a perfect home for him. He said, Sterling County Livestock Association and “I love the small environment; it allows for works closely with the Sterling High School a more hands-on approach to the teaching FFA and County 4H wool judging team. He and learning process. Our Ag department also coaches his son’s sixth grade football has a 6,000-acre ranch and teaching facil- team and both children show sheep at all ity which gives our students a very unique the major livestock shows in Texas. opportunity at learning that they might not He feels it’s worth driving almost 50 get at other institutions.” miles each way from Sterling City to ASU. Dr. Dickison’s first job was as a ranch “It’s the worId I grew up in,” he said. “Sterhand and sheep shearer. He wasn’t destined ling City is a small 1-A community. It just to continue, though. “All my family on both kind of holds the values that fit me. Besides, sides are educators, so skipping college on my drive back and forth I take care of wasn’t an option,” he said. His BA was in most of my phone calls!”

I love the small environment; it allows for a more hands-on approach to the teaching and learning process.

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V I S I O N A R I E S O F T O D AY LEADINGFORTOMORROW

JANET KARCHER VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING / SAN ANGELO AREA FOUNDATION

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado Janet Karcher was the youngest of Kay and meet the criteria, get approved and build a roJ.B. Guy’s six children growing up in Winters, bust profile on the website so people can become Texas. With that many siblings, she learned early familiar with their organization. There is a live on to articulate her messages very well. Is it any leaderboard that captures the donations in rewonder she is known for her ability to commu- al-time, which makes the day very exciting.” nicate?

“San Angelo Gives is different from other citKarcher is the Vice President of Development ies’ giving days in that the Foundation amplifies and Marketing at the San Angelo Area Founda- each gift. We also reach out ahead of time and tion. In a 24-hour period work with businesses or on the first Tuesday in corporations to award May each year, Karcher’s cash prizes to organizaability to communicate tions that meet certain makes a big impact. criteria. For example, She explained, “San the organization that reAngelo Gives is a day in ceives the first donation which large and small orgets $250 added to their ganizations come togethtotal. It makes it fun and er with large and small engaging, and people endonors to raise valuable joy helping when there is - Janet Karcher resources for their cause. extra cash for their cause.

In 2019, San Angelo Gives This day of giving proraised more than $2.2 milvides an opportunity for lion in that 24-hour period for local causes.” donors of all giving levels to be a philanthropist, “When I came to work at the San Angelo whether they’re giving $10 or $10,000.”

Area Foundation in 2014, ‘giving days’ had alKarcher and husband Cody have two chilready started by foundations in larger cities. I dren, Knox, 10, and Guy, 5. Being a part of the worked with President & CEO Matt Lewis to cre- San Angelo Area Foundation has been a perfect ate a giving day and scaled it to our community.” opportunity for her skills as a communicator.

“I’m the lead staff person,” Karcher added.

“I have met so many amazing people who “But as you know, it takes a village. We start to care deeply about our community,” she said. work on it in December, preparing the website “I love that I get to play a small part in helping and platform that captures all contributions. create impact in our community and work with We kick off with the non-profit organizations compassionate people who desire to improve the in mid-January, work with them to ensure they life of others.”

I love that I get to play a small part in helping create impact in our community.

Congratulations Janet

on being named San Angelo’s Top 20 under 40!

Thank you for helping us in our mission to manage endowments, scholarships and philanthropic dreams.

www.saafound.org 325-947-7071

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JUSTIN DELOACH

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER OF GREATER WEST TEXAS

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado Justin DeLoach has a song in his heart for people who give and for people who need help.

He said, “I particularly love working with the Children’s Advocacy Center because it focuses on community-based care for children who have been affected by child abuse. Together we are making a safe and nurturing home for all children in our area. And to me, that’s bigger than anything I’ve ever been a part of. Our future is up to the children of today. We help ensure they have the advocacy they deserve.”

In the past year he has been instrumental in raising funds for the Children and Families Campus of the CAC. “We are blessed in San Angelo with generous and giving people,” he said. “When I’m building relationships with those willing and wanting to help non-profits, I help them invest themselves into our mission and become a part of what we’re doing. Then we are all helping change lives, not just for today but for the future as well.”

Justin was born in Lubbock, grew up in Littlefield and got a BA in business administration at ASU. Those who have heard him sing will not be surprised to know his first job was as music director for San Angelo State Supported Living Center.

“To be quite honest, music is my strongest asset,” Justin said. “It is my talent that God blessed me with. I didn’t want my career, my job, to be on same path. Music is my outlet and a gift to be shared. My career is separate and something I grow in. If music was my career, then someone

could dictate how I use my voice. Now I know the moments it’s right to use my voice and I get to control how I use it.”

Justin is vice chair of the Non-Profit Association of San Angelo, the local organization that brings non-profits together. “This lets me connect with my fellow non-profits.

We can network and identify the needs of our community, instead of each working on our different patches. We support one another and we do the best we can do for our community,” he said.

- Justin DeLoach He will be the vice chair for Young Professionals of San Angelo for 2020. He said, “What I really love about YPS is that I’m meeting more of the younger professionals coming into the career market. We can connect and create support systems.”

Sharing is the word that comes up over and over in Justin’s conversation. “That’s a gift you can give to other people,” he said. “If you take what you know and share it, you give a gift that might open the next door and change someone’s life.”

Our future is up to the children of today. We help ensure they have the advocacy they deserve.

“Knowing our team works to ensure every child has a safe and nurturing home gives my job great meaning.

I love getting to share with our community how we can make a difference in each life.

We hope no child or family ever needs our services, but when they do,

we’ll be here.

And to me, that’s a purpose beyond definition.”

- Justin M. DeLoach

Congratulations Justin on being named one of San Angelo’s Top 20 Under 40!

We are so proud of you!

Looking for a way to get involved in our mission?

Become a CASA Volunteer today and change a child’s story.

3 2 5 - 6 5 3 - H O P E | c a c g reat e r w t x . o rg

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V I S I O N A R I E S O F T O D AY LEADINGFORTOMORROW

CHAPLAIN,CAPTAIN JONATHAN C. SHOUR CHAPLAIN, 17TH TRAINING WING / GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

According to Chaplain Jonathan Shour, “The job of a He and wife Rebecca have three children between the ages military chaplain is all about connecting—connecting peo- of 5 years and 5 months. ple to God and one another, connecting belief with action Jonathan serves on the outreach and stewardship and connecting military people to the community in which boards of Trinity Lutheran Church to work with the local community and mobilize his church to reach out to those they live.”

Jonathan helps make those connections as a chaplain around them. As a member of these boards he helps provide at Goodfellow Air Force Base assigned to the 17th Training events yearly to bring the community together and build Group and 17th Mission Support Group, made up of elev- relationships with people from all backgrounds as well as en squadrons with approximately trying to meet the needs of the local community through the benev4,900 students and permanent party personnel. olence program. He has helped to forge a lasting connection between He said, “As a religious ministry professional, it is difficult to tell Goodfellow AFB chapel, local area where the work ends and volunchurches, and local businesses and has helped implement a bi-monthteering begins. I want to connect the worlds of which I am a part in ly program on the base that serves hundreds of airmen monthly and any way appropriate, between work and volunteer, between chaplain their families. and minister, between the military He works to connect his vocacommunity and the local commutional ministry to volunteer activi- Chaplain, Captain Jonathan C. Shour ties in the Pregnancy Help Center nity.”

He entered active duty with (PHC) of Concho Valley. He supthe U.S. Air Force in August 2005 as a Korean Cryptologic ports a course connection through the PHC curriculum to Linguist and served six years before separating to pursue provide opportunities for PHC members to connect with the chaplaincy full time. He graduated Summa Cum Laude free resources in the church and community. His service with the Master of Divinity from Multnomah Biblical Sem- includes working to remodel the nursery, volunteering inary in Portland, Oregon. He returned to the Air Force in time to construct and build a more welcoming space for 2014 as a Chaplain Candidate and later a Chaplain with the families of young children. He also volunteers to serve the Air Force Reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmen- San Angelo and the West Texas area firefighters and victee (IMA) until transitioning back into regular active duty. tims of disaster.

As a religious ministry professional, it is difficult to tell where the work ends and volunteering begins.

V I S I O N A R I E S O F T O D AY LEADINGFORTOMORROW

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MIAH PULLEN

INSTRUCTOR, HOWARD COLLEGE OWNER/LEAD INSTRUCTOR, PREP ACADEMY DANCE STUDIO, LLC

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Miah Pullen is the kind of person who doesn’t do one thing when she could do two. Since she launched her dance studio full time in 2018, it has grown to 370 students. That was also the year she started teaching government at Howard College.

“Doors opened up that I didn’t expect,” Pullen said. “So many things happened at once, but I felt like I couldn’t say no. Oh well, I thought, I can do both. What was I thinking? It’s been crazy, but I love all of it.”

She was born and raised in San Angelo in a big blended family with seven children. At Central High School she was co-captain of the TexAnns and after graduating offered prep classes for underclassmen who were aspiring to do the same.

That’s where she met football player Ronnie Pullen, whom she married in February.

When she started college, she rented a - Miah Pullen studio to teach dance team classes, then expanded to college prep, hip hop and other dance styles. “I had all sorts of different business ideas, and as a government teacher I say that’s what makes capitalism awesome!”

Pullen graduated with her BA in Polit-

Doors opened up that I didn’t expect. So many things happened at once, but I felt like I couldn’t say no.

ical Science at Angelo State University and her MA in Public Administration at Texas State University. She worked with AmeriCorps VISTA on a project with the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health where she organized a health symposium for Spanish-speaking women.

When the VISTA job was over, she became a college instructor at Howard College just five years after graduating there.

Pullen now teaches all dual-credit federal government classes for SAISD and TLCA. She also teaches traditional courses at the Howard College San Angelo campus and online.

Pullen’s business has continued to grow. Her studio has two class spaces with 10 instructors. They offer classes for all ages and skill levels, with ballet, tap, hip-hop, and dance team prep-classes. She just added classes for 18-month-olds. There’s also a class for students with special needs.

“I struggle with being so young, personally and professionally,” she said. “I thought it would be a burden to have to tell people I was only 20; instead people said they thought of it as an inspiration. Now that I’m 22, I’ve been trying to make myself look as old as I can, because I think maybe people will think I’m too young to be an instructor.

That’s self-criticizing, I know. I just have to realize I am able to relate to students, dancers, parents and customers because of my age.”

Congratulations Miah

on being named to San Angelo’s 20 Under 40 class of 2019!

Thank you for making dreams real with us.

www.howardcollege.edu #MakingDreamsReal

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V I S I O N A R I E S O F T O D AY LEADINGFORTOMORROW

KATRINA BOROM

DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL OUTREACH, SAN ANGELO COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado Borom is responsible for being the hospiKatrina Borom has a history of success.

Despite losing her father while she was a stu- tal’s face in all the surrounding communities. dent at Blackwell High, she persevered and Her days are mostly spent on the road. “Things graduated as the valedictorian of her class. are rapidly changing in medicine, and we are From there, she graduated summa cum laude very patient-focused,” she said. “Part of my from Angelo State in three and a half years role is to travel to surrounding areas and make with a BBA in Management and Marketing. sure they’re aware of what our physicians can do. When I bring speShe began working toward her MBA at cialists to the outlying Angelo State Universiareas, our doctors are ty in August 2017 and so wonderful and open completed her degree with physicians. requirements less than She was recently two years later. named an honorary “I’m always trycommander by Gooding to get things done fellow Air Force Base to make my family and has made a conproud,” she said. “Benection to the base - Katrina Borom fore my father died, to help promote their he said to me, ‘I know mission and foster you’ll do fine. Please look after everybody else.’ their connection to health care. She and her That is the impetus of the way I approach ev- husband, Ben, are patrons of the arts and are erything. I do everything I think would make regular contributors to local organizations him proud. Everybody in our family tries to do such as the United Way. the same thing.”

Rod Schumacher, chief executive officer In the fall of 2010, Katrina joined Commu- of San Angelo Community Medical Center, nity Medical Center as marketing coordinator. said, “To be an effective leader, one must first

By October 2018, she was promoted to director of professional outreach. She is among the be a servant. Katrina is such a leader.” youngest directors in the entire organization.

Things are rapidly changing in medicine and we are very patient-focused.

V I S I O N A R I E S O F T O D AY LEADINGFORTOMORROW

SAMANTHA CRUMRINE VOLUNTEER WITH A SERVANT’S HEART

By Linda Bond Photography Rene Maldonado

Samantha Crumrine’s greatest desire is to be a with a 4.0 point in Spring 2020. She does all of this voice for those who don’t have a voice. That combined while she and her husband Doug raise four children with a strong work ethic make her a powerful force for who range in age from 3 to 14.

She said, “I’ve studied both business and social good.

“As a kid we grew up in a trailer park on the south- work and I love how the two of them meld together. side of town. I remember my neighbor was trying to My dream is to build a children’s village for children who have suffered abuse and neget enough money to get her son a bus ticket to come home. My glect here in San Angelo. It would be a community of homes and mom and dad sat us down and resources for healing and restosaid, ‘We can do something speration. I knew I would need a busicial for you all for Christmas or ness background in order to build a we can get this young man a bus nonprofit from the ground up and ticket,’ and all three of us said a master’s in social work in order ‘Yes, get the bus ticket.” Comto become a licensed child placing passion for children has been agency administrator.” engrained in me since I was a - Samantha Crumrine That’s a far cry from her child.” light-hearted first job teaching Sam graduated cum laude from Angelo State with her bachelor’s degree in inter- twirling while she was a student at Wall High School. national business. A few children later, she went back Her field placement at The Family Shelter leads right to school for her master’s degree in social work at the into her dream: “My favorite part is seeing client’s digUniversity of Texas in Arlington. She has completed nity and self-confidence restored. I am a survivor of a field placement at Shannon Hospital’s social work domestic violence and I LOVE seeing other survivors department and is currently interning at the Family persevere and find purpose in helping others. The cliShelter in San Angelo while and planning to graduate ents’ smiles and hugs make my day.”

My favorite part is seeing client’s dignity and self-confidence restored.

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