THE NEXT HORIZON Annual Report 2025
Message from the 2025 Chair
Message from the 2026 Chair
Message from the President
BAHEP Strategic Plan
A Diversified Economy
General Membership Meetings
2025 Quasar Banquet
BAHEP Committees New Member Events BAHEP Makes Statewide Impact
Delegations
for Space Exploration
Message from the 2025 Chair
This past year marked a period of meaningful progress, as BAHEP strengthened its foundation, expanded its impact, advocated for our community, and delivered on the strategic plan of the organization. Serving as Chair during this time has been a rewarding leadership journey that challenged me, shaped my broader perspective of our community, and deepened my commitment to who we are at BAHEP.
My involvement with BAHEP spans more than 18 years, beginning with Citizens for Space Exploration and continuing through my last five years on the Board of Directors. Serving as the 2025 Chair has been a true honor. Choosing a single accomplishment from this year is difficult, thanks to an exceptional board, executive committee, staff, and membership working in alignment. What stands out the most is the growing recognition - regionally, nationally, and internationally - of BAHEP as THE organization driving economic progress. We are reaching new areas of our region and engaging industries in impactful new ways. BAHEP also played a critical role in advocacy for our community on many projects and government funding with the impact of this advocacy being critical for the future of our community.
In 2025, BAHEP expanded our statewide reach through continued growth of the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) and by assuming leadership of the Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS) program. Together, these efforts are engaging thousands of students across Texas in STEM education and helping small businesses access technical expertise from aerospace engineers to solve complex challenges and accelerate innovation.
As BAHEP celebrates its 50-year legacy, it is clear the organization remains firmly focused on the future. I see BAHEP helping develop and foster the future roadmap for our community and developing growth opportunities in ways we couldn’t even imagine.
Thanks to Brian’s leadership and the entire BAHEP team for their hard work and dedication they put into being a leading organization in our community. I look forward to continuing being a part of BAHEP as a board member and contributor. Thank you for allowing me to serve as the 2025 Chair.
Sincerely,
Kelly Page 2025 BAHEP Board Chair President, Barrios Technology
Message from the 2026 Chair
ItisanhonortoserveastheIncomingBoardChairfor2026. Ilookforwardtoworkingalongsideourboardandmembers toadvanceBAHEP’smissionfocusedonthegrowthand resiliencyofourregion,community,andfamilies.
JESTechjoinedBAHEPin2013.Iamproudtohaveservedon theBoardofDirectorssince2018andhonoredtohavebeen askedtojointheExecutiveCommitteein2024.Throughthis involvement,IhaveseenfirsthandthestrengthofBAHEPand thevalueofbeinganengaged,activememberofthis organization.
2025markedthefirstyearofBAHEP’snewfive-yearstrategic planandtheprogresswasevident.Keymilestonesincluded BAHEP’sleadershipandsupportrelatingtotheTexasSpace CommissionandTARSEC,strongNASAfundingadvocacy, spearheadingsupportfortheDAVIEDefenseInvestment,and theconsiderableexpansionoftheSATOPProgramacross Texas.
ThispastyearbroughtunexpectedchallengesforourNASA community.BAHEProsetotheoccasionbyconveningbusiness leaders,politicalappointees,andstakeholderstoleadcritical conversationsandadvocateforsolutions.Brian’sleadershipin bringingcompetitorstogetheraroundsharedchallenges demonstratedBAHEP’sinfluenceandproactiveapproach.
BeingactivelyinvolvedinBAHEP,Iwasabletoconvey quantifiableinformationtomyownteamandpartnersabout BAHEP’sproactiveapproach,influence,andactionsfor fundingadvocacyatthelocalandfederalfront.Thishelped reducethelevelsofconcern,demonstratingtheimpactof beinganinformedandactiveparticipantinthecommunity.
As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited to continue strengthening connections across our region’s industries, promoting unity, and preparing our region to meet future challenges together.
I would also like to thank Kelly for her outstanding leadership in 2025. Her dedication and long-standing commitment to BAHEP were instrumental in the organization’s many successes this year.
Sincerely,
Nellie Chappell-White 2026 BAHEP Board Chair President & CEO of JES Tech
Message from the President
The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) had a monumental year in 2025. We launched our new five-year strategic plan, assumed leadership of the Texas Aerospace Scholars program, and welcomed a record number of new members; all while continuing to advance economic growth across our region.
I am sincerely grateful to our Board of Directors and Executive Committee for their leadership and commitment. A special thank-you to Kelly Page, our 2025 Board Chair whose steady guidance helped move BAHEP forward with confidence. I am pleased to welcome Nellie Chappell-White as our 2026 Board Chair and look forward to her leadership in the year ahead.
This year’s annual report theme, “The Next Horizon,” reflects both our accomplishments in 2025 and our focus on the future, especially as we celebrate BAHEP’s 50th anniversary in 2026. The Bay Area Houston region continues to grow and thrive, and we are excited about the amazing economic development opportunities ahead.
In 2025, BAHEP’s eight largest economic development wins created 3,880 new jobs and generated more than $1 billion in capital investment. Additionally, there are 28 major projects currently in our pipeline, representing the potential for more than 6,060 future jobs.
Collaboration remains at the heart of our work. BAHEP regularly engages leaders at every level of government from local - convening our Mayor’s Council and meeting with city managers and economic developers - to regional and statemeeting with our elected county and state officials, to federalengaging federal leaders and staff in a variety of ways, including hosting them to interact with our members.
The success of BAHEP is driven by these strong partnerships. The BAHEP team is appreciative of the support and active participation of our members, elected officials, and community partners. By bringing together industry, government, academia, and nonprofit leaders, we continue to build a stronger, more prosperous future for the Bay Area Houston region.
As we look to 2026, we reflect and celebrate the past 50 years while setting our sights on the next 50. New opportunities, innovations, and horizons lie ahead, and BAHEP is ready to lead the way.
Sincerely,
Brian Freedman President, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
BAHEP 2025 - 2029 Strategic Plan
The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Strategic Plan is the foundation which will guide BAHEP’s work over the next five years.
BAHEP is a member-driven organization dedicated to stimulating regional economic development and employment in Southeast Texas. Founded in 1976, BAHEP works with over 330 member companies, local governments, and educational institutions to attract, retain, and expand industry in the region. Our members include business partners encompassing 18 cities, Galveston County and Harris County.
A Diversified Economy
A priority for BAHEP in the 2025-2029 strategic plan is to promote the region’s ever diversifying economy, grow our region’s key industries, and improve the quality of life for the residents, workers, and visitors in our area.
BAHEP partners with a multitude of organizations including BAHEP member cities and local chambers to achieve this goal. The Bay Area Houston region had a prosperous economic year with victories that included Davie Defense Inc., Astrolab, FoodTown, and Marathon Oil.
Davie Defense Inc. unveiled their plans for a $1B investment that will transform the historic Gulf Copper shipyard along the Galveston Ship Channel. Davie Defense Inc. completed the acquisition of the Gulf Copper Shipyard located on Pelican Island and will be investing $1 billion into renovations. This facility will become the home to a manufacturing site for the U.S. Coast Arctic Security Cutter for more American-made military vessels.
This project is positioned to create over 2,000 skilled jobs at Gulf Copper facilities in Galveston and over 7,000 jobs statewide. Additionally, it is estimated to generate a statewide economic impact of over $9 billion. This will be the biggest increase of new U.S. shipbuilding capacity in decades.
Marathon Oil is building two 150,000-bpd fractionation facilities adjacent to Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, the Houston area’s largest refinery. The fractionation facilities are expected to be in service in 2028 and 2029.
A Diversified Economy
Hawthorne, California-based Astrolab has secured space in the Texas A&M University Space Institute and intends to open a Houston office in the Bay Area region, estimating more than 200 people working locally, by the end of 2026. Astrolab is one of the companies awarded the contract by NASA to design the upcoming Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services. The rover is intended to ferry astronauts across the moon’s surface as part of NASA’s Artemis III mission.
Houston-based Food Town opened a new store in Santa Fe, Texas in July 2025 after an abruptly closed Arlan’s Market left a gap in the community’s grocery store options. Santa Fe Mayor, Brandon Noto, and BAHEP worked together to identify a new grocery store tenant in a short amount of time to provide the community with reliable access to fresh food and essential grocery options.
General Membership Meetings and Events
The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership takes great pride in the quality of its meetings and events. Topics of these vary from the economy, legislative updates, local industry updates, and education. Event highlights from the year include the 89th Legislative Briefing with Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado and Texas House of Representatives Chairman, Dr. Greg Bonnen, Dennis Paul, Terri Leo-Wilson and Jeff Barry on June 25. The Space City Job Fair was hosted by BAHEP, BayTech, Space Center Houston, and the University of HoustonClear Lake on July 22 in BAHEP’s multipurpose atrium. Another notable event was the September General Membership meeting where U.S. Senator Ted Cruz gave an address on federal priorities and local impact to over 300 members.
General Membership Meetings and Events
2025 Quasar Award Banquet
BAHEP awards its acclaimed Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence to an outstanding elected official or business leader who has demonstrated a strong and continual effort to support the business foundations of the greater Bay Area Houston communities.
On January 24, 2025, Texas A&M University Chancellor, John Sharp, was honored for his exceptional leadership and dedication at the Quasar Award Banquet held in the elegant Crystal Ballroom at South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center in League City, Texas.
BAHEP President Brian Freedman led the evening’s festivities by recognizing a number of distinguished attendees or their representatives, and followed with a recap of BAHEP’s 2024 successes and the organization’s goals for 2025.
Gwen Griffin, 2024 BAHEP Chair and founder and CEO of Griffin Communications also noted the organization’s 2024 accomplishments and introduced the evening’s honoree.
Vice Chancellor for Engineering at Texas A&M University, Dr. Robert Bishop, accepted the award on Chancellor Sharp’s behalf. Dr. Bishop congratulated Sharp and noted his welldeserved stature, “Chancellor Sharp is a visionary leader. He tirelessly champions the state of Texas and all of its citizens. He is a dreamer, he dreams big, and he inspires other leaders in his orbit, including me, to also dream big. Not only does he set us on a trajectory to take us through low Earth orbit, to the Moon, to Mars, and beyond, but he also provides the fuel to make that happen.”
2025 BAHEP Board Chair and President of Barrios Technology, Kelly Page, closed out the evening by sharing her excitement for the upcoming year. “BAHEP had a great 2024, and I am looking forward to continuing the momentum that was started and entering into BAHEP’s 49th anniversary. Thanks to Gwen Griffin and Tim Kropp’s leadership, we have charted the next five years of our strategic plan, and I am ready to embark on this first year.”
BAHEP Committees
BAHEP has 17 active committees that support the region’s special interests. The Aerospace Advisory Committee (AAC) is the largest regularly held gathering of aerospace executives in the state.
In 2025, BAHEP added two new committees to the roster to support the evolving needs of the region. The Tourism Committee was added in the spring to promote the Bay Area Houston region as a tourism destination and create opportunities for the community. The Space City Workforce Committee was added earlier this year to enhance partnerships across Human Resources and workforce development professionals among NASA/JSC contractors and other aerospace corporations with the expressed goal to support the Space City workforce, so each company has the talent needed to fulfill its mission.
BAHEP hosted a total of 128 meetings for all committees this year, adding considerable value to the economy of the region.
BAHEP Committees
Aerospace Advisory Committee - Chair, Brian Freedman
AAC works on behalf of the aerospace industry in support of human space exploration and the commercialization of space. AAC was established 26 years ago to support the continuation of the International Space Station. The committee focuses on current trends with the space sector and works closely with local, state and federal elected officials on behalf of a strong industry. The AAC also supports other aerospace initiatives including Team NASA, Space Center Volunteers and Citizens for Space Exploration.
Annual Banquet Committee - Chair, Marcus Havican
Plans and prepares for the annual banquet held in January.
BAHEP Veteran Mentoring Program - Chair, Matt Berg
BAHEP’s Veteran Mentoring program provides pre-separation career mentoring to servicemembers who desire to explore careers represented in BAHEP’s membership. The program provides mentors from one of BAHEP’s member companies who provide insight into the veterans desired post military career field. The insight provided by the mentor helps the veteran adjust their transition planning to ensure they leave the service with employment options.
Citizens for Space Exploration/ Texas - Chair, Kelly Page
The mission of CSE is to promote awareness and advocate support for NASA and America’s vision for Space Exploration.
Education and Workforce Development CommitteeChair, Harv Hartman
The EWDC’s mission is to enhance Bay Area Houston’s overall economic development and quality of life by collaborating to create a world-class education and training community; advocating for education; sharing best-practices; supporting regional economic development; assisting member organizations to achieve their respective goals; and establishing innovative and effective partnerships.
Energy Committee - Chair, Christian Peters
The mission of the Energy Committee is to develop policies, spear-head initiatives, and advocate for positions which address the region’s biggest energy-related concerns. Constituents include energy professionals, large industrial energy users, utility representatives, and government officials involved in operating and regulating the Texas electrical grid.
Healthcare Committee - Chair, Jennifer Anderson
The Healthcare Committee’s mission is to encourage collaboration between the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s "Health Care Provider" investors to improve the health status of our community; demonstrate the community and economic benefits and quality of the health care industry in our region, with a specific objective of maximizing availability of our local health care services, as possible, through partnering, and community awareness.
International Maritime Advisory CommitteeChair, Retired Senator Larry Taylor
The mission of IMAC is to support, advise, and advocate on matters relating to the region’s maritime industry, ports, and supporting intermodal transportation infrastructure and to review and make recommendations on strategic and policy level decisions to improve the overall operating environment.
Membership Engagement CommitteeChair, Elizabeth Smith
The Membership Engagement Committee facilitates networking and exchange of ideas and suggests ways to enhance member satisfaction as well as focus on the overall goals of BAHEP.
BAHEP Committees
Military Affairs Committee - Chair, Brian Freedman
The Military Affairs Committee fosters collaboration between the military community and the Bay Area Houston region. The committee focuses on regional initiatives such as economic development efforts, advocacy, and infrastructure improvements to advance the region’s military interests. Regular meetings provide updates on ongoing projects and discuss new opportunities to support military personnel and their families.
Political Protocol Committee - Chair, Teri Crawford
The PPC mission is to provide a forum for discussion, communication and outreach on issues affecting businesses in Bay Area Houston to elected officials, candidates and other key individuals.
Public Safety Committee - Chair, RJ Boatman
The Public Safety Committee fosters collaboration among local public safety entities, businesses, and community leaders within the Bay Area region of Houston, TX. It aims to enhance public safety, support economic development, and drive innovative community well-being solutions.
Small Business Committee - Chair, Amy Reid
The purpose of the SBC is to help the organization’s small businesses grow by creating an environment for opportunity and advancement.
Space Center Volunteers - Chair, Joyce Abbey
SCV is a volunteer organization consisting of contract and civil space industry employees working together in the community to improve life on Earth.
Space City Workforce Committee - Chair, Brady Pyle
The Space City Workforce Committee enhances partnerships across Human Resources (HR) and workforce development professionals among NASA/JSC contractors and other aerospace corporations with the expressed goal to support the Space City workforce, so each company has the talent needed to fulfill its mission.
Team NASA - Chair, Joyce Abbey
As a team comprised of NASA, contractor and community representatives, Team NASA will build a seamless partnership with JSC to enhance employee, contractor and community activities by providing coordinated planning, organization, communication and a process to review events to determine the overall value to all participants.
Tourism Committee - Chair, Cesar Garcia
The Tourism Committee will promote the Bay Area Houston region as a destination, foster economic growth and create opportunities for the community. By promoting the area's attractions, coordinating events, and building partnerships between industry leaders, the committee will help strengthen the quality of life in our region. This committee will serve as a platform for industry leaders to make united strategic decisions and initiatives.
New Member Events
BAHEP remains committed to strong member outreach through new member events, member appreciation opportunities, and continued partnerships with local organizations.
This year, BAHEP proudly welcomed 51 new members with a New Member Breakfast and Wine & Cheese Reception. These events gave attendees the opportunity to connect with BAHEP staff, board members, and committee chairs.
BAHEP Makes Statewide Impact
BAHEP continues to expand statewide with a multitude of initiatives and programs. In addition to the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) i th tate, BAHEP recently took leadership of the Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS) th NASA Johnson Space Center and San Jacinto College. BAHEP is also act hip with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) by worki fa
Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP)
In 2025, SATOP capitalized on the significant expansion in 2024 while setting the conditions for sustained success. SATOP received 160 Requests for Technical Assistance, turning 70 into projects. This success would not have been possible without SATOP forging new relationships with universities, small business organizations, and incubators to reach emerging small businesses and new alliance partners that expand capabilities across the state.
BAHEP Makes Statewide Impact
Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS)
TAS is a state-funded initiative that promotes STEM education and workforce development across Texas. The flagship program, High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS), offers a free, year-long experience for high school juniors, beginning with a five-month online course focused on NASA missions, space exploration, Earth science, and aeronautics. Students who pass the online course are invited to a virtual summer experience, Moonshot, where they collaborate on an Artemis-themed design challenge with NASA mentors. Topperforming teams earn an all-expenses-paid, week-long residential visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Smart Manufacturing Initiative
BAHEP is partnering with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) through their Texas Defense Aerospace Manufacturing Community (TDAMC) Consortium to lead a new Smart Manufacturing initiative in the Houston and Galveston regions. Smart Manufacturing integrates advanced digital technologies into manufacturing operations to improve quality, efficiency, and productivity. This is incredibly important for the Bay Area Houston region as we work to remain competitive, strengthen supply chain resilience, and meet the expanding needs of the U.S. Department of War and commercial aerospace sector. Together with TEES, this initiative will position Houston to play a major role in advancing U.S. defense manufacturing, while creating new jobs and ensuring the workforce is prepared with cutting-edge skills.
International Delegations
BAHEP hosted or participated in a total of 13 delegations in 2025 that included companies from Italy, Japan, Germany, Hungary, France, Spain, Argentina, Israel, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Canada, and Finland.
Through extensive initiatives to promote and grow the region’s diversified economy, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has become the leading organization in the area for hosting international delegations. These delegations typically consist of representatives from a country’s aerospace ecosystem, as well as government, industry, academia, and local representation from U.S. companies in our region. These meetings put an international spotlight on the Bay Area Houston community and the business being conducted here. These delegations also help strengthen foreign alliances and trade.
International company representatives highlighted capabilities, programs, accomplishments, and technology gaps they are facing and then in turn, hear from our U.S. company representatives. After the presentations, participants had the opportunity to network and engage in conversations about potential collaborations and next steps, with the ultimate goal of creating business opportunities and establishing a U.S. presence for our international guests.
Citizens for Space Exploration
Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE), an active and exuberant committee of BAHEP, made its 33rd annual trip to Washington, D.C., from May 19 -21. The excursion brought together space enthusiasts, American taxpayers, community and industry leaders, and students to advocate for the importance of human space exploration and research and continued robust national investment in space exploration.
The annual CSE trip plays a vital role in shaping federal awareness and support for the nation’s space program by providing a direct, unified voice from the communities and industries that support human spaceflight. Through in-person engagement with lawmakers and congressional staff, the delegation reinforces the real-world impact of federal space investment on the jobs, education, and innovation in the Bay Area Houston region.
Citizens for Space Exploration
BAHEP led a delegation of 88 participants, that included educators, college students, industry representatives, and community leaders, who embarked on the trip to meet with members of Congress and their staff. The goal was to emphasize the critical role that space exploration plays in national security, technological advancement, and economic growth.
Twenty-eight students from universities and community colleges representing twenty-four different states joined the delegation. These students shared their personal stories and aspirations, showcasing the next generation of scientists, engineers and space professionals.
During the trip, participants engaged in 273 office visits where key topics of discussion included steady funding for NASA, support for commercial space initiatives, and the expansion of STEM education programs.
Partner Events
AscendxTexas 2025
BAHEP partnered with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for the 2025 AscendxTexas: Next Steps in the LEO-to-Lunar Voyage. Key themes highlighted at the event included the commercial lunar market, the aerospace supply chain, AI integration, and next-generation workforce development. The event was held February 26-27 at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center.
Saving Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Economy Workshop by BAHEP
BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee organized and hosted a workshop to develop strategies and an action plan regarding the President’s FY 2026 Budget Request for NASA - a plan that would reduce or eliminate key space exploration programs in NASA and at Johnson Space Center. Mark Gittleman with Aegis Aerospace led the development of the action plan with more than 60 business leaders participating. The plan developed by the committee focused on a letterwriting campaign to key congressional members and staff of Senate and House committees, as well as social media posts conveying concerns about the proposed budget cuts and the future of NASA and commercial space exploration.
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
BAHEP hosted a delegation from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, including its president, Lorie Logan, for a roundtable discussion on current business conditions and long-term trends shaping Houston’s aerospace economy. The meeting brought together industry, local government, and community leaders to provide a detailed snapshot of the region’s growing commercial space sector and the influence of broader economic forces.
Participants discussed the accelerating role of private-sector investment in human spaceflight, cislunar operations, and space-based manufacturing, as well as the shift toward a more distributed national aerospace supply chain. Several leaders described how activity around NASA’s Johnson Space Center, combined with the rise of commercial firms in the Houston area, is reshaping workforce needs, capital flows, and industrial development patterns across the region. The Dallas Fed team asked questions about outlooks for the next decade for their outreach, planning, and regional economic modeling.
Partner Events
2026 Board of Directors Officers
Chair
Nellie Chappell-White is president and CEO of JES Tech. She started her management career in aerospace serving as a program manager, making contributions to the NASA mission since 2000. In 2004, she played a key role in creating JES Tech, and served as operations manager and chief operating officer since the company’s inception. In April 2018, Chappell-White succeeded Bobbie Jessie as president and CEO of JES Tech. During Nellie’s career as JES Tech’s chief operating officer, she supported over a dozen contracts at multiple NASA centers throughout the United States, leading teams that made significant contributions to NASA’s mission in functional areas, including the Human Health and Performance Directorate and the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate. Her experience provides her with unmatched insight into JES Tech’s operations and a remarkable focus on performance to ensure that all technical, cost, schedule, and personnel management aspects of JES Tech’s support are accomplished with optimal professional performance. Emphasizing communication and relationship building with employees and customers, Chappell-White has demonstrated a natural ability to lead teams in achieving outstanding performance across diverse work groups of scientific, medical, research, engineering, technical, administrative, and logistics personnel.
Dick Gregg, Jr. has a wide range of governmental and quasi-governmental law experience. He is currently the City Attorney for the City of Nassau Bay, City of Kemah, City of Webster, City of South Houston and the City of South Houston Economic Development Corporation. Gregg began his career as Assistant Attorney General of Texas in 1964-1965. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin in the years 1961 and 1964 respectively. He has been licensed since 1964 in the State of Texas and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Gregg has practiced law continuously for over 50 years in Harris, Galveston and Brazoria counties. Gregg is or has been a member of the board of directors and officer, if in parentheses, for League City Chamber of Commerce, Armand Bayou Nature Center (Former President), Armand Bayou Foundation, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre (Former Chairman), Space Center Rotary Club (Former President), Bay Area Alliance for the Arts (Former Co-Chairman), and many more.
Vice Chair
2026 Board of Directors Officers
Secretary
Treasurer
Laurie Labra, Vice President Operations, Human Exploration Division at KBR, leads a diverse team of more than 2750 employees, generating over $500 million in annual revenue and providing world-class research, engineering and technology development, information systems, human health and performance, operations, and mission solutions. The Human Exploration Division (HED) portfolio includes the Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOCIII), Mission Systems Operations Contract (MSOC), Extravehicular Activity Space Operations Contract (ESOC), Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) Contract, and Human Health Performance Contract (HHPC) at Johnson Space Center (JSC), which are valued at more than $4 billion. HED is critical to NASA’s human spaceflight operations including mission planning, training and execution of all human spaceflight missions. HED is key to implementing NASA’s commercial spaceflight vision and actively supports private astronaut training and other commercial concepts. HED is also proud to serve its local community participating in more than 30 community service events annually.
Jennifer Bowers is a partner with the law firm Bowers & Sadler, LLP. The firm specializes in a variety of legal services aimed at assisting closely held businesses and their owners with their tax planning, business organization matters, estate planning, and probate matters. Bowers is board certified in tax law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
2026 Board of Directors
Officers
Chair: Nellie Chappell-White, President & CEO, JES Tech
Vice Chair: Dick H. Gregg Jr., Attorney at Law & President, Gregg & Gregg, P.C.
Secretary: Laurie Labra, Vice President, Human Space Exploration Division, KBR
Treasurer: Jennifer Bowers, Partner, Bowers & Sadler, LLP
Executive Committee
RJ Boatman, Chairman, C.O.R.E. Institute
Nellie Chappell-White, President & CEO, JES Tech
Dick H. Gregg, Jr., Attorney-at-Law & President, Gregg & Gregg, P.C.
Jorge Hernandez, President & CEO, Bastion Technologies
Carl Joiner, Chairman & CEO, Joiner Architects, Inc.
Tim Kropp, Executive Vice President, MRI Technologies
Laurie Labra, Vice President, Human Space Exploration Division, KBR
Stephanie Murphy, Principal Owner, Aegis Aerospace, Inc.
Marty Pell, President & CEO, Wellby Financial
Victor Pierson, Chairman/President/CEO, Moody Bank
Kirk Shireman, Vice President of Lunar Exploration Campaigns, Lockheed
Martin Space Systems Company
Richard Walker, Ed.D., President, University of Houston-Clear Lake
John Wilkins, CEO, CLC Properties
Executive Committee Honorary Chairman
Frans Gillebaard (1939 - 2013)
Executive Committee Ex Officio Members
Jennifer Bowers, Partner, Bowers & Sadler, LLP
Gale E. Burkett, President & CEO, GB Tech, Inc.
Todd Caliva, CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake
Fred B. Griffin, Founder & Chairman, Griffin Partners, Inc.
Gwen D. Griffin, CEO, Griffin Communications Group
Marc Havican, President, Space City Films, Inc.
Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D., Chancellor, San Jacinto College District
Kenny Koncaba, Senior Vice President-Corporate Banking, Frost Bank
Bernard A. Milstein, M.D., President, The Eye Clinic of Texas
Kelly Page, President, Barrios Technology
Vanessa Wyche, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center Board of Directors
Jennifer Anderson, Marketing/Communications Director, Shriners Children’s Texas
Jacob Bigger, General Manager, Kemah Boardwalk
RJ Boatman, Chairman, C.O.R.E. Institute
Jennifer Bowers, Partner, Bowers & Sadler, LLP
Noel Cardenas, FACHE, Senior Vice President & CEO, Memorial Hermann Southeast and Pearland Hospitals
Helen Castellanos Brewer, Ph.D., President, College of the Mainland
Nellie Chappell-White, President & CEO, JES Tech
Fernando De La Peña, CEO & President, AEXA Aerospace, LLC
Jeff Dudderar, Senior Vice President & Market President, Home Bank
Renee Ethridge, Executive Account Manager, Meador Staffing Services, Inc.
Col. Michael Fossum, USAFR (Ret.) COO, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Jeff Gionnette, Senior General Manager, Retail, Brookfield Properties
Dick H. Gregg, Jr., Attorney-at-Law & President, Gregg & Gregg, P.C.
Edward Griffin, CEO, Griffin Partners, Inc.
Anna Hawley, President & CEO, Lone Star Flight Museum
Jorge Hernandez, President & CEO, Bastion Technologies
Carl Joiner, Chairman & CEO, Joiner Architects, Inc
2026 Board of Directors
Tim Kopra, CEO, Voyager Technologies
Jeannie Kranz, Senior Director, Lead & Growth Strategy, Peraton
Tim Kropp, Executive Vice President, MRI Technologies
Laurie Labra, Vice President, Human Space Exploration Division, KBR
Carl Little, Senior Vice President & CEO, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital
Jamieson Mackay, Chief Relationship Officer, Gulf Coast Educators
Federal Credit Union
Erin McDonald, Senior Vice President, Frost Bank
Stephanie Murphy, Principal Owner, Aegis Aerospace, Inc.
Demetrius Navarro, President, Navarro Insurance Group
Paul Nemeth, Vice President & Program Manager, Amentum
Megan Ortiz, Senior Director of External Relations, Axiom Space, Inc.
Kelly Page, President, Barrios Technology
Marty Pell, President & CEO, Wellby Financial
Bradley Pepper, Managing Director, State & Local Government Affairs, Southern Region, United Airlines
Victor Pierson, Chairman / President / CEO, Moody Bank
Bill Provenzano, Senior Vice President, HomeTown Bank, N. A.
Amy Reid, Director, Galveston County/San Jacinto SBDC - Galveston
County Small Business Development Center
Glenn Royal, Chief Investment Officer & Partner, RHP Wealth Management
Wayne Rutledge, President of Commercial Brokerage, Rutledge
Commerical Real Estate
Kirk Shireman, Vice President of Lunar Exploration Campaigns, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Chad Stine, Manager, Strategic Engagement, CenterPoint Energy
Patty Stoll, Senior Vice President & Regional Director, Aerodyne Industries
Mike Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs & Corporate Partnerships, Group One Automotive
Frank Taylor, Director of Corporate Governance & Corporate Counsel, Kuraray America, Inc.
Ann Varghese, Administrator, UTMB Clear Lake
Deborah Wells, Vice President & Division Manager, Space Exploration, Leidos
Richard Walker, Ed.D., President, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Karen Wheeler Hall, Owner, Rothe Development, Inc.
John Wilkins, CEO, CLC Properties
Board Ex Officio Members
Chad Burke, President & CEO, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region
Gale E. Burkett, President & CEO, GB Tech, Inc.
Todd Caliva, CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake
Cindy DeWease, President & CEO, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
Glenn Freedman, Ph.D., President's Award Recipient, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
Marcy Fryday, Marketing Director, Lakewood Yacht Club
Gwen D. Griffin, CEO, Griffin Communications Group
Marc Havican, President, Space City Films, Inc.
Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D., Chancellor, San Jacinto College District
Kenny Koncaba, Senior Vice President - Corporate Banking, Frost Bank
Bernard A. Milstein, M.D., President, The Eye Clinic of Texas
Denise Navarro, Founder / President / CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc.
Amy Skicki, President & CEO, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership
Vanessa Wyche, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center
Membership
ABM Industries
Acadian Ambulance Service
ADACEN
AECOM
Aegis Aerospace, Inc.
Aerodyne Industries
The Aerospace Corporation
AeroSys, LLC
AEXA Aerospace, LLC
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
All Points Logistics, LLC
Alvin Community College
Amentum
American Acryl
American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation
American Heart Association, The
AMOCO Federal Credit Union
ARES Corporation
Arete Public Affairs
Arrow Science and Technology, LLC
AssuredPartners
Astrion
Astrolab
AVERA Companies
Avison Young
Axiom Space, Inc.
Ayrshire Corporation
b1 Bank
Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance
Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network
Barita Law Firm, PLLC
Barrios Technology
Bastion Technologies, Inc.
Battleship Texas Foundation
Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol
Bay Area Habitat for Humanity
Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre
Bay Area Houston Magazine
Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership
Bay Area Turning Point, Inc.
Bay Oaks Country Club
Baybrook Mall - Brookfield Properties
Baylor College of Medicine Center for Space Medicine
Bay Area
Houston Advanced Technology Consortium
Bernard J. Roan Law Office
Bilmar Consulting, LLC
MW-MINI OF CLEAR LAKE
The Boeing Company
Bowers & Sadler, LLP
Brockway Commercial
Brookfield Residential
C.O.R.E. Institute
Callan Marine
Capital Bank - Pasadena
Clear Creek Independent School District
CDS Community Development Strategies
Center for the Advancement of Science in Spaces
CenterPoint Energy
Charles Schwab & Co.
Chemical Process and Production, Inc.
CHI St. Luke's Health Patients Medical Center
Cimarron
City of Clear Lake Shores
City of Deer Park
City of Dickinson
City of El Lago
City of Friendswood
City of Houston
City of Houston, Houston Airport System
City of Kemah
City of La Marque
City of La Porte
City of League City
City of Morgan's Point
City of Nassau Bay
City of Pasadena
City of Santa Fe
City of Seabrook
City of Taylor Lake Village
City of Texas City
City of Webster
Clark Construction LLC
CLC Properties
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
Clear Lake City Water Authority
College of the Mainland
Collins Aerospace
Comcast Business
Communities In Schools - Bay Area, Inc.
Community Health Network
Community Impact Newspaper
Courtyard By Marriott Houston NASA/Nassau Bay
Craig Technologies
Criss Cross Commercial Group
Crown Castle
Cyber One Solutions, LLC
CYFOR Technologies, LLC
Cypress Bay Subdivision/Marina Bay Village
Dave & Busters / Main Event
Del Papa Distributing Company
Deloitte
Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
Dickinson ISD
DKK Consulting
DK's Dustbusters, Inc.
Draper Laboratory
DRDA, PLLC
Dunaway
East Harris County Manufacturers Association
eCon USA LLC
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region
EduSafe Systems, Inc.
Elizabeth Smith Life and Health
Energy Architecture, Inc.
Energy Edge
Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) Partners
The Exploration Company US LLC
Express Employment Professionals
The Eye Clinic of Texas
Family Promise of Clear Creek
Family Service Center / The Center for Mental Health
Fast Signs - Clear Lake
Fertitta Chevrolet
Fifth Third Bank, N.A.
Fogo de Chao Friendswood, LLC
Friendswood Chamber of Commerce
Friendswood ISD
Frost Bank
Galveston - Texas City Pilots
Galveston Bay Foundation
Galveston County
Galveston County Small Business Development Center
Galveston Daily News
Galveston Economic Development Partnership
Galveston ISD
Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
GB Tech, Inc.
GEO Consultants Corporation
GeoControl Systems, Inc.
GFT Inc.
Global Business Management Consultants
Great Wolf Lodge
Greater Houston Partnership
Green Appraisal, LLC
Greer, Herz & Adams, LLP
Gregg & Gregg, P.C.
Griffin Communications Group
Griffin Partners, Inc.
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Gulf Coast Authority
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union
Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc.
Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD)
Gulf Coast Workforce Board
Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP
Harris County
HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake
Health and Safety Council
HIGHER Up Texas
Highpoint Insurance Group, LLC
Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake
Home Bank
HomeTown Bank, N. A.
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
Houston Association for Space and Science Education
Houston Association of Realtors
Houston First Corporation
Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital
Houston Pilots
Houston Precision Fasteners
ILC Dover
IMA Financial Group
ImageNet Consulting
Implemetrics, Inc.
Independence Real Estate, Inc.
Innovative Lifting, LLC
Interlune Corporation
International SOS-Government Medical Services
Intuitive Machines, LLC
J&P Technologies
J. A. Billipp Company
Jacob White Construction
JC2 Technologies, LLC
JES Tech
JMK5 Holdings, LLC
Joiner Architects, Inc
Kaneka North America LLC
KBR
Keller Williams Realty Clear Lake
Kemah Boardwalk
Kindred Hospital Clear Lake
Kulr Technology Group
Kuraray America, Inc.
La Porte - Bayshore Chamber of Commerce
La Porte Independent School District
Lakewood Yacht Club
League City Regional Chamber of Commerce
Leidos
Levi Benton & Associates, PLLC
Lewis Jewelers
Lexus of Clear Lake
Lighthouse Video Surveillance
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Lockton
Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc.
Logical Innovations, Inc.
Lone Star Flight Museum
The Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center
Lunar Outpost
LZ Technology
Mackinnon and Partners
Manhattan Construction Company
Max Space
McCorkle Insurance Services, LLC
Meador Staffing Services, Inc.
Media Riders, Inc.
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake
Merrill Lynch
METECS
Metis Technology Services Inc.
Minuteman Press - Bay Area
Mission Ops
Moody Bank
Morgan Lewis
MORI Associates, Inc.
MRC The Crossings
MRI Technologies
MRM Proposal Solutions
My Flooring America
NASA Alumni League - JSC Chapter
NASA Johnson Space Center
Navarro Insurance Group
New Horizon Strategies, LLC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Novium LTD
Oceaneering Space Systems, Inc.
One Stop Tents & Events
Outreach Strategists LLC
Pasadena Economic Development Corporation
Pasadena Independent School District
Pasadena Texas Chamber of Commerce
Paterson Consulting Partners LLC/PCP Digital
Payne's Plants
PBK
Pearland Economic Development Corporation
Peraton
Perry's Restaurant Group
Port Houston
Qwaltec, Inc.
The Ray Tax Group
Rhodium Scientific
Membership
RHP Wealth Management
Rice University, Space Institute
Robinette & Company Caterers, Inc.
Rothe Development, Inc.
Rutledge Commercial Real Estate
S&K Global Solutions
Sage Commercial Group, LLC
San Jacinto College District
The Sanctuary Foster Care Services
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce
Santa Fe ISD
Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.
Science Applications International Corporation
Sea Star Base Galveston
Shriners Children's Texas
Sierra Space
Sophic Synergistics
South Belt Ellington Leader
South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce
South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Ctr.
Southwest Airlines Company
Space Center Houston
Space City Films, Inc.
SSCI Environmental & Consulting Services
Star Service, Inc.
Stellar Bank
Strata Systems
Successful Events
Summit Management Group
Tannos Development Group, LLC
TDECU
TechTrans International
Teledyne Brown Engineering
Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas Boutique Realty / H-Town Living
Texas Chiropractic College
Texas City ISD
Texas City Terminal Railway Company/Port of Texas City
Texas Regional Bank
Texas Traditions Bank
Tommy's Restaurant Oyster Bar
Transwestern
TXU Energy
UHCL Center -Economic Development & Research
UL Research Institutes
Union Pacific Railroad
United Airlines
Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.
Universities Space Research Association-USRA
University of Houston-Clear Lake
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
UTMB Health
V2X
Vast Inc.
Vedo Systems
Venus Aerospace
Voyager Technologies
W. Derrell Curry - Savills, Inc.
Watchdog Site Surveillance LLC
WDHB, Inc.
Welcome Group, LLC
Wellby Financial
Wells Fargo - Commercial Bank
Wells Fargo - Private Bank
Wings Over Houston Air Show
Wycoff Development & Construction, LLC
Yokogawa Corporation of America
Young Industries Group
Zann Commercial Brokerage, Inc.
