Typically, nominations to the HHA Board of Directors are made in person, during our September community meeting. However, as a precaution due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s nominations were all submitted via email. You will find the names of the nominees below, along with a written statement from their nominators. Five of the eight nominees will be elected by our active members to serve three-year terms, starting in 2021. More details on this year’s election process and how you can vote here.
Here are your candidates for the Houston Heights Association Board, in order of date of nomination:
Idalia Guerra, nominated by Brian Reeves
It is indeed a pleasure to have this opportunity to write a letter of recommendation for Ms. Idalia Guerra supporting her nomination for your consideration to the Board of the Houston Heights Association and to provide you with some information regarding both our professional and personal association with her as clients and neighbors.
A casual acquaintance initiated years ago while walking in the neighborhood, we were sharing with Idalia some of the details of our latest home improvement plan, commenting on two failed attempts for city approval of a culvert installation in the front of our property, when we were delighted and impressed to hear of her experience and credentials as a professional engineer with Cositas Engineering. Ms. Guerra was not only instrumental in securing city approval, but in orchestrating every detail of the project from the survey of the site and submission of required forms to the hiring of the contractor for installation and follow-up regarding landscape restoration. Without question, her competence in navigating the intricacies of obtaining official city sanctioning of the proposed project was equaled by her ability to manage the many moving parts and multiple people from various organizations (City of Houston, excavation company, concrete company and landscaping company, etc.) of such an undertaking. We could not have been more pleased with the results and appreciate the chance to share our experience to demonstrate our confidence in her suitability for service.
On a personal note, Idalia, is genuinely dedicated to serving the needs of the community in which she and her husband, Ricardo, have embraced as a home for their family. She has earned not only the respect and admiration of her neighbors, but their affection as well and will enthusiastically support the mission of the Houston Heights Association to foster a sense of community among the diverse segments of the neighborhood and actively and enthusiastically participate as part of the HHA for a three-year term.
Idalia’s exuberance combined with her technical and creative expertise makes her an outstanding candidate for such an appointment. It is with great pleasure and much assurance that we recommend her for your consideration. We sincerely feel that she would be a valuable asset to the Board of the Houston Heights Association, serving the community that has become her family with confidence, pride, enthusiasm, integrity, vision and heart.
Katye Tipton, nominated by Paula Rhinehart
I would like to nominate Katherine (Katye) Tipton for a position as a Houston Heights Association Board member. Katye moved to the Houston Heights in September, 2019 having lived in the Clear Lake and Friendswood area of Houston since August 2009. She has always been a person of service since she moved to Houston, having taken a position as Sign Administrator/Division Manager for the city of Houston Code Enforcement and then Director of the Department of Neighborhoods under Anise Parker, Mayor. Katye was also a board member of her Home Owners Association during her residency in South Houston. She joined the Houston Heights Association once living in the Heights and submitted for volunteering right before the Covid pandemic changed our lives. Before moving to Houston, Katye, a graduate of the University of Alabama, was the City Clerk of the City of Stevenson, Alabama for 13 years. She hails from Birmingham but is a true Houstonian convert with an experienced background in diplomatic neighborhood and city management.
Joy Stapp, nominated by Kathy Butler
I write to nominate Joy Stapp for a seat on the Houston Heights Association board of directors.
I have known Joy for more than 25 years as a neighbor and have witnessed her hard work and commitment to this organization time and time again. In fact, it was Joy who recruited me to join the association. She is also the one who repeatedly convinced me to volunteer as a docent at home tours. She is the one who convinced me to attend the Candlelight Gala year after year. And I am only one of many she recruited to support our group.
The Houston Heights has changed a lot since Joy bought a home here nearly 35 years ago. Having someone on the board who has seen the changes and appreciates the needs of this community, both new owners and those who have been here for decades, is vitally important. If elected, she will ensure that the Houston Heights Association continues to get stronger and stronger. I can’t recommend Joy highly enough. She is most deserving of election to the board. I will be voting for her and so should you.
Kenny Terrell, nominated by Laura Menefee
I would like to nominate Kenny Terrell for the 2020 election of the Houston Heights Association Board of Directors. Kenny is very active in the community and has been a great asset to the Board for many years. Kenny has chaired several major events, been involved in or led numerous committees, and is always ready to lend a helping hand where he can. The community will benefit by having Kenny serve on the Board for another term.
Carol Welter, nominated by Sharon Dearman
I wholeheartedly nominate Carol Welter to serve another term on the HHA board. She is a long-time Heights resident and is currently serving on the board. Through the years Carol has enthusiastically helped with all of the HHA events and has stepped up to lead and organize many of them. Her positive attitude and welcoming spirit will continue to be of tremendous benefit to the HHA and the entire Heights community.
Marc Elliott, nominated by Carol Welter
I nominate Marc Elliott to the Houston Heights Association Board. Marc is currently on the Board, but his term will expire end of year 2020.
I have had the opportunity to work with Marc not only in the Houston Heights Community in the various fund raising events as well as serving on the Board, but also in a professional environment. Marc is a Director for the Center for Success and Independence, and I’ve worked closely with him as a volunteer since June 2020.
Marc possesses many great qualities and abilities. He is a very kind, compassionate individual, and has done a phenomenal job as a current Board Member for the Houston Heights Association.
Dave Seeburger, nominated by Jason Starr
Please accept this email as my official nomination to candidacy for David Seeburger to the Houston Heights Association Board of Directors. Dave and his wife Amy are active HHA members with 3 children. Their home was showcased on the 2019 Spring Home Tour. With a breadth of experience, he demonstrates very sharp critical-thinking skills and is an excellent listener. Having worked closely with Dave since 2014, I am confident that he will complement our existing board nicely and lend valuable perspective.
Sheebani Patel, nominated by Oni Blair
Sheebani Patel is a native Houstonian, born and raised in Harris County to immigrant parents. She is a proud product of local public schools. After 15 years in New York City and Washington, D.C., Sheebani and her family returned to Houston and are thrilled to make The Heights their forever community. Sheebani believes community is the most important aspect that the Houston Heights Association provides. She is committed to working through the HHA to ensure that the Board and volunteers show leadership in welcoming neighbors, maintaining lush greenery, and supporting great local cafes, restaurants, and shops. Sheebani attended The University of Texas at Austin and St. John’s School of Law in New York. She has spent her career focusing on community organizing, city-and-state level advocacy, and health care. She now serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives for Population Health at Harris Health System. In her free time she enjoys cooking, planning vacations to far-flung destinations, and reading books from the Houston Public Library. She lives with her husband, toddler son, and sheepadoodle puppy.
