Public Speakers Available in the Rockport
Area
Maintained by
Leadership Aransas County Class VII
If you would
like to Volunteer as a Speaker, Please fill out Our
Form
and mail or fax it to the Chamber Office.
Mitch Ammons
Fire Chief, Rockport Volunteer Fire Department
SUBJECT: Fire Department Activities and Fire Safety
Mr. Ammons is a retired college dean. He returned to Rockport in 1982 and has been a member of the Rockport Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years. He has served as Chief for 12 years.
AVAILABILITY: Flexible.
Mitch Ammons
211 Sweet Bay Street, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-729-6282
mitch_tina@hotmail.com
Thomas J. Blazek
City Manager, City of Rockport
SUBJECT: City Government / Texas Academy of Math and Sciences (at UNT) / U.S. Air Force
Tom was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, but was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After a year of college at the University of Wyoming, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Upon return from a tour of duty in Vietnam, he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha while stationed at a nearby base. Tom earned a bachelor’s degree and was commissioned a second lieutenant. After a career in space and missile operations, during which he earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Northern Colorado, he retired with the rank of major. Tom’s last two active duty assignments were operating small air force stations. Finding he liked those challenges, he entered city management. Tom served as city manager for the City of Panhandle, Texas from February 1991 until December 1997 and as city manager for the City of Port Lavaca, Texas from December 1997 until he assumed his current position in Rockport the end of November 1999. Tom is the father of two children: Kathleen, a medical doctor in a residency program for emergency medicine at the Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Andrew, a Petty Officer Second Class on active duty with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
Thomas J. Blazek
P.O. Box 1059, Rockport, Texas 78381-1059
361-729-2213, Ext. 121
citymgr@cityofrockport.com
Vita Bracco
CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocates) Trainer
SUBJECT: Train Volunteers to Advocate for Abused and Neglected Children in Court
Ms. Bracco has volunteered for CASA for four years working with children. She has served on numerous boards and committees and held a number of positions to fulfill her need to make a difference, but none have ever impacted her the way advocating, speaking up in court for a child has. CASA volunteers often are t he ones who know the children the best. They are the most constant person in the children’s lives.
AVAILABILITY: Anytime.
Vita Bracco
P.O. Box 4, Corpus Christi, Texas 78403
361-884-2272
vita@interconnect.net or www.coastalbendcasa.org
Brandi Brundrett
Project Engineer, Urban Engineering
SUBJECT: Civil Engineering and Land Development
Ms. Brundrett graduated from Texas A & M University in 1995 and began working at Urban Engineering as a Design Engineer. She’s worked on land development projects such as subdivisions and commercial properties, as well as, various municipal projects in the City of Port Aransas and City of Rockport.
AVAILABILITY: Anytime.
Brandi Brundrett
409 S. Pearl Street, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-774-4534
brandib@urbaneng.com
Keith Callaway
Master Graphoanalyst
SUBJECT: Handwriting Analysis
Mr. Callaway has a Master in Graphoanalysis from the International Graphoanalysis Society in Chicago, Illinois. He is an active member of the Texas Graphanalysts. He does it for fun and t o show the community how handwriting analysis can be used in different ways.
AVAILABILITY: Most anytime.
Keith Callaway
P.O. Box 2414, Rockport, Texas 78381
361-729-5524
jcallawa@dbstech.com
Christina M. Cortez
Mentor Coordinator
SUBJECT: Recruit Volunteer Mentors to Develop Community Integration Skills for Foster Youth. Will Speak About This Program and How Your Help Could Benefit Youth.
Ms. Cortez will discuss how mentoring could help youth succeed in our society drawing from her experience.
AVAILABILITY: Flexible. Call for arrangements.
Christina M. Cortez
5517 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
361-994-1213
ccortez@lsss.org
Billy Dick
Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Public Works
Mr. Dick has 26 experience in water, wastewater, streets, drainage, and city government. Double A certified.
AVAILABILITY: Call for appointment.
Bill Dick
622 E. Market Street, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-790-1160
Shirley Fuller
Educational Consultant-Licensed Professional Counselor
SUBJECT: Personal Insight and Growth. Topics Allowing Audience to Determine Personal Learning Style, Communication Style, Leadership Style, Thinking Style, Creative Style, etc.
As a teacher and counselor in the public school system for over 20 years, Ms. Fuller has had the pleasure of watching children learn and grow. As an educational consultant, she has found that teachers and administrators enjoy learning about their personal styles and strengths as much as the students do.
AVAILABILITY: Open.
Shirley Fuller
111 Dolphin Court, Aransas Pass, Texas 78336
361-758-1884 or 956-345-0440
Darren Gurley
Street Superintendent of Rockport
SUBJECT: Streets and Drainage
Mr. Gurley has worked for the City of Rockport for 15 years. He has served as Street Superintendent for 5 years.
AVAILABILITY: Please call.
Darren Gurley
P.O. Box 1716, Rockport, Texas 78381-1716
361-790-1160
citsvcbd@cityofrockport.com
Mike Henry
Director of Building and Development
SUBJECT: Building Codes
Mr. Henry has over 20 years experience in enforcement of building codes.
AVAILABILITY: Please call.
Mike Henry
P.O. Box 1059, Rockport, Texas 78381-1059
361-729-2213, Ext. 124
building@cityofrockport.com
Stephanie Johnson
County Extension Agent - Family Consumer Sciences
SUBJECT: Youth Development: Child Safety Seats, Benefits of 4-H Program, Texas Cooperative Extension and Other Programs We Offer
Ms. Johnson has been employed by Texas Cooperative Extension for 5 years and in the Aransas County community for 3 years. She currently works with the 4-H program and assists with several other school and community groups who work with the youth of Aransas County.
AVAILABILITY: Please contact Ms. Johnson to set dates and times.
Stephanie Johnson
301 N. Live Oak, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-790-0103
s-johnson@tamu.edu
Erin Lindell
Owner, Merle Norman Cosmetics
SUBJECT: Cosmetics and Skin Care
Ms. Lindell has worked for Merle Norman for 5 years in both the beauty advisor position as well as managerial. She has completed advanced training in cosmetics and skin care and has attended Estetition School.
AVAILABILITY: Monday or Tuesday through Saturday after 5:00 p.m.
Erin Lindell
105 N. Austin Street, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-729-1119 or 361-729-9685
mnrock@pyramid3.net
Rick McLester
Aransas County Fire Marshal, Aransas County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy, Emergency Management Coordinator
SUBJECT: Hurricanes, Fires, Law Enforcement
Mr. McLester has served 26 years with Aransas County, 30 years with Rockport Volunteer Fire Department, 12 years with FMC, 12 years as Fire Marshal. He was born and raised in Aransas County, is married and has children.
AVAILABILITY: Anytime. Prefers 3 days notice.
Rick McLester
301 N. Live Oak Street, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-729-2222
rmclester@aransascounty.org
Heather Miller
Lead Counselor and Author
SUBJECT: Counseling as a Career or Writing as a Career
Ms. Miller has been a school counselor for 27 years. She has worked in grades Pre-K through 12th. Two of Ms. Miller’s children’s books have been published: My People or Myself and Lost in Alaska: A Texas Girl and an Aleut Boy.
AVAILABILITY: Two weeks notice, please. During school hours.
Heather Miller
2557 A-1 Hill Road / P.O. Box 907, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-790-2220, Ext. 2230
hmiller@acisd.org
Gloria Moreno
Eligibility Specialist/Disability Advocate
SUBJECT: Government Programs for the Aged and Disabled
-10 years employment within MHMR (Mental Health and Mental Retardation)
-10 years working with aged and disabled
-Involved with QMD Supplement for Medicare
-Works with disabled Medicaid children
-6 years advocate for representation at disability hearings
AVAILABILITY: Mondays and Fridays, only. By appointment.
Gloria Moreno
201 Roots Avenue, Taft, Texas 78387
361-528-4516
gmoreno@cpmhmr.org
James “Frank” Murray
Semi-Retired, Owner of “Jimmie’s Place,” a Texas Ice House and Bar. The oldest Ice House in Houston since 1950.
SUBJECT: Singer/Performer/Specialization Old Standers, Broadway, Pop and Religious Music
Mr. Murray moved to Rockport over 2 years ago. He owns a small business in Houston. He is a member of the choir and featured soloist at First Presbyterian Church. He has performed at private parties and night clubs in Rockport at the Key Allegro Yacht Club. Mr. Murray is the leads the singing of the National Anthem for the Greater Heights Houston Chamber of Commerce.
AVAILABILITY: Almost any time. Please call.
James “Frank” Murray
7 Clam Drive, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-727-2095
Gary Mysorski
Director, Parks and Recreation for the City of Port Aransas
SUBJECT: Youth Programs or Group Dynamics
Mr. Mysorski has served as YMCA Director for 25 years, developing and implementing youth and family programs. Similar services in Port Aransas Parks and Recreation. He has also served as facilitator for the Leadership and Skills segment of the Leadership Aransas County program for 6 years.
AVAILABILITY: As requested.
Gary Mysorski
1044 N. Wood, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-729-0430 (Home) or 361-749-4158 (Work)
msorski@dbstech.com
Irma Parker
City Secretary, City of Rockport
SUBJECT: City Secretary Related Items
The City Secretary’s office serves as a link between citizens and the City of Rockport. The City Secretary is the historian of the community. Ms. Parker’s primary duties include: customer service, elections officer, records management officer, public information officer, issue permits (vendor, beverage), taxation (hotel occupancy taxes), coordinator (board, commissions, contracts, insurance), and personnel.
AVAILABILITY: Please call.
Irma Parker
P.O. Box 1059, Rockport, Texas 78381-1059
361-729-2213, Ext. 138
citysecy@cityofrockport.com
Todd W. Pearson
Mayor of Rockport
SUBJECT: Open
Mayor Pearson moved to Rockport from Burleson after selling his business that offered business counseling and personal financial planning services to small business owners.
While in Burleson, he served six years as a member of the City Council, four years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, three years as director of the Burleson Economic Development Corporation and as Chairman of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served as co-chair of the Charter Review Commission and moderator of three annual strategic planning workshops for city and county leaders.
Prior to starting his own financial services business, he served on active duty as an officer in the United States Air Force. After leaving active duty, he took a reserve commission and continued to serve his county, ultimately reaching the rank of colonel. More recently, he was an organizer of a new community bank and still serves on its board of directors.
He was elected to a two-year term as Council Member in May 2001and was elected Mayor in May 2002.
Todd holds a BA degree from Baylor University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin where he received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Todd and Martha, his wife of 35 years, have a daughter and three grandchildren.
AVAILABILITY: Please call.
Todd W. Pearson
1830 Bay Shore Drive, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-729-9108 or 361729-2213, Ext. 123
toddpear@aol.com or mayor@cityofrockport.com
Julie Pina
Memories For Ever, Memories For All
SUBJECT: Preserving and Creating Memories - Scrapbooking, Archiving, Photo Journalism
-Previous Creative Memories Consultant
-Created numerous photo albums, memory books for family and friends
-Photosafe, acid free, lignin free information
-Preserving keepsakes
-Photos for memories
AVAILABILITY: Any time.
Julie Pina
113 San Leanna, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-758-0504 (Work) or 361-729-7807 (Home)
julie.pina@hcahealthcare.com
Robin Pollock
Former Teacher (Special Education), Currently Assessment Specialist, Soon to be Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)
SUBJECT: Special Education and Public Schools, Mental Health Issues
Ms. Pollock has worked in the Aransas County School District for 10 years. Currently, she is working with children ages 3 to 2nd grade in diagnosing learning disabilities and other conditions that require special education services. At this time she is working toward a PhD. In Educational Psychology.
AVAILABILITY: Please call.
Robin Pollock
1028 Wood Street, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-729-7066 (Home) or 361-790-2000, Ext. 2224 (Work) or 361-318-7303 (Cell)
rpollock@acisd.org
Allison Polsinelli
Adventurer Extraordinaire
SUBJECT: “It’s a Wonderful Life!” (A Positive and Humorous Look at Change)
Ms. Polsinelli has moved 26 times, lived for 3 years in a foreign country (Japan.) Most recently, she left a professional and social lifestyle and traded in a 5,000 square foot country club home for ownership of and living on an RV Park. Sounds CRAZY – doesn’t it?
AVAILABILITY: Any time. By appointment.
Allison Polsinelli
4851 N. Hwy 35, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-443-7255 (Cell or 361-729-2307 (Office)
apolsinelli@msn.com
Allison Polsinelli
Registered Nurse
SUBJECT: “Target: Clean!” Recommended audiences: Restaurants, Hotel/Motel Staff, Nursing Facility Staff
Ms. Polsinelli is a registered nurse. She served as Director of Nursing for 10 years and simultaneously, led two separately licensed and inspected, 150 bed facilities to deficiency-free state surveys. She has been responsible and accountable for cleanliness and infection control in nursing areas, kitchens and restaurants.
AVAILABILITY: Any time. By appointment.
Allison Polsinelli
4851 N. Hwy 35, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-443-7255 (Cell or 361-729-2307 (Office)
apolsinelli@msn.com
J. Logan Respess
County Extension Agent for Aransas County Agriculture and Natural Resources
SUBJECT: May speak on numerous topics from aquiculture, marine biology and horticulture, but would like to provide an overview of our Aransas County Extension Office and the programs provided.
Graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas A & M University in 1991. Since then, has worked for the Marine Biology Department and the Department of Oceanography collecting research data through the use of scuba, ROV’s and other scientific gear aboard research vessels. Began working for Texas Cooperative Extension in 1998 and would love to share the ways Extension can be a resource for our county residents in the areas of: youth education and development, environmental stewardship, economic development and health, safety and well-being.
AVAILABILITY: Please call.
J. Logan Respess
301 N. Live Oak, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-790-0103
aransas-tx@tamu.edu
Nina Shannon
Mental Health Volunteer
SUBJECT: Mental Health/Mental Illness and the Community
Ms. Shannon is the mother of a chronically mentally ill daughter. For the past 24 years she has been studying and living with mental illness. Since retirement, she started a nationally affiliated support group in Rockport (NAMI.) She is the President of the Aransas County Mental Health Advisory Committee.
AVAILABILITY: Any time. Please call.
Nina Shannon
137 Santa Fe Drive, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-729-4617
nshannon@pelicancoast.net
Larry Sinclair
Sergeant, Rockport Police Department
SUBJECT: Crime Prevention and Safety Issues. Law Enforcement Related Topics
Sergeant Sinclair has been employed by the Rockport Police Department for 14 years and currently has over 2,000 hours of law enforcement related training.
AVAILABILITY: Most any time, with notice.
Larry Sinclair
P.O. Box 1059, Rockport, Texas 78381-1059
361-790-1134 or 361-463-9453
lsinclair@cityofrockport.com
Tom Staley
Director of Parks and Leisure Services, City of Rockport
SUBJECT: Current Occupation, Air Force Career
Mr. Staley has nearly 5 years municipal government experience in the area of parks and recreation. He has 24 years experience as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He has traveled throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.
AVAILABILITY: Most any time.
Tom Staley
City Hall, City of Rockport
Albert (Al) Steffens
The Wordcrafter
SUBJECT: Modern and Classical Literature, Including Prose and Poetry, Presented in a Fast-Paced Entertaining Format
Al brings to his presentation over 25 years in the classroom. In addition to his teaching credentials, he is an actor and entertainer. His experience begins on the stage at age seven and includes nightclubs, television appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” commercials, and theater appearing with Dorothy Lamour in Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” and with Snooky Lanson in “Guys and Dolls.” Al has performed in scores of other summer stock roles, as well.
AVAILABILITY: Any time.
Albert (Al) Steffens
P.O. Box 637, Rockport, Texas 78381-0637
361-727-0193
steffens@pyramid3.net
Andrea Tippit
Director of Quality Management (including rights/privacy/strategic planning)
SUBJECT: Protecting the Rights and Privacy of the Mentally Challenged
- 13 years employment in the mental health/mental retardation system
- Bachelor degree in Family Studies
- Minor in substance abuse
- A rights protection officer for 8 years (Advocate/Ombundsman for individuals with mental illness or mental retardation.)
AVAILABILITY: Open. By appointment.
Andrea Tippit
200 Marriott Drive, Portland, Texas 78374
361-777-3991 or 888-819-5312
atippit@cpmhmr.org
Elaine Wood
Fitness Consultant
SUBJECT: Feeling Great at Any Age (2.0 Minute Lecture, 5-10 Minute Exercise Sessions)
Elaine has a degree in physical education from Houston Baptist University and certifications from the Cooper Aerobic Center, American College of Sports Medicine, International Dance and Exercise Association, National Aquatics Association and Arthritis Foundation. She has written the books, The Pelvic Tilt and Keep Moving, and has three cassette exercise tapes on the market: Stretch and Tone, Water Workout, and Lite and Easy (Chair Exercises.) She has taught exercise for the past 30 years.
AVAILABILITY: Most days or evenings.
Elaine Wood
107 Forest Hills, Rockport, Texas 78382
361-790-7215
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