Great Entrepreneurs is pleased to announce The Top 25 Business Leaders of Houston for 2022. The city is often looked upon as one of the most diverse major metropolitan areas in the country. While the economy of Houston is based primarily on the energy industry, particularly oil, this year’s awardees span across a variety of areas including tech, entertainment, construction, consulting and more. These individuals are trailblazers within their fields and keep the economy in Houston booming. They are leaders within their communities locally and internationally and have shown exceptional commitment to those they serve.
Among this year’s awardees is Tilman Fertitta, CEO of Fertitta Entertainment, who is known for being a billionaire businessman and television personality, owning the restaurant giant Landry's, Inc., the Houston Rockets, and the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos. Also awarded is Diane Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer of Netsync Network Solutions, who was a key player in developing rock-solid relationships with vendors Cisco and Hewlett-Packard, leading the company to become Texas's most influential public sector-serving IT firm. Awardee Regina Mellinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Primary Services, leads the strategic recruitment partner for a portfolio of long-served Fortune 500 clients in the oil and gas, retail and wholesale energy, engineering, healthcare, technology and financial industries.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 Business Leaders of Houston for 2022.
1. Tilman Fertitta
CEO, Fertitta Entertainment
Often referred to as “the world’s richest restaurateur,” Texas businessman Tilman J. Fertitta is recognized as a world leader in the dining, hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries. He is the sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment, Inc., which owns the restaurant giant Landry’s, Inc., the Golden Nugget Casinos & Hotels, and the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Fertitta owns more than 600 properties in 36 states and in over 15 countries, which include 60 different restaurant brands such as Mastro’s Steakhouse, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, Rainforest Cafe, Saltgrass Steak House, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Joe's Crab Shack and many more.
In 2005, Fertitta acquired the iconic Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel brand and has since restored its glory and expanded it to five locations throughout the United States. Fertitta also launched into the online internet gaming world with GoldenNuggetCasino.com. In October 2017, Fertitta purchased the NBA’s Houston Rockets for a record $2.2 Billion. In 2018, Fertitta opened the much anticipated Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, the only Forbes Five Star Hotel and Spa in Texas. His entertainment destinations include the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, The Kemah Boardwalk, Downtown Aquarium and Tower of The Americas in San Antonio. Fertitta believes in the importance of giving back to the community. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board – Houston Police Foundation, Chairman of the Board - Houston Children’s Charity and is currently serving his sixth year as Chairman of the Board of Regents - University of Houston. He is on the Executive Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and serves on the boards of the Texas Heart Institute and Greater Houston Partnership.
2. Matthew Smith
President & Chief Executive Officer, The Liberty Group
Matthew Smith began his professional career 23 years ago. Today, he is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Liberty Group, a National Executive Search and Temporary Staffing firm specializing in the multifamily industry since 1977. Some of the nation's top Property Management companies are led by visionaries that the firm placed. Liberty Executive Search goes deep inside to find proven talent who can make a difference for individuals and their firms. On the staffing side, Liberty can provide a Temporary Associate for a couple days while a team member is on vacation or bridge the gap in an unfilled position while finding the right fit. Many of its clients are impressed with the firm’s Temporary Associates that they want to hire them.
Smith first got his start in 1999 as a branch manager at Robert Half International. From there, he went on to Ajilon, before eventually rising to director of recruiting services at Administaff, his most recent position prior to joining The Liberty Group. Smith graduated from Texas State University with an undergraduate degree in political science.
3. Regina Mellinger
Founder & CEO, Primary Services
Regina Mellinger is Founder and CEO of Primary Services. Regina stands for creating an expanding world where people are valued, their opportunities are realized, and their contributions improve the future. Regina drives the formulation and execution of Primary Services’ strategic direction, heads the senior leadership team, and partners with Primary Services’ extensive portfolio of customers at the executive level to advise on cutting-edge talent delivery and program enhancement solutions. In 1988, Regina founded and headed Primary Services, now the 6th largest woman-owned staffing firm in the Houston Area. After reaching the first-year business goals within three months, Primary Services has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Regina has led Primary Services since its inception, growing the company through her strong partnerships with long-served clients, innovative business solutions, and commitment to service excellence. Primary Services partners with many of the top fortune 500 companies in the region and has provided over 76,000 people with job opportunities in its 34 years of business.
Regina’s dedication to performance excellence has been recognized by her clients and several professional organizations. In 2018, she was inducted as a WBEA Board Member, recognized as a 2018 WBENC Star Representative, selected to the WBENC National Forum, and selected as one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women. In 2017, Regina was awarded with the Texas Executive Women’s Women on the Move Award, Dmars Top 30 Influential Women and the WBEA supplier of the Year over 10 million. ConocoPhillips awarded Primary Services the Gene Hudsonpillar Award in 2013 for recognition of being the top diverse owned supplier and, in 2018, NRG-Reliant Energy’s Supplier of the Year Award.
Primary Services and Mellinger’s successful path has been directly tied to her values. Regina continuously makes it a goal to serve and improve the lives of others. She is an executive committee member at ANSERTEAM and served as a member of the Superbowl 2017 Volunteer Advisory Board, leading a 10-day event to hire 9,000 people to support the event. Regina donates to and volunteers with several organizations. One of her and Primary Services’ longest-standing and most cherished community relationships is with Change Happens!, a nonprofit organization serving economically disadvantaged families with 19 programs empowering people to help themselves. Regina has worked closely with Change Happens! youth programs for more than 15 years, assisting with strategic fundraising and program development. She and the Primary Services team coordinate and run a calendar of events, including career development days, holiday gift-giving, and health programs. Regina’s family and firm are privileged to serve a cause enriching the lives of others each day and contributing to the future of our community.
4. Marilyn Thompson
President, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
Fifth-generation Houstonian, Marilyn G. Thompson, vigilantly safeguards the interests and reputation of the company. A leader since 1991, Marilyn's executive responsibilities have always included the encouragement and support of hundreds of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty agents. Marilyn is a legend in Houston's real estate community and has earned universal respect for her extensive business and real estate acumen. After many years as an elementary school teacher, Marilyn entered residential real estate sales in the 1980s. She has walked in her agents' shoes, and, as Vice President of Sales, has first-hand experience which gives her an invaluable appreciation for the significant challenges faced by agents and their clients.
Marilyn volunteers for several community organizations which she believes in deeply. She brings her two Animal-Assisted Therapy Dogs on regular visits to patients in nursing facilities and communities for the physically disabled. Marilyn also supports Dec My Room, an organization that raises the spirits of young cancer patients in long-term treatment at M.D. Anderson Hospital. Whenever possible, Marilyn and her three dogs unwind at the family ranch in Cat Spring. She also takes every opportunity to travel, especially to Europe, and loves to visit her three young grandchildren in Memphis, Tennessee.
5. Diane Gonzales
Chief Executive Officer, Netsync Network Solutions
Diane Gonzales founded Netsync Network Solutions in 2002. She has spent the last ten years growing Netsync from a few original employees to a multi-regional leader in technology, putting to work over 120 highly-motivated and skilled employees focused on client satisfaction, excellence, and fair business practices.
Gonzales keeps a keen eye on the bottom line; and is quick to employ strategies that keep the company moving forward. Her goals and expectations drive Netsync to stay ahead of the cutting edge of technology in order to pass along the most innovative products to clientele. Under her guidance, Netsync has established rock-solid relationships with key vendors Cisco and Hewlett-Packard which, in turn, led Netsync to become of Texas's most influential public sector-serving IT firms in the state winning the prestigious 2011 Cisco SLED Partner of the Year award for the entire South Region.
6. Sue Burnett
President and Founder, Burnett Specialists
Since founding Burnett Personnel Services in 1974, Sue has become a respected leader in the staffing industry, a well-known contributor to the community, and a sought-after speaker. Her philanthropic and industry accomplishments reflect her business acumen and her concern for others. Sue currently serves on the board of Texas Diversity Council, Junior Achievement, Better Business Bureau, and Goodwill Industries. She is also very involved with her alma mater, University of Arkansas, where she and her husband Rusty, along with the university, broke ground in 2017 for the Sue Walk Burnett Journalism & Student Media Center.
52 years of experience in the staffing and personnel placement industry. Burnett Specialists is a 48-year old firm with five offices in Houston and offices in Austin, San Antonio and El Paso. They operate as Choice Specialists in Dallas. They have been named as the sixth largest woman owned business in Houston and the largest employee owned staffing firm in Texas. Burnett is the second largest employee owned staffing and placement firm in the U.S. The Houston Business Journal named Burnett as the Largest Direct Hire Placement Firm and the Third Largest Temporary Staffing Firm in Houston in 2022. Burnett also won the Pinnacle Award from the Better Business Bureau in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and other awards from BBB for the past 15 years. Sue was given the Most Admired CEO Lifetime Achievement Award by the Houston Business Journal in 2022.
7. Carrie Reese
President, APP Manufacturing
Carrie Reese is the President of APP Manufacturing. Advanced Piping Products (APP) is a certified Women-Owned Business and leading U.S.-based pipe support manufacturer with international distribution. It offers a variety of pipe supports and associated products—including pipe shoes, pipe restraints, pipe hangers, and more—to domestic and international customers for both standard and custom projects. APP is a trusted pipe support partner that provides robust and durable piping products that extend the life of piping systems.
Reese has 14 years of experience. She began her career in 2008. Before joining APP Manufacturing, Reese was an investment operations analyst at SCS Financial. Earlier in her career, she worked with State Street as a fund accountant - fixed income specialist. Reese graduated from the University of Puget Sound with an undergraduate degree in business and economics. She is a second generation business owner with a sincere focus on helping customers in search of a partner who is committed to the things that matter most to customers: on-time delivery, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service.
8. Ricky Dennis
Co-President, TMD Staffing
Ricky started his staffing industry career in 1994 and is a true success story. Since 1994, he has worked in every department and capacity for TMD and now brings that well-rounded background to his position as Co-President. Ricky oversees the corporate HQ function, including the project management of all IT-related projects, internal talent acquisition and the critical component of risk management and compliance governance.
Additionally, Ricky serves as the TMD corporate sponsor ensuring client retention and sustainability standards exceed expectations. Ricky is a Houston sports fan, having a special affinity for his beloved Astros. He is also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, as well as spending time with his nieces and nephews who affectionately call him “Funcle”!!
9. Sunday Riley
Chief Executive Officer, Sunday Riley
Sunday Riley founded Sunday Riley Modern Skincare on a shoestring budget and has grown it into a globally recognized beauty brand. She is the full-time, hands-on CEO of the organization and has been since she founded the company. In addition, she leads the company’s R&D process. For the past nine years, she's personally formulated more than 65 skincare and cosmetic products and has co-formulated more than 150 others. Her formulas have won over 30 awards globally, and each day, she and her team make and evaluate an average of 5 test formulas per day.
Sunday is also a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and the American Chemical Society. She takes annual, continuing education classes in cosmetic chemistry, in addition to taking ongoing, graduate level coursework in advanced biosciences.
10. Gil Gbolahan
Chief Executive Officer, GIL Automations
Gil Gbolahan is the Chief Executive Officer of GIL Automations, a leading provider of industrial products and services related to instrumentation, measurement, safety, electrical, automation and mechanical systems. The company partners with its customers to provide systems that work through provision of quality products, value added services and technical solutions, based on customer requirements. It focuses its product and services delivery to industries such as oil & gas, utilities, manufacturing, mining, food beverage, marine, construction and other industries that require a reliable partner for cost effective operation.
Gbolahan has 15 years of experience. He began his career in 2007. He specializes in emerging markets, business development, joint venture, business planning, technical sales, team building, and coaching.
11. Glynn Trahan
President and Owner, TRW Family of Companies
Glynn Trahan is the President and Owner of TRW Family of Companies. TRW provides the sales, installation, and service of flexible space design & operable walls. It assists clients through the process of commercial design by creating spaces that encourage creativity, community, and sustainability. Its focus is and has always been excellent customer service by assisting its clients in finding the perfect solutions that incorporate the highest standards in technology, aesthetics, and durability. TRW helps its customers experience perfect space division, improving their lives and their success. TRW has the expertise and outstanding quality products to help its clients optimize their success.
Trahan has 41 years of experience. He began his career in 1981. Trahan graduated from the University of Houston with an undergraduate degree in education, history, and political science.
12. Chris Pace
Chief Executive Officer, Centre Technologies
Chris Pace graduated from Texas A&M in 2001 with a degree in business administration. In his early college years, he recognized a need for improving network connections in the dorms and took it upon himself to offer a solution to his fellow students. Early in his career, Chris gained experience with technology companies who harnessed an ideology of being a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) and Managed Service Provider (MSP). Where one company lacked strategic partnerships, the other experienced consultants. Chris identified that a partnership was imminent for conquering business technology challenges. He coined the business model as value-added partner (VAP) which would position his company as a partner, not a provider. The value included strategic business planning with the client, customizing a technology solution, delivering and implementing the solution, and supporting the solution for its lifetime.
The challenge for Chris was to convince prospective customers to change the way they purchased IT products. Instead of purchasing a product from an IT manufacturer, he encouraged his customers to invest in a full, robust solution designed by an experienced IT consultant. In an industry saturated with tech, Chris illustrated the value of implementing the right long-term solutions for everyday business problems. Centre Technologies was born in 2006 and made its name by being a trusted partner to both clients and technology manufacturing partners and employees. With the focus of seeking top talent, Centre quickly grew to include Managed Services, Cloud Solutions, Cybersecurity, IT Consulting and Staffing. The full service solutions made it ideal for industries such as Energy, Manufacturing, Private Equity including M&A.
13. Cindy Marion
Founder, MMI Agency
For 32 years, Cindy has worked to build Houston’s third-largest marketing and advertising agency, which she recently sold in 2018. While she is no longer affiliated with the firm, she laid the groundwork for this reputable and trusted agency to carry on without her. The MGA team has been there to support Cindy and her great company through various stages and challenges. When she first onboarded with MGA, her agency was in a very high growth mode. There were many moving pieces and a lot of fast-paced kind of decisions that needed to be made.
Years later, as Cindy focused on her exit strategy and built on the technology, talent, and clients that would appeal to potential buyers, MGA was right there by her side. Selling your business comes with many complex obstacles. MGA was there to support Cindy, helping to make sure the agency was properly poised to be bought by a bigger entity. The MGA team was very instrumental to Cindy in making the sales process a success. As she needed resources, support, or knowledge, they were just a call away.
14. Barry Copeland
President, CTS-Complete Technical Services
Barry Copeland began his professional career 22 years ago. CTS - Complete Technical Services, Inc. is a niche staffing agency specializing in engineering, design/drafting, procurement, construction, project management, and field personnel for all facets of the oil & gas industry including onshore, offshore, petrochemical, refining, pipeline, power, and fabrication. The company’s mission is to be a leader in the staffing industry and a valuable asset to both its clients and its candidates. It strives to provide its clients with the most qualified candidates available in a timely and cost effective manner for them to meet their needs, budgets, and deadlines. CTS's client listings include the major engineering, construction companies, and operating companies in the Gulf Coast Region.
Copeland graduated from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering technology. Copeland is the President of CTS-Complete Technical Services, Inc. He oversees all of the financial and banking decisions of CTS, as well as manages several of our major client accounts. He focuses on quality customer service to our internal employees, job candidates and client companies, as well as being a leader and mentor to my team.
15. Tommy Williamson
President, PPI Technology Services LLC
Tommy Williamson is the President of PPI Technology Services LLC. He first joined the company in 2008. Based in Houston, Texas, PPI Technology Services provide full-service engineering, construction, and maintenance. Its services range from total foundation solutions to the completion of pipeline and facilities projects to plant, right-of-way, and refinery maintenance – all supported with engineering and design services. PPI Engineering & Construction Services is committed to working within the safe operating procedures established by the petro-chemical industry. Its staff of HSSE professionals provides continuous on-site employee training to ensure total compliance with project HSSE requirements.
Previously, Williamson was a president at Geopier Foundation Company - Houston. Williamson earned an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Lamar University.
16. Michael Bench
President and Chief Financial Officer, Jake's Finer Foods
Michael Bench is the President and Chief Financial Officer of Jake's Finer Foods. He first joined the company in 2001 as CFO. Jake's Finer Foods is a leading distributor of more than 12,000 foodservice products, including fresh meat and produce, as well as specialty items such as gluten free, natural and organic. Founded in 1946, Jake’s Finer Foods is a family-owned, broad-line foodservice distributor and restaurant supply company delivering quality food, great value and exceptional service to foodservice providers and restaurants in Texas and western Louisiana. It is also the exclusive home of Gourmet Ranch, a custom butcher shop for chefs and restaurants as well as at-home chefs and grill masters. Jake’s is a diverse culture united in a focus of delivering a higher standard of service to its customers.
Michael and his wife have been married since 1998 and they have three children. Michael’s greatest passions include being the best husband and father God has called him to be, loving and encouraging others in the name of Jesus and helping lead his family’s business.
17. Jeff McIntyre
Chief Executive Officer, Aries Worldwide Logistics
Jeff joined and became a Partner in Aries, with John McIntyre (his Dad) in May of 1985. Jeff, as VP of Operations, ran the operational side of the business, allowing John the time to focus on sales. Jeff’s vision for Aries was to become a full-service, global transportation provider. Jeff’s initial emphasis was on North American Services (air and ground), for needed growth and stability. By 1990, Jeff began diversification, adding International Services (Air, Ocean and Imports), as originally envisioned. In 1995, Jeff became President and opened his first, of many, branch offices. In this same year, he introduced Logistics and Warehousing Services, to complement the full suite of global transportation services already being provided. In 2004, Jeff became the President and CEO of Aries and began planning for the relocation of the company’s global headquarters to facilitate further expansion and efficiencies. Jeff and the entire team relocated into their new “home”, in April of 2009. Since 2009, Jeff has continued to focus on healthy and manageable growth for the organization, its customers, and the most valuable asset – the employees. Jeff is a native Houstonian with a beautiful wife and eight awesome kids. His hobbies include aviation, playing golf, church and spending time with his family.
Founded in 1984, Aries Worldwide Logistics is a privately owned global supply chain solutions and logistics company. Aries operates on a global level utilizing its comprehensive global network to provide a full range of supply chain solutions. Aries offers warehousing, crating, packing, brokerage along with trucking, rail, ocean and air freight services anywhere across the world. By utilizing the right team and technology, Aries puts clients first and has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry. "Giving people what they want, when they want it" is instilled throughout the company's culture and dynamics. With cutting edge technology integrated from start to finish of the shipping journey, Aries is making shipping for clients easy.
18. Sharon Fink
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Birkman International
Sharon Birkman, Chairwoman of Birkman International, is the second generation at the helm of the family-owned behavioral and occupational assessment company. Her leadership has been instrumental with ushering in a new era of product development and training initiatives during a time of unprecedented growth. Sharon has an M.A. from the University of Texas and completed the Harvard Owner/President Management program. She assumed her leadership role at Birkman in 2002 following a career as a professional musician and musical director.
Sharon’s integrity combined with her passion for creativity, the community, and her employees and clients are defining features of her leadership style that have helped shape both Birkman’s company culture and mission. She is a proud regional winner of the 2016 EY Entrepreneur of the Year award and Birkman has won both the local and national Best and Brightest Companies to Work For consecutively the past five years. In 2017, Sharon won the Mary Lehman MacLachlan Economic Empowerment Award, followed by Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business award and the inaugural Houston Power 50 in 2018. She confesses to collecting “too many books” and likes to re-charge with long walks, NPR, and going to the theatre.
Birkman International is an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company headquartered in Houston, Texas with an extensive global reach. Its corporate mission today remains where its journey began, using positive psychology to empower individuals, teams, and leaders with access to the most trusted, advanced personality data to improve communication, foster understanding, and optimize organizational success, globally.
19. Trey Snider
Owner, O'Donnell/Snider Construction
Trey, Co-Founder of O'Donnell/Snider Construction, has been a pioneer in the construction industry in Houston since 1991. He, along with his friend and business partner Randy O’Donnell, started OSC with a passion to deliver unmatched service and experience to their clients. Through Trey’s leadership, OSC has thrived, growing in all aspects of business. Since inception OSC has been carefully constructed to become a company that puts an emphasis on hiring the best talent who display the integrity, accountability, culture, and client-centric mindset established from the start by both owners.
Throughout the years, Trey has firmly established himself as an admired leader who puts utmost value on building and retaining relationships over transactions. He is a graduate of the University of Texas with an undergraduate degree in finance.
20. Randy Lack
Founder and Head of Wholesale and Trading, Anew
Randy Lack is the Founder and Head of Wholesale and Trading of Anew. He first joined the company in 2022. Anew is accelerating the fight against climate change by enabling any company or organization to align its goals for conservation and impact with actionable next steps. Anew lowers barriers to participation in environmental markets for clients across the private and public sectors. As a leading marketer and originator of carbon and environmental credits, Anew brings together capital strategies, regulatory expertise, scientific knowledge, and impact focus to make it possible for businesses to thrive while building a sustainable future.
Previously, Lack was a managing director at Emission Credit Brokers. Lack earned an undergraduate degree in business marketing from the University of Houston. He is an experienced commodities manager with a demonstrated history of working in the renewables and environment industry. He is a founding Board Member for the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, Rice University Professional Science and Engineering Master's Programs, and Archway Academy.
21. James Duff
President, Crane Freight Services
James Duff began his professional career 13 years ago. Today, he is the President of Crane Freight Services. Crane Worldwide Logistics is a full-service global freight forwarder and a premium integrated logistics provider. It delivers customized transportation and warehousing solutions to solve supply chain challenges. CFS understands and quickly resolves challenges, minimizes risk and lost opportunity, and delivers measurable value. Professional and social responsibilities are core components of the company’s culture and it conducts business within a value system based on mutual trust and respect, which is delivering value to its stakeholders. Its foundation is solid and it brings a unified focus and purpose to every exchange.
CFS is dedicated to being the industry's premier provider of customized ground logistics by delivering innovative, efficient and cost effective solutions. Its mission is the creation of strategic value for its customers, while providing a challenging and rewarding work environment for its greatest asset: its people.
22. Bryan Gregory
President, Aldridge
As President of Aldridge, Bryan’s main focus is consistency. He works to ensure Aldridge provides best-in-class service throughout the organization. Bryan joined Aldridge in 2008 as the company’s first sales person, and since that time, he has helped increase its annual revenue from less than $1 million in 2008, to over $16 million in 2015. Clients hire Bryan and Aldridge to create tangible and measurable IT resolutions, transform their IT operations into a business oriented team, and focus on IT as a business need, not a technical need. Aldridge works with top tier companies such as J. Taylor and Associates, Brewer and Associates, Rain CII, Susman Godfrey, and many others.
Bryan is a member of the National Business Development Association and has studied at West Virginia University. Bryan Gregory’s talents lie in creating best fit solutions for clients and nurturing a culture of hard work, dedication, and trust. As President of Aldridge, Bryan’s main focus is consistency. He works to ensure Aldridge provides best-in-class service throughout the organization. Bryan joined Aldridge in 2008 as the company’s first sales person, and since that time, has helped increase its annual revenue from less than $1 million in 2008, to over $16 million in 2015. When he’s not busy growing Aldridge, Bryan enjoys traveling “anywhere that’s warm.”
23. Randy Curry
President and Chief Executive Officer, DBR Engineering Consultants
Randy was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He graduated from The University of Texas in Austin then settled down and raised his family in the Houston area. He takes pride in working in this place because it is his home – it is where he grew up, where his wife has lived and worked, and where his children attended school. He joined DBR in 1985, as it only made sense to work in the city that he came from. He has been with the firm for over 30 years, calling DBR his home as well. Just as he is an advocate for this company, he is an advocate for this city, the people, and the buildings that establish, enhance, and define its character.
Randy moved up in the ranks from electrical engineer, to project manager, and to managing partner since 2005. He ensures that all DBR offices are operating as one firm, and he does his best to match resources of each office to project demands. He leads this company with a huge sense of loyalty, for the city of Houston and for the offices of DBR. He is inquisitive, kind, and passionate about our success. He is also passionate about music and his guitars, his duty to give back, and of course his roles as husband, dad, and granddad. Curry has an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.
24. Janice Anderson
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Access Sciences
Janice Anderson is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Access Sciences. She first joined the company in 1985. Access Sciences has delivered services to Fortune 500 companies continually since 1986. In the past 5 years, it has performed information management and technology project work for more than 95 clients in 14 countries and in over 20 different industries. Access Sciences’ solutions increase productivity of employees, reduce operating costs associated with managing information assets, and manage risks associated with information lifecycles, regulatory compliance, find-ability, and discovery.
Previously, Anderson was an assistant manager of the technical information center at Brown & Root. Anderson earned an MS in library science from Florida State University, and an undergraduate degree in sociology from The University of Texas at Austin. Anderson specializes in strategy and planning for information management, taxonomy design, and records retention.
25. Kristy Sexton
Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Adcetera
Adcetera’s energetic and passionate leader, Kristy Sexton founded the company over 25 years ago and has transformed it into one of the largest woman-owned creative services firms in the country. She establishes the company’s direction and fosters the unique culture which continues to attract the most talented and energetic people in the industry.
Kristy oversees all creative teams, ensuring that everything they do for their clients is both creatively distinctive and strategically sound. She holds an undergraduate degree in industrial design and visual communications and is a featured industry speaker as well as a leader in various charity and community organizations.
