Citizens enjoy easy, breezy coastal living, four miles north of Galveston Island and safely tucked behind the hurricane protection levee. 409-938-9202#iloveLa_Marque www.cityoflamarque.org Housing options from starter bungalows to sprawling ranches, sky high bay houses and brand new neighborhoods Second-fastest-growing city in Galveston County WITH 10.9 percent population growth from 2010 – 2017More than 280 acres of parks and recreation Councilwoman Casey McAuliffe, District DCouncilman Chris Lane, District BTo la marque’s 40 Under 40 honorees Welcome to the first edi-tion of The Daily News’ newest annual publica-tion, 40 Under 40. Each year, we will invite nomina-tions from the community at large to help us identify and celebrate the brightest young talent in the Galveston County area. A healthy community is one where people come to build careers, establish families and get involved. One of the challenges, though, is letting them know that each of them plays a key role in our collective success in Galveston County. We hope this publication will go a long way to help these inaugural 40 know that both the community and those who have taken out con-gratulatory messages in this issue value them and their contributions. Note, the winners were selected by an independent panel of highly respected business and community representatives; no one from The Daily News participated in the selection process. Please take time to read this magazine and to congratulate the winners. After all, these are the brightest new stars in Galveston County. Show them we appreciate what they do. Leonard WoolseyPublisher, The Daily NewsSheena Abernathy .........................................4Mary Bass...........................................................4Robert Bouvier ................................................5Amanda Bunn ..................................................6Shannon Burke ................................................6Matthew Busby ...............................................7Alicia Cahill........................................................8Jay Campbell ....................................................8Ashley Carner ...................................................9Estela Castillo ...................................................9Mark Dell’Osso ...............................................10Kinjal Desai .....................................................10Derek Duckett ................................................11Hank Dugie .....................................................12Dominic Etienne ...........................................12Jennifer Haglund ..........................................13Paul Harrington .............................................13Nicki Huprich .................................................14Amanda Johnson .........................................15Bryan Kunz ......................................................15From the publisher2018 HONOREESChris Lane ........................................................16Brian & Kristen Lepo ....................................16Concetta Maceo-Sims .................................17Michael Marquez ..........................................17Casey McAuliffe .............................................18Lauren Millo ....................................................18Frances Moody ..............................................20Amy Owens ....................................................20Heather Peterek ............................................21Kimberlyn Robinson ....................................21Danny Roe .......................................................22Brandon Rogers ............................................22Lauren Scott ...................................................24Sean Skipworth .............................................24Lindsay Touchy ..............................................25Charday VanOrstrand ..................................26Rolando Villarreal..........................................26Erin Webb ........................................................28Lindsey White ................................................28Whitney Ziegler .............................................29BY THE NUMBERS1724* Technically, there are 41 honorees; husband and wife nominated as oneDickinsonFriendswoodLeague CityTexas CityGalvestonSanta FeSeabrookHoustonLa MarquemenwomenGENDERCITY OF RESIDENCE4120261114MARITAL STATUS26married14singleFAMILYno kids19201expectingwith kidsand botany. I also had the opportunity to work as a lecturer at SHSU for non-majors biology and environmental science. I en-joyed teaching and helping students learn about biology. Seeing students reach the “ah-ha” or “eureka” moment in my classes was one of the most rewarding things about teaching biology.What was your first job? After finishing my graduate degree, I started working at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center in Humble. I did a great deal of outdoor educational programs for all ages. My graduate work focused on birds, so a lot of programs I gave related to birding. I learned a great deal about horticulture and protecting native habitat for wildlife while working at the park and I bring that knowledge into the classroom. Some of my favorite programs were the monthly bird walks and the summer program we did for 5- and 6-year-olds. The younger children were so fascinated with even the smallest bit of nature, such as roly polies and would sometimes spend 20 minutes gathering as many roly polies as they could find.What’s the best advice you’ve ever re-ceived? “If you FAIL, never give up because F.A.I.L. means ‘First Attempt in Learning’” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. I am not sure where I came across this, but I have it posted in my office to remind me and my students that failing does not mean the end. I have had many setbacks in life, both personal and professional, and this quote helps me remember to always keep moving forward no matter what the setback.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? One of my greatest mentors would have to be my graduate ad-visor, Dr. Diane Neudorf. She pushed me to always learn more and work hard through-out my graduate degree and even today. We have kept in touch and have remained close friends. Her mentoring and friendship has gotten me where I am today. I also see my little boy as a mentor in my life. He has taught me to appreciate all of the small things in life and helps me to see life from a different (and much better) perspective.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I’m not working, I spend time with my family. I have a wonderful husband and the most amazing 6-year-old son. We enjoy getting outside as much as possible, whether it’s going to the beach, for a walk or drive to look at wildlife, or just out in the backyard to play catch or throw a Frisbee.4 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018Age: 39City of residence: DickinsonCurrent title: Associate professor of biologyPlace of busi-ness: College of the MainlandFamily: Married to Matt Abernathy, 8 years, with one amazing son, Sam, who is 6 years oldWhy did you go into your particular field? During my undergraduate and graduate work at SHSU, I worked as a lab teaching assistant and taught various lab courses including general biology, zoology Sheena AbernathyAge: 34City of residence: DickinsonCurrent title: Executive chefPlace of business: Katie’s Seafood HouseFamily: Husband, Timothy Bass; four kids, Kenzington, 12; Mattox, 11; Viva, 9; and Nate, 8Mary BassWhy did you go into your particular field? When I was 7 years old, my grand-mother used to cook for all the first-time visitors at church. Some Sundays it would be 40 immediate family members, other Sundays it would be 80-plus people from church. She fed missionaries, pastors, any-one who needed a hot meal. I would leave church early with her to go prepare these meals. I learned at her feet. When I was old enough to decide what I wanted to do, a chef was always my choice.What’s the best advice you’ve ever re-ceived? There is no crying in catering (said just like “A League of Their Own”).What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love to feed people. It’s not the act of cooking or the food itself, it’s watching people enjoy my food that makes me so passionate about what I do.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? You’re not an avocado, you cannot make everyone happy. There will be times that, despite your best efforts, you cannot please everyone. Just do your absolute best, and at the end of the day, you can sleep easy knowing you tried your hardest.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Leslie Bartosh. He was the director of the program at Galveston College when I went through the program and in 2009 I started as an adjunct instruc-tor at Alvin Community College. He is now the director of the Culinary Arts program out there. He’s the most amazing chef and his passion for teaching the next gener-ation of chefs drives me. I’m constantly thankful for his support of me no matter what I am doing in my career. I hope one day that he looks back at what I’ve accom-plished and knows that he played a huge roll in making it all possible.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to travel. I often say, I work so I can travel. My 2018 New Year’s resolution was to take a trip a month. This year, I’ll get to do that for the entire first half of the year. I’ve been to Memphis, Vegas, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Mexico City, Destin and Winnipeg, Canada. It’ll slow down with the opening of the new restaurant, but I’ll still find time to get out of town.2018 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 5ROBERT BOUVIERWe are so proud of you and all of your accomplishmentsLove, Mom & DadCONGRATULATIONS Matthew Busby, Sheena Abernathy and Sean Skipworth.Age: 23City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: Business ownerPlace of business: Hey Mikey’s Ice CreamFamily: Micheal Bouvier, Kathryn Bouvier and Peter BouvierRobert BouvierWhy did you go into your particular field? I’m a firm believer in doing what you love to do with passion and the rest will come. Ice cream makes me happy. Also I love how close this business has made my family. Each struggle makes us stronger.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a kid, I wanted to be a chef on “Iron Chef,” after watching my parents make a meal for the family and studying them. The family would watch an episode and see what craziness these amazing chefs would come up with.What was your first job? My first actual job was a door-to-door vacuum salesmen for a year. I learned more in that year on the job than I could have ever imagined. I learned how to sell anything, how to be a boss and, most importantly, I learned a lot about my self.What’s your favorite thing about your job? The community it has created for my family, friends and the city of Galveston. It is pretty special to be a part of something that brings smiles and joy to all, also the making of the ice cream and coming up with new flavors with my father is a very good time. You could say that’s how the Bouviers bond.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? My grandfather says “You can either lead, follow or get out of the way. Anything else is foolish.” Bob Hartman. He’s one of my favorite people.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew to take criticism as a tool to better myself and not dwell on the mistakes as much as I did. It’s always better to see a positive in any situation and grow.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My dad he is a great hu-man being who has never let an obstacle get in his way. He always pushes through. I know how to be a father, boss and leader because of him. If you know Mike Bouvier, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And if you don’t, he would love to meet you with a big smile on his face. Just be-cause that’s what kind of person he is.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? If I’m not working, you can find me out in the bay wake-boarding.6 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018Age: 37City of residence: FriendswoodCurrent title: Certified pub-lic accountantPlace of business: Doyle Law Firm, PLLCFamily: I’m a single mom to two beautiful-ly smart daughters, Sophia Lopez, 5, and Ysabelle Lopez, 3Why did you go into your particular field? When I started college, I was unsure of what “I wanted to be when I grew up.” I started off taking basic business classes. I always thought teaching would be a strong contender because who doesn’t love the Amanda Bunnidea of having summers off every year? But I also really enjoyed math classes all through school. Numbers were something I just got and I loved that there was a solution to ev-ery problem, at least numerically speaking. I also was told I was a good “people person.” So, it just made sense that being good with numbers plus being a “people person” and my fascination with the business side of all the classes I had taken steered me to my accounting degree path.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have received in regard to business is always trust your gut. My intuition is a strong strength for me when it comes to dealing with all types of situations.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was in second grade, we had daily journals as most grades do to help with writing and story telling. My mom still has the journal when the question of the day was “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and my response was ice cream truck driver. What better job than to bring joy to all people — kids and adults — by driving ice cream around all day, every day? I’m sure the prospect of all-you-can-eat ice cream played a role in my choice as well.What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is the people I work with on a daily basis. My boss, my co-workers and my clients are like family to me and enjoy being part of my organization very much.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? There are a couple things that I wish I had known when I first started my career. The first thing would be respect myself and know my worth. I feel at the be-ginning of my career, I didn’t charge clients as much as I think I should have because I lacked confidence in my knowledge and experience. Good for my clients but bad for my business at the beginning. The second thing I wish I had done was network from the beginning. Over time, I have learned connecting with people and joining a few organizations has helped my client base grow exponentially.If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? The summer schedule for a teaching career is still very enticing!Age: 39City of residence: League CityCurrent title: Executive directorPlace of business: Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big SistersShannon BurkeFamily: I’m the proud fur-baby mom to two rescues – dog Kaelan and cat Abby. Originally from St. Louis, Mo., I visit my mom Judy, dad Bill and brother Kevin as often as possible and I’m blessed to call so many Texas friends my chosen family.Why did you go into your particular field? In 2015, after more than 13 years working in corporate health care, I took a leap of faith and moved from Austin to League City. I realized I was not totally fulfilled professionally and I craved a more personal connection with my community. I needed to know I was making a differ-ence. When an opportunity to work with Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters pre-sented itself to me, I was ecstatic. Working to match children facing adversity with adult mentors who will be there for them consistently is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. For me, creating life-long friendships between a “Big” and “Little” is like finding that last puzzle piece in life that I never even knew was missing.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A ballerina! I took my first ballet class when I was 5 and was con-vinced I would be the next prima ballerina. I was captivated by the grace and elegance of performances like “Swan Lake,” and was fortunate enough to perform in some amazing ballets at a young age.What’s the best advice you’ve ever re-ceived? My Mom’s advice still rings true: Be self-sufficient enough to take care of your-self, but not too independent/prideful that you can’t also let someone else take care of you. Also, that Mom really is always right.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Knowing that every day, regardless of whether or not it was a good or bad day, I have helped to make a difference. Each morning I’m given an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself, and to help create the kind of community and world that, long after I’m gone, families will want to live in.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That mistakes are allowed. That everyone has bad days, mess-ups and bag-gage that they wish they didn’t have. But as long as you focus on the big picture — the end goal — and allow yourself to be human, everything is going to work out just fine.2018 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 7Shannon Burke The Board of Directors & StaffGulf CoastCongratulationsYour friends and colleagues at Roberts, Johnson & Cain applaud you for being recognized as one of the top 40 under 40 in Galveston County. CongratulationsAMANDA JOHNSON711 Sixth Street North • Texas City, TX 77590Age: 33City of residence: Texas CityCurrent title: Advancement officerPlace of business: College of the Mainland and College of the Mainland FoundationFamily: I am blessed with the most amazing wife and two little kids! My wife, Sarah, spent 10 years traveling the world and man-aging a multimillion-dollar dance studio in Dallas. Needless to say, she is smart, fun, supportive and an awesome dancer! My little girl is 4 years old but has no doubts she runs the show. She is Elsa, she is a princess and, yes, she loves to dance. I could write forever about how beautiful, smart and pre-cious she is. My little man is almost 3 years old, yes, they are close in age, and boy is he Matthew Busbya boy! Already passionate about anything rough, tumble or sports. He is full of energy, life and love. A lesson learned from dear friends quite outside the realm of this list of 40 Under 40 is that time is without equal in terms of value. It stops for no one and pauses for nothing. It is equally distributed to everyone. Family is a top priority for me. There is not a close second.Why did you go into your particular field? I never planned to go into higher education or nonprofit fundraising. After graduating Baylor with a degree in political science, I accepted a position working at a community college until I could figure out what field I wanted to pursue. After several years working in financial aid and academic advising, I discovered that my skills, experience and career goals aligned best with fundraising. I went into my field because I love working with people and seeing my work make an impact in the lives of both students and donors.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I couldn’t decide between being a constitutional attorney, missionary or musician.What was your first job? My first job as a teenager was mowing yards with a man in his mid-70s. George Partee was a perfect example of what inspired Tom Brokaw to define that era as The Greatest Generation. I learned some of my greatest lessons in leadership, work and life during the several years I worked with him. Promptly at 6 a.m. his old red Chevy pickup would pull up in the driveway where I would be waiting. Except for the first time he arrived, where my peace-ful rest was disrupted with his knock on my bedroom window. My first lesson: Prepare and be ready on time. Hard work wasn’t talk-ed about, it was expected and given in equal share as even the day after receiving a chemo treatment he would still outwork me.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I dance! Play with my two amazing children and wife. Grab a book or journal and find a place outdoors to be still, quiet and think.What is something about you that most people don’t know? Since my passion for dancing is out-of-the-bag, I would say something most folks don’t know about me is that I studied martial arts and fencing for more than 10 years. A deeper level of nerdy unknown is my long-time interest in genealogy.8 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2018Age: 39City of residence: GalvestonCurrent title: Head chickPlace of business: The Kitchen Chick, 2402 Market St., GalvestonFamily: Husband, Chris Cahill; backyard flock, Tabitha, Opal and BertieAlicia CahillWhy did you go into your particular field? I never expected to own my own business. What do they always say, life happens when you’re busy making plans? I’ve found so much happiness through my small business. It taps into everything I’ve learned along the way. It’s equally challenging and rewarding. I opened The Kitchen Chick because I love to cook; I keep The Kitchen Chick open for so many less tangible reasons.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A marine biologist and a fashion designer. At the same time. LOL.What was your first job? I bused tables at a family-owned Japanese restaurant.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? It’s not really advice; it’s a saying: The days are long, but the years are short. It makes me stop and find my perspective when it has gone missing. It reminds me to value my time, in and out of the business.What’s your favorite thing about your job? Hands down, it’s the people I meet and the relationships I’ve made. I’m so ridiculously fortunate.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Ha, I’m still learning! I learn some-thing new every single day. I hope that never changes.Who do you consider to be your great-est mentor and why? Gene Nakanishi. He taught me to be brave, to be vulnerable, to run at life full-speed and attack what you enjoy with passion. I learned life wasn’t always fair, but I also learned to accept set-backs with grace. He leads with hard work, integrity and heart. Lots and lots of heart.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I really enjoy having my family and friends over for game night. I cook a big meal, we sit around the table and catch up over cards. We laugh so much! I also love to read.How do you hope to grow in your career? At the end of each day, I just want to be better. I make plenty of mistakes, let stress eat at me and am plagued by impa-tience. But I try to learn from my failings, revel in the tiny and recognize in others the traits I admire and aspire to.Age: 32City of residence: League CityCurrent title: Financial advisor/senior portfolio advisorPlace of business: Merrill Lynch Wealth Management – GalvestonFamily: Wife, Tara, married 6 years; daughter, Jayne, 3 years oldJay CampbellWhy did you go into your particular field? The ability to help families realize their goals and develop relationships through multiple generations. As someone who comes from a large, close-knit family, that opportunity greatly appealed to me.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? When I first started working, my dad told me “Develop a strong work ethic, and conduct yourself with integrity. The rest will take care of itself.” I’ve found that to be true more often than not.What’s your favorite thing about your job? The depths to which I get to know the people and families that I work for. When you are dealing with someone’s finances, you get to know their true passions, their goals and what’s important to them, as well as their family. It may not always seem that way from the outside or be depicted that way in movies, but finance and wealth management truly is a personal, intimate business, where more often than not your clients become your friends.Who do you consider to be your great-est mentor and why? I was fortunate enough to grow up with an incredible role model in my dad, and learned so much about character, work ethic and love for your family from him. From a professional standpoint, I had the great privilege of learning from the late Jimmy Hayley early in my career. The lessons I learned from him about integrity, leader-ship and being joyful in your work have been invaluable to me.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I spend as much time as I can with my wife, Tara, and our daughter, Jayne. No matter what the day might bring, they always bring a smile to my face. I do like to hit the golf course from time to time and, of course, watch my Houston Cougars and Houston Astros.What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am a James Bond movie buff. My wife gave me a box set of all the movies for Christmas right after we started dating, and I have been a big Bond fan ever since I was a kid. I am going to incriminate myself a bit here (sorry, Mom), but I even faked sick for two days back in middle school so I could stay home and watch the Bond movie marathon on TBS.2018 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 9Age: 34City of residence: Santa FeCurrent title: Chief operations officerPlace of business: AMOCO Federal Credit UnionFamily: I have been married to my hus-band, Chad Carner, for 9 years. We have two children: Hadley, 5, and Hudson, 2.Ashley CarnerWhy did you go into your particular field? I pursued a degree in Business Administra-tion because I thought it would provide me a degree that was versatile and applicable across industries. I didn’t actually know what I wanted to do with the degree though. For-tunately, my best friend worked at AMOCO Federal Credit Union. Once I completed my degree, she encouraged me to apply with them. The rest is history.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child I wanted to be a stay at home mom and drive a mini van. Once I got to high school, my aspirations changed a bit and I wanted to be a doctor.What was your first job? My very first job was working at my family’s business, Doreck’s Packing Company in Santa Fe. I worked there in the summer and helped with what I would consider the lightweight work: waiting on customers, wrapping meat orders and cleaning.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Someone once pulled me aside and told me that I needed to start saying what I was thinking if I wanted to be a leader. That it was acceptable to disagree and present your case as long as it was respectful and thought out. Looking back, those words probably changed my life.What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is getting to help people, both members and employees alike.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? So many things! But, if I had to pick one, I wish I would have known to ask more questions to better understand the “why” behind everything.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? There have been so many people who have touched my life and helped me grow personally and professionally. Those who come to mind are my volleyball coaches Anna Marie Milligan, Angie Bullard and Leigh Mullins; a huge group of people at AMOCO FCU, including Cyndi Hopkins, Larry Wilson, Thea Choate, Shawn Bailey and Rusty Norman; and finally, and most importantly of all, Dick and Laurie Hadley, my parents. I consider them all mentors because at some point in my life they guided me on a path that lead me to where I am today.Age: 27City of Residence: SeabrookCurrent title: Mental health therapistPlace of business: Teen Health Center Inc.Family: I grew up in Houston as a sec-ond-generation immigrant. My parents worked hard to provide a strong founda-tion that encouraged pursuit of higher education. With their support, I attended Estela Castillocollege at the University of Houston-Down-town and became the first among my family to obtain a college degree. Growing up, I became aware of the importance of serving my community and helping others. Therefore, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology to become a mental health provider.Why did you go into your particular field? I studied clinical psychology because I wanted to raise mental health awareness and give back to the community.As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be-come a doctor until I realized that I didn’t have the stomach for it.What was your first job? My first job was at a retail store. I quickly realized I did not want to do this for long. My first job in the field of psychology was working with indi-viduals with intellectual disabilities.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve received is that success is measured by your will-ingness to strive to improve yourself and failure is part of success.What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is working with resilient individuals who prosper in the face of adversities.What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your ca-reer? When I first started my career, I wish I would have known that planting seeds of hope and encouragement can make all of the difference.Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have a plethora of mentors, the strongest influences in my life are my parents and sister. They value God, humility and compassion; these are principals I live by.When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? To relax, I spend time with God, family and friends. I also really enjoy spending time in nature and being physi-cally active. I’ve learned that self care is just as important as caring for my clients.What is something about you that most people don’t know? Most people do not know that I enjoy traveling and experienc-ing diverse cultures.Next >