On behalf of the CITY OF LA MARQUE, kudos to all the 2020 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES with special recognition for three of La Marque's ınest. GATEWAY TO THE GULF BRENNAN BRIGGS Captain-Special Operations La Marque Fire Department CHAISE CARY Director of Public Works City of La Marque JAMES MATTHEWS Captain La Marque Fire Department These men serve the people of La Marque with our pillars of customer service every day. COURTESY, RESPECT, ACCURACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY Thank you, gentlemen. You are appreciated and we are proud to have you on our team. La Marque is a better place because of you. CITYOFLAMARQUE.ORG2020 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 3 Seth Alford .............................................4 Chris Armacost .......................................4 Raquel Balderas ......................................5 Devin Belluomini .....................................6 Cate Black ..............................................6 Brennan Briggs .......................................7 Norris Burkley II ......................................8 Ashley Carnes .........................................8 Chaise Cary ..........................................10 Amy Caton ............................................10 Corinna Danilevich .................................11 Teal de la Garza ....................................12 Nick Droege ..........................................12 Heather Gates ......................................14 Brandon Goodwin ..................................14 Shannon Guillot-Wright...........................15 Torrina Harris ........................................16 Dustin Henry .........................................16 Keith Henry ...........................................18 Ashley Hirsch ........................................18 Keath Jacoby ........................................20 Nick Long .............................................20 Stacey Malbrough ..................................22 Samuel Malchar ....................................22 Sara Martin ..........................................23 Allie Martinez ........................................24 Mark Martinsen ....................................24 James Matthews ...................................25 Heather Morris ......................................25 Hassan Mustafa....................................26 Mercedes Pang .....................................26 James Pittman ......................................27 Danny Pope ..........................................27 Reagan Ratcliff .....................................28 Adam Rust ............................................28 Lisa Shaw .............................................30 Brandon Williams ..................................30 Taylor Wilson .........................................32 Kyla Wright ...........................................32 Jonathan Zendeh Del .............................34 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES The Daily News is shining the spotlight on the best and brightest young professionals in Galveston County who are making a difference in their professions and in the community. To make the list, The Daily News solicited nominations from the public for men and women who are 40 years old and younger and live and/or work in the Galveston County area. An expert panel of judges not affiliated with The Daily News evaluated each nominee based on their professional accomplishments, growth and community service. These men and women represent a broad range of occupations and highlight the diversity of businesses in the Galveston County area. MEET THE DAILY NEWS’ 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 20204 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2020 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: IPS PUMP SERVICES/INDUSTRIAL PACKING AND SEALS/ MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC COMMAND SETH ALFORD, 37 PARTNER/VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/MAJOR WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I watched the twin towers fall on TV while in my dorm room in college. My elder brother was in his final year at The Naval Academy. I knew that morning that at some point, we would both be serving in whatever fight was about to come. After I graduated, he commissioned me as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on the deck of the Battleship Texas. Speaking of the “Mighty T” battleship, I hope we can bring her to Galveston after the shipyard finishes her repairs. As for my civilian job at IPS Pump Services, my partners and I found a niche in the maritime liquid bulk transport, terrestrial storage tank and refinery industries. We manufacture, repair, install and commission rotating equipment in these facilities. Having grown up in the area, pursuing this sector of industry only seemed natural. I’d say that I would’ve followed in my parent’s footsteps and entered the space industry, but apparently skills in mathematics aren’t genetic. AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I always knew that I would be an officer in the military. I am proud to be one of the few who has had the opportunity to live out their childhood dreams. Now, of course, I’m still waiting on my invitation to be a professional monster truck driver, but I’m afraid that 10-year-old Seth may not have the opportunity to see that particular dream come to fruition. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I inherited my first job from my older brother at the old Eckerd Drug Store. I worked as a store clerk after school, and on the weekends, I worked as a plumber’s apprentice for my grandfather’s plumbing company. During the summers in between college semesters, I worked for the Landry’s empire on the Kemah Boardwalk. My first job after college in the “real world,” was, of course, as an officer in the Marine Corps. Shortly after completing training, I had the opportunity to test it in Afghanistan engaged in narcotics interdiction and anti-smuggling operations throughout Helmand Province during “The Surge.” Read more about Seth at galvnews.com/40under40 . LIVES: HITCHCOCK WORKS: HITCHCOCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CHRIS ARMACOST, 38 DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY Transportation, Facilities and Operations WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I went into the technology field because of the challenges and the desire to always learn new things in an ever-changing environment. I started in this field in 1999/2000 during the Y2K issues. AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Physical therapist – I volunteered two summers at HCA in that department while in high school. There is nothing wrong with that profession, but it just wasn’t something I saw for myself long-term. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Mowing lawns around my neighborhood at 13. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? To always seek God’s guidance in everything I do and to stay humble. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? The opportunity to help others daily. With my role at Hitchcock ISD, I can definitely help students and staff daily. Same with my role in the city as a commissioner and helping the community. WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Nothing, I have enjoyed learning through every step of my career. I can’t think of anything that I would have wanted to change by knowing it sooner in my career. WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My youth pastor in high school. He really showed me how to be a servant leader through his interactions with the youth. He was disabled, but that did not slow him down. He was also the one who encouraged me to start doing mission work during the summer in high school through U.M. ARMY (United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth). WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? By spending time with my family or volunteering in the community. During baseball season, you can find me out at the Hitchcock Little League fields coaching or helping in the concession stand. I also like to garden and grow various fruits/veggies. WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I helped build a church in Mexico. LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Raquel Balderas, 27 Pastor’s assistant WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I chose engineering as my field because mathematics is what came easiest to me in high school and at College of the Mainland, and mechanical engineering, specifically, is versatile. Although I haven’t started my career in engineering yet, my job at St. George’s is versatile, which makes it fun and challenging at times. I actually have my current position because of an invitation my next-door neighbor, Mrs. Jean, gave me about eight years ago. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Church nursery attendant. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23 KJV) WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Being able to help others in the community and working with the different youth ministries/outreaches. WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? I will let you know when I start my engineering career. Even now though, I would say “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I spend time with my family. Currently, I have an 9-month-old nephew and he is a joy to be around. WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I enjoy playing board games with my family; they say I’m very competitive. HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? I plan on continuously learning; from other professionals, self-learning and through any courses that might be offered. Hitchcock I.S.D. Board of Trustees and Staff Congratulates HISD Director of Facilities & Operations (Technology, Transportation, Maintenance) Chris Armacost Raquel Balderas You are a Sign of Hope to us! Congratulations on being selected as one of the 40 under 40 outstanding professionals. We are a community church, meaning we aim to bless families and businesses where we live for the well-being of all. Thank you for modeling servant leadership, compassion and kindness thru our cooking class, Garden of Hope, Disaster Recovery and so much more. With love, Your St. George’s Family 510 13th Ave North, Texas City, Texas 77590 2020 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 5 LIVES: SANTA FE WORKS: U.S. AIR FORCE Devin Belluomini, 22 Paralegal/Presidential Honor Guard WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? I went into my career field to protect and defend the constitution of the United States of America and to serve our great country. AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a child i always wanted to be an astronaut, I’ve always found space to interesting. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job was a parts salesman at O’Reilly Auto Parts. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? You can’t be bitter and expect life to be sweet. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Providing comfort for families whose loved one has passed on and being able to provide families with full military honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. Also, how many 22-year-olds can say they have met four U.S. presidents and numerous foreign leaders? The opportunities I have been given will never be matched by another job. WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? How many lives I would impact and the magnitude my position in D.C. would hold. WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My grandfather Michael Belluomini. He always taught me never back down from a challenge no matter how big or small it may be. WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I always enjoy grilling and playing corn hole on my free time. WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I’m probably the best shower singer in the whole state of Texas. HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? Going into the law side of the military and being in the courtroom a lot. I would love to grow into an attorney or judge. IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I would hopefully be a police officer in Santa Fe or a Sheriff’s Deputy for Galveston County. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: RISE ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN CATE BLACK, 39 Principal architect WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? My best friend Holly told me to, and she was right. I stayed because my first year in architecture school felt like the slew of random ideas floating in my mind finally came in line, making a pattern I couldn’t see before. It sounds a little cliche, but life made more sense after my first year of grad school. All my primary interests found a place to intersect, and I’ve never once questioned that decision. Design can be: beautiful homes and buildings, thoughtful public spaces, environmentally sound, and a tool for social justice. Good design holds immeasurable value. AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? In no particular order: a primatologist, comedienne, President of the United States and artist. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? First paid job – pulling down outdated wallpaper in poorly lit homes the summer after eighth grade. First job where I paid taxes – greeter and clothes slinger at Classic Cleaners in Katy my junior year of high school. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Ride the waves and just breathe – my midwife. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Too much to list. I love being an architect. I love running my own business. From working with people to create spaces I know they will enjoy, to thinking of how the public will appreciate a space, it is all extremely fulfilling. Imagining the overall concept then slowly teasing out the details; I appreciate how macro and micro scales converge within a building, regardless of size or function. Working through possibilities with other designers, clients or stakeholders can be challenging but also very educational and rewarding. WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? There is no “one path.” Life is about adaptability. I have pivoted and shifted more than I ever thought I would. IF YOU COULDN’T DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? A carpenter. I so often wish I could actually build much of what I design. I recognize it’s hard work, and takes a toll on the craftsperson. I have the utmost respect for the talented individuals who do this as a profession. 6 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2020SPONSORED BY SUPPORT LOCAL FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! galvnews.com/interactive/galleries Contest ends 8/30/20 LIVES: SEABROOK WORKS: LA MARQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT Brennan Briggs, 29 Fire captain WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? With my dad being a deputy chief in the Forest Service and my mom being the County Parks Director in Santa Barbara, California, it was a natural progression that I too would follow their footsteps in the public service world. AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As far back as I can recall, I wanted to be a firefighter and be the one to help people. As my mom reminded me, I was always the one to pack a first-aid kit before we could leave the house to go anywhere. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I was a sales associate at West Marine selling marine electronics and boat parts. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Elevate the people around you and in turn those you have helped will elevate you. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? In public safety, it is rare that we are called for a “good thing.” Being able to respond to someone’s less-than-ideal situation and assist them in any way I can is a very rewarding feeling. WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Never be afraid to pursue a career with another agency or employer that more closely aligns with your personal and professional goals. WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? Without a doubt, Fire Chief Patrick Shipp has assisted and guided me into the leader I am today. I met him early on in my fire service career and would not be the public servant I have become without him. WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? Anything I can do while outdoors – backpacking, camping, hunting or fishing. I am also an amateur photographer and enjoy chasing down severe weather to photograph and video. HOW DO YOU HOPE TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER? During my time in the fire service, I have built a solid operations foundation and am now looking to strengthen my administrative knowledge base to continue moving toward a chief level position. (409) 202-3095 | www.wrightbooksacct.com for all your small business & non-profit bookkeeping needs 2020 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 7 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: E.R. JOHNSON FAMILY MORTUARY Norris Burkley II, 31 Funeral director/embalmer WHY DID YOU GO INTO YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD? Ironically, I was attending a funeral service some years ago. After that service, the officiating pastor told me to go to the funeral home. That following Monday, I did as I was told and I have been in the funeral service industry since then. God used that officiating pastor to lead me to this path in my life. AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a child, I inspired to be somewhere dealing with money. My dad would always give me little pocket money and I would save all of it so I could have enough to fold at the end of the week. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Kroger grocery store as a cashier. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Never put all your eggs in one basket. I strive to be diverse with the “things within my basket.” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 “... But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Being able to provide a service to families during their most difficult time and in the process building relationships that will extend from one person to an entire community of people. Possessing the ability to be extremely sensitive to the feelings of others is a virtue; as well as having the capability of feeling empathy for the grief and stress of families under bereavement circumstances. WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER? Common sense and self-confidence is a great asset to have in the funeral industry and life as a whole. There is no point in dwelling over career misses and mistakes. Instead, keep moving forward and apply lessons learned to my next professional challenge. WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my family and riding around the city to see what new things I can find. WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I am an introvert and frequently hesitant to be social. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH Ashley Carnes, 33 Speech-language pathologist PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: I see adult patients at UTMB in the hospital and outpatient clinics. I am the primary speech pathology clinician who works with the head and neck cancer patient population. I mentor/ supervise speech pathology interns and newer staff members. I give presentations to our staff as well as incoming nursing and medical residents regarding the roles of speech pathologists and the disorders that we treat. I am also responsible for updating our department competencies, clinical documentation and clinical guidelines/protocols. I lead a support group for head and neck cancer survivors. ACCOMPLISHMENTS/ HONORS: Was accepted to speak/give presentations at the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association convention (2016) and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association convention (2018). COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member of Coast Community Church where I serve in the children’s ministry as the first-grade small group leader. Member of the Junior League of Galveston County Inc. 8 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2020 CAST YOUR VOTE! Honor your favorite businesses by voting them to be the best of the best. You could win $250! Final voting: August 3-27 galvnews.com/readerschoiceCongratulations Congratulations Norris D. Burkley, II Norris D. Burkley, II Galveston Daily News “40 under 40” Galveston Daily News “40 under 40” 2020 Outstanding Influential Young 2020 Outstanding Influential Young Professional HonoreeProfessional Honoree We are so proud of you and your We are so proud of you and your accomplishments.accomplishments. “Trust in the Lord with all th“Trust in the Lord with all th ine heart and ine heart and lean not to thine own understanding” Proverbs 3:5lean not to thine own understanding” Proverbs 3:5Next >