President's Council

Established in 2023, the University of Houston-Clear Lake President's Council is a group of prominent leaders dedicated to advancing UHCL's mission, fostering strategic partnerships, and championing transformative opportunities for students and the broader community. Council members advise on key initiatives, strengthen connections with community and industry partners, and help shape UHCL's path as a student-centered, experiential learning leader. 

2024-2025 President's Council Members

Mr. Bill Bastedo
Retired corporate executive and engineer

Mr. Douglas A. Dickey
Manager, DRDA Certified Public Accountants & Business Consultants

Mr. Brian Freedman
President, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP)

Mr. Richard Gornto
President, First Financial Benefits, Inc.; Founder and CEO of Gornto & Associates; Houston Chair of TIGER 21

Mr. Preston Johnson
Former Regional President, SE Texas at Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Ms. Sandra Johnson
Chief Executive Officer, Barrios Technology

Mr. Michael Larranaga
President, REM Risk Consultants 

Ms. Kathleen McAllister
Independent Board Director; former CEO and CFO, Transocean and Transocean Partners, LLC 

Ms. Jesmin Meah
Board Member, Meah Family Foundation

Ms. Denise Navarro
President/CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc.

Ms. Phyllis Saathoff-Oliver
Executive Director/CEO, Port Freeport

Ms. Marilyn Sims
Shareholder and Attorney at Law, Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, PC

Mr. Greg Smith
Executive Director, Fast Growth School Coalition; Former Superintendent, Clear Creek ISD (2008-2020)

Mr. Jim Springfield
President, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas 

Senator Larry Taylor
Former Member of the Texas Senate (11th District, 2013-2023) and Texas House of Representatives (24th District, 2003-2013)