Dorothy Zayatz Baker is Professor Emerita in the Department of English at the University of Houston. During her career at the university, she published five scholarly books and many articles, taught courses in the fields of early American literature and translation theory, held multiple administrative positions, and was an invited speaker at national and international conferences. Dorothy is a first-generation American who speaks French and Russian. Originally from upstate New York, she and her husband, Larry, have lived in Houston for more than 40 years where they raised their two children. They now have the joy of three grandchildren. Passionate about the Red Cross mission, Dorothy is also a Tiffany Circle member for our Region.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Frenchy’s Companies

Percy P. Creuzot III Percy P. Creuzot III is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Frenchy’s Companies, a sausage and food processing and restaurant group. Frenchy’s is a Houston landmark renowned for its New Orleans-style Creole Foods.

Percy P. Creuzot III is a 1972 graduate of Texas Southern University. His career began at Ford Motor Company in Kansas City, Missouri where he held several managerial positions. He left Ford Motor Company to join his father at Frenchy’s, where he learned the food service business at his father’s side.

Percy P. Creuzot III has numerous professional affiliations and has received several business awards. He served on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities and the Advisory Board for The United Negro College Fund. He is most proud of his community service, church involvement and his family. He has served as Grand Knight for The Knights of Peter Claver and has been a tireless supporter of Texas Southern University, NAACP, UNCF, The Urban League and The Links, Inc., to name a few.

Rachael Dahl is a first-year Executive MBA student at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business. She currently leads Crown Castle's Sales Operations team, focusing on sales effectiveness programs, go-to-market planning, and lead-to-cash process excellence.

Before joining Crown Castle in 2019, Rachael was part of Deloitte’s Customer and Marketing Consulting practice, where she specialized in go-to-market transformation and technology-enabled process improvements. Rachael holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University.

Todd Denton is Senior Vice President of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Field Operations Support for Phillips 66, a diversified energy company. Denton has more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, with an extensive background in pipeline and terminal projects and operations.

Before his current role, Denton held a series of leadership positions in Midstream for Phillips 66, most recently as Vice President of Midstream Operations.

Denton previously worked for NuStar Energy as Vice President, Pipeline & Terminal Operations. He spent the majority of his early career with Diamond Shamrock and Valero in various engineering positions related to pipeline and terminal projects.

He serves on the board of directors of DCP Midstream, LP and the American Red Cross Greater Houston Chapter. Denton previously served on the board of directors of the Liquids Energy Pipeline Association and on the U.S. DOT Technical Advisory Committee, appointed by Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in 2017.

Denton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1986. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Finance and Economics in 1996 from West Texas A&M University.

Vice President, National Accounts Head of Compass/Foodbuy Sysco Corp.

Ryan DeWitt is Vice President, National Sales for Sysco Corporation, headquartered in Houston. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the food distribution industry, holding leadership positions in audit, logistics, merchandising, revenue management, and sales. Ryan spent a short period of his career, between stints at Sysco, working for Morgan Garris consulting where he focused on Sarbanes Oxley 404 compliance and financial/operational consulting, frequently travelling internationally to drilling sites in Norway, Kazakhstan, and The Sakhalin Islands in northeastern Russia. Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from Boston College in 2003. He resides in Houston, TX and is married to Elizabeth DeWitt, principal of Elizabeth Garrett Interiors, a firm specializing in residential interior design. Ryan and Elizabeth have two daughters, Annie and Molly.

Division Vice President of Quality, Patient Safety and Emergency Operations, HCA Gulf Coast Division

Erin Erb, DHA, MHA, RHIA, CPHQ, CPPS is the Division Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety at HCA’s Gulf Coast Division. Erin is responsible for the overall clinical quality, patient outcomes and patient safety initiatives and emergency preparedness and disaster response activities.

Prior to joining the Gulf Coast Division Erin served in a various quality leadership roles at health systems in Nebraska and Kansas. Erin has overseen the implementation of high reliability organization principles, process improvement methodologies and has successfully overseen triennial accreditations and disease specific care certifications. Additionally, Erin has helped to drive significant improvement in patients facing metrics; decreased mortality, complications and hospital acquired infections. In her role as Incident Commander for disaster response she has experienced hurricanes, mass casualty events, winter storm impacts and the occasional rolling black out.

Erin holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Health Information Management, a master’s degree healthcare administration from the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine, and a doctorate in healthcare administration from Oklahoma State University.. She is certified through the American Health Information Association as a Registered Health Information Administrator, a Certified Professional of Healthcare Quality by the National Association of Healthcare Quality, a Certified Professional in Patient Safety, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

On a personal note, she is married to Jeremy, has two amazing daughters, and two fur girls. I love to read,travel, hike, eat, and play Mahjong.

Director of Local Programming & Community Marketing KHOU

Dale Lockett is the Director of Local Programming and Community Marketing at KHOU-TV, the TEGNA owned CBS affiliate in Houston, Texas. He is responsible for the production of non-news programs, specials, and the station’s community marketing initiatives. In addition, Lockett oversees KHOU’s morning talk show Great Day Houston.

He spearheaded the creation of the station’s current “KHOU Stands for Houston” brand. Lockett has successfully reinforced the station’s brand through the power of music. He has produced awardwinning music video campaigns for KHOU 11 with Grammy Award-winning Houstonians, Lyle Lovett and Yolanda Adams.

Prior to joining KHOU, Lockett served as Creative Services Director for KENS-TV in San Antonio, where he was responsible for the station’s promotion and advertising efforts. During his career, he served as a Promotion Producer at KHOU-TV, KIRO-TV in Seattle, and WFORTV in Miami. He began his broadcasting career as a Public Affairs Producer for KTXH-TV in Houston.

The communications veteran graduated with honors from the University of Houston’s School of Communication. He is a recipient of the McCormick Tribune Fellowship and attended the Management Development Seminar for Television Executives at Northwestern University in 2006. Dale is a 2013 graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future-Business/ Civic Leadership Forum. He served as the Chairperson for the CBS Promotion Caucus from 2006 to 2013.

In 2015, Lockett was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Drum Major Award from the Greater Houston Frontiers Club. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Red CrossHouston Chapter, Greater Houston Black Chamber, and Literacy Now.

He has been honored with multiple broadcast industry awards, including a dozen Lone Star Emmy Awards, eight PromaxBDA Station Summit Awards, and the CBS Eye on Excellence “Best of Show” Award.

Retired, Exxon Mobil

Consumer focused expert on electricity issues, including regulations, policies, utility rate cases, grid integration of clean energy, and cost control in New Mexico, seven other states, and at the federal level. Successes achieved via collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, maintaining a long-term vision, developing deep relationships, and providing strong leadership. 36-year ExxonMobil employee with vast oil and natural gas industry experience and insight. Member of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) board of directors, during which time the use of wind energy grew more than 50% and more new clean energy capacity was incorporated into the grid than the next four largest states combined.  Chairman of the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers (TIEC), the nation’s largest industrial electricity consumer advocacy group. Represented ExxonMobil in key electric utility regulatory filings which provided the company with an estimated $200+ million of benefits. Guided ExxonMobil management on clean electricity policy and electricity regulation for external advocacy and internal initiatives. Core Competencies: Consumer oriented, Grid reliability focused, Wide-ranging experience with electricity regulations and energy policies, rusted advisor, Developing relationships.

Vice President of Data and Digital Transformation Crown Castle

As a strategic executive leader, I integrate product management, data strategy, and digital transformation to achieve measurable business outcomes. I help organizations boost revenue, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer and employee experiences by aligning technology, data, and operations.

My approach to transformation is data-driven and customer-centric. I prioritize initiatives that deliver the highest return on investment, including accelerating revenue, reducing costs, and optimizing workflows. By utilizing intelligent prioritization, user-centered design, and operational efficiency, I enable organizations to move quickly, scale effectively, and maximize the value of their technology investments.

My leadership is about achieving business goals and inspiring and empowering teams to perform at their best. I build high-performing, high-trust teams where autonomy fosters innovation, collaboration sharpens ideas, and the best solutions emerge. This approach, grounded in clarity, adaptability, and empowering team members to challenge assumptions, creates an environment where bold thinking leads to meaningful impact.

At the intersection of strategy, execution, and innovation, I excel at transforming complexity into clarity and enabling teams to create what’s next."

Senior Executive, IT & Business Transformation

Michael Panarella’s proven ability to transform complex organizations, combined with his deep technical expertise and skill in aligning enterprise strategy with execution, has established him as a trusted executive partner to Fortune 500 companies, private equity sponsors, and emerging growth firms. His leadership reliably delivers scalable innovation, sustainable value, and operational excellence across global markets and industries.

A recognized authority in business transformation, Michael is versed in architecting large-scale change initiatives that integrate technology, people, and process for enduring impact. He has earned a reputation for converting vision into tangible results, whether spearheading end-to-end digital modernization or navigating complex mergers and acquisitions. Michael’s hands-on approach, combined with his strategic perspective, allows him to identify value opportunities others often overlook, fostering high-performance cultures that adapt and excel amid disruption.

Michael Joseph Panarella serves as a Managing Partner at Ascendance Advisory Group, where he advises executive leaders and boards on innovation, performance improvement, and digital transformation. With over 23 years of global experience in technology leadership and businessconsulting, Michael collaborates with clients to bring their vision to life through practical strategies and scalable solutions.

Previously, as Vice President of Consulting at AHEAD, Michael led the East Region, overseeing largescale transformation programs in the energy, healthcare, retail, and tech sectors. He collaborated with C-level leaders to foster growth and efficiency while helping organizations adapt to rapidly changing conditions and evolving digital landscapes.

Bruce Robinson has been a key figure in the field of global security, technology, and leadership development for nearly two decades. His extensive experience includes diplomacy work within the US federal government and the development of global corporate security and cybersecurity programs in the private sector. Bruce is currently based in Houston, Texas, but his global experiences have greatly enriched his life.

In his role at Microsoft, Bruce heads the Security Incentives & Partnerships team within the Microsoft Security Response Center. This initiative is crucial for driving innovation and collaboration among security researchers, security software providers, and Microsoft's experts. The programs Bruce leads are designed to empower cybersecurity professionals to explore new frontiers and safeguard digital environments worldwide.

Bruce began his career in the Foreign Service of the US government, where he advanced through the ranks to eventually join the ranks of corporate executives. His innovative approach has revitalized traditional security programs, transforming them into proactive, risk-based strategies that enable businesses to operate securely and successfully.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bruce is passionate about mentoring individuals and teams. He believes that effective security and leadership practices are essential for success in any setting. Bruce is dedicated to promoting growth and resilience, whether he's advising a startup or a multinational corporation.

In his personal time, Bruce is committed to preserving his multilingual abilities and pursuing his varied interests. He enjoys capturing moments with his camera, engaging in outdoor activities, and giving back to his community by volunteering with Non-profit organizations and serving those in need.

Sarah Smith is a driven executive with success leading high-performing teams in complex environments exceed customer and stakeholder commitments. She has steered large-scale organizations from an impactful vision to actionable and sustainable change strategies across diverse industry and business models.

With an operational excellence foundation in manufacturing leadership, Sarah has proven her ability as a multifaceted leader of global functions such as P&L ownership, safety, quality, supply chain, procurement, and continuous improvement.

Sarah was recently appointed Chief Operating Officer of Novo Logistics. She is trusted to guide the logistics and warehouse solution provider through strategic growth. Sarah was recruited to W.R. Grace as Chief Procurement Officer in 2022 to help lead the company’s enterprise transformation and professionalize the function.  She applied her prior experiences to reset on foundational procurement processes and establish a comprehensive strategy to best-in-class performance.

Sarah was recognized by Purdue University as an Outstanding Mechanical Engineer in 2022 and was inducted into the Professional Practice (formally Co-operative Education) Hall of Fame in 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and completed her Executive Master of Business Administration through Texas A&M University.

As chair of Bracewell’s business & regulatory section and a Chambers USA award-winning partner in the firm’s finance practice, Stephanie Song has dedicated more than 16 years of her practice to counseling and representing domestic and foreign financial institutions, mezzanine funds, private equity funds, other credit providers and borrowers in all types of secured and unsecured credit transactions, including asset based lending, senior and subordinated debt financings, cross-border financings, debt restructurings, project and acquisition financings, letter of credit facilities, term loans, working capital loans, bond credit enhancement facilities, securitization and conduit lending transactions, oil and gas secured financings, as well as loan restructures and workouts and other various interbank relationships involved in syndicated loan transactions.

Stephanie’s dedication to client service has been recognized by Chambers USA since 2011 and her practice has been recognized by other publications since 2006. According to Chambers USA, Stephanie has impressed sources, who describe her as “a dynamo,” “…responsive, thorough, very smart, creative and practical” and “…can think several moves ahead on the chessboard.”

Founder & CEO, Executive Coaching, Coach Veritas

Megan O’Loughlin Stidman, Founder and CEO of executive coaching firm Coach Veritas, LLC., is a professionally trained coach who supports clients to advance and attain sustainable professional and personal growth. Her previous experience includes 25 years in various leadership supply, major capital project, mergers and acquisitions, market analysis, and engineering roles in the oil, gas, and power industries. She worked at leading private and Fortune 500 energy, consulting, and investment banking firms including Koch Industries, Goldman Sachs, American Electric Power, Reliant Resources, Burlington Resources, ConocoPhillips, BHP Billiton, and McKinsey and Company. In addition to serving as President and on the Board of Directors for the Harvard Business School Club of Houston, Megan has undertaken volunteer leadership positions in Boys Scouts of America, her local church, and local school PTOs. Megan graduated from the University of Kansas with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and from Harvard University with an MBA. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two sons.

HP's Vice President

Brian Suggs is HP’s Vice President, Personal Systems Operations Quality. In his present role Brian is responsible for quality assurance across the enterprise’s global network of manufacturing sites, original design manufacturers and contract manufacturers.

In his previous role at Rockwell Automation Brian served as the Senior Director of Quality, responsible for multiple organizations including Product Quality, Customer Quality and Supplier Quality. His teams worked to ensure that all Services & Solutions, Components, Hardware and Software products met all necessary requirements & standards.

Brian has had success implementing and improving Quality systems in several different industries including Automotive, Commercial Vehicles, Automation and major Components.

He is a senior quality / operations executive with a record of success driving Customer Quality, Advanced Product Quality, Supplier Quality and Operations Quality – to reduce cost and improve customer satisfaction.

Brian earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Business/Manufacturing Management from Kettering University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Operations Management from Phoenix University. He is active in multiple professional organizations; National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), American Society of Quality association (ASQ) and performs volunteer work for several organizations; including serving on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross.

Assistant General Counsel, Production and Operations (Americas) for BP

Retired INDUSTRIAL CFO
Manufactured Products – from Hi-Tech to Commodities | Multi-location
Operations – Plants & Distribution

Strategic and performance-focused partner to CEOs with 20+ years of CFO experience. Expert in creating value as enterprises grow organically, via integration of acquisitions and through systems/process improvements. Respected member of executive team based on business and financial acumen, ability to assemble talented teams, and effective communication skills.

Implemented reporting systems allowing effective communication to private equity owners, debt holders, and management; provided the platform to grow from $170M in sales to $790M. Financed growth and ownership liquidity through public debt offerings and capital leases. Enhanced productivity via improved operating systems, processes and back office shared services.

Retired: Strategy and Business Development Manager
Motiva Enterprises LLC

Kris Torberson values the ability to make a difference through the Tiffany Circle, especially in a way that leaves a sustaining legacy. Following this value, she took it upon herself to revitalize her own Tiffany Circle chapter and serves as the Chapter Chair. In addition to her Tiffany Circle National Council role, Kris is a Legacy Society Member, and a Bonnie McElveen-Hunter member. Kris is also a member of her Chapter’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Philanthropy Committee, and Mission and Volunteer Committee.

Kris values each line of service of the Red Cross and has spent a significant amount of time volunteering following hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. Her Tiffany Circle community gave her the opportunity to work alongside like-minded women with diverse talents that come together for the betterment of humankind.During her career, Kris worked for Shell, Motiva, Mobil and Exxon Mobil in a variety of domestic and international roles. She has also served in leadership roles such as Strategy and Business Development for Motiva Refining, Business Manager for the Motiva JV Separation and Technology Director for Motiva Enterprises.

A native of New Orleans, Kris enjoys traveling, live music and fresh air activities. During retirement, she continues to follow these passions along with sampling great wine and food and reading for pleasure.

Corporate Finance Leader in the Energy Industry

Kani Udoh is a Corporate Finance Leader in the Energy Industry. She has over 15years of Corporate Finance experience with expertise in Treasury Management, Investment Analysis & Management, Financial Planning & Budgeting, Internal Audit & Controls, Risk Management, and Process Optimization. She also had the opportunity to hone her advisory skills early in her career providing Pro-bono advisory on Fundraising strategy and Board development to non-profit Boards in the Washington, DC area through Compass Pro Bono, an organization that seeks to forge ties between nonprofits and local professionals to empower thriving communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Kani believes that to whom much is given, much is required, and that deeply interconnected communities are thriving, equitable and resilient communities. She seeks to bring these important skills she has acquired through her academic and corporate experiences to the service of others, while also establishing deep connections with her community. She currently serves as a volunteer mentor with Tamina youth outreach and as an active advisor on her church Welfare and Building committees.

Kani, her husband and three children currently reside in Conroe, TX.