Meet Our CFBC Ambassadors!
Ambassadors are a special group of volunteers organized as liaisons of Central Fort Bend Chamber by extending a hand of friendship and goodwill. As part of the Chamber's outreach efforts, they are often the first link new members have with the Chamber and help provide information about the various Chamber services to help grow and support member businesses. Ambassadors also help fellow members engage in events and aid Chamber staff at various networking events and Ribbon Cuttings.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month from 12:00 - 1:00pm at Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q (20500 Southwest Fwy, Richmond, TX 77469).
Kim is the Banking Center President & Commercial loan officer for the Rosenberg & Richmond Banking Centers and specializes in investment & owner occupied commercial real estate loans of all types, but also handles working capital loans, equipment loans, SBA loans, other business loans, residential home loans, other consumer loans, deposit & treasury services. Kim is responsible for directing and administering the operational and lending efforts of the branches she is over, ensuring that established policies and procedures are followed and oversees a full range of services to customers & prospective customer ensuring they are promptly served.
Prosperity currently operates 283 full-service banking locations with 65 in the Houston area, including The Woodlands, 30 in South Texas area including Corpus Christi, & others all over Texas & OK. Kim has been with Prosperity Bank 5+ years & her professional background has been as a Commercial loan officer working with small to mid-size businesses for the last 22 years, and prior to that, she worked in Credit in the Energy Industry for 12 years.
"The chamber has connected me to new businesses & individuals coming into this growing market. It has helped me to expand my relationships within the community both professionally & personally. As an Ambassador & the Treasurer on the Board of Directors with the Central Ft. Bend Chamber, I have had the opportunity to meet so many new people, form long lasting relationships, participate in some very fun networking events & leadership programs."
Kim has lived in the Rosenberg/Richmond area for 42 years and is happily married with two children. Kim has a strong faith in God, loves spending time with family & pets, Saltwater fishing in Sargent, giving back to the community, volunteering on other Boards for several non-profits in the Rosenberg /Richmond community, & traveling.
LaShell Carter specializes in helping homeowners sell their homes for top dollar—whether they’re moving up, downsizing, or facing a challenging situation like pre-foreclosure. From strategic pricing to expert negotiation, she makes the selling process smooth, stress-free, and successful. Based in Houston, with a focus on Richmond & Rosenberg, LaShell is dedicated to getting homes sold and helping homeowners move forward with confidence. Whether you want to buy or sell, call LaShell.
"Central Fort Bend Chamber has provided invaluable networking opportunities, business growth resources and community connections that have helped me expand my reach in the Richmond and Rosenberg area. Serving as an ambassador has allowed me to build relationships, support local businesses, and contribute to the success of my community."
Outside of work, LaShell enjoys pickleball, yoga and traveling with family.
With over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, Marc's journey began as an IT Recruiter, where he spent 25 years honing his skills in talent acquisition. Currently, Marc is a Business Development Manager at ByteTime Computing, Inc. In this role, his focus is on building strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities. Although he is not technical, his company assists organizations with their IT needs, such as supporting computers, laptops, and servers, as well as providing cybersecurity solutions to protect their data. By leveraging his experience, he aims to ensure clients' technology is both efficient and secure.
"After a considerable amount of time searching for a networking group where I could truly feel at home, I finally discovered the perfect fit with the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mission is to cultivate community connections, advocate for businesses, and facilitate growth, all while upholding core values such as commitment, leadership, integrity, service, and passion. I can honestly say that they stay true to their word. Every event and initiative they undertake reflect these values, ensuring that each member feels supported and empowered. My current ambassadors are incredible to work with; their dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. Together, we are building a business network that feels more like a family, where trust and mutual respect are the cornerstones. The Chamber tirelessly works to foster an environment where businesses and community members can thrive together. This deep commitment to their mission and values is precisely why the Chamber was awarded with a 5-Star Accreditation. It stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to the community and their exceptional standards of service. This is truly a family for me!"
For the past 26 years, Marc has been blessed to share his life with his beautiful wife, Tracy. Together, they have raised three remarkable children: Hunter, who is 22 and recently graduated from Baylor University; Taylor, who is 20 and currently a Sophomore at Baylor University; and Joseph, who is 18 and completing his senior year at Houston Christian High School. Their family thrives on the excitement and camaraderie of Game Night, a cherished tradition that brings them closer together. In addition to their love for games, Marc is an avid fan of great TV shows and a devoted reality TV enthusiast. His commitment to his children's education and community is reflected in his frequent volunteer work at Joseph's high school, where he finds immense satisfaction in giving back and supporting the next generation.
As your dedicated Medicare advisor, Tony is here to simplify the complexities of Medicare and empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. With years of experience and a genuine passion for helping others, he goes above and beyond to ensure that you understand your options and feel confident in your Medicare choices. Just like teaching the ABC's, he'll break down the process as easy as 123, guiding you through each step with clarity and ease. No matter what situation you are in, he is here to provide personalized guidance and support every step of the way. Trust him to be your advocate in navigating the world of Medicare, guiding you towards a brighter, healthier future.
"The Chamber has connected me to new businesses & individuals coming into this growing market. It has helped me to expand my relationships within the community both professionally & personally. As an Ambassador, it has opened more doors and opportunities for me to continue to be of service to members of the community."
Outside of work and along with being Ambassador with the Chamber, Tony is also on the Board of Directors, a Proud Member of the Richmond Rotary club, and Assistant Governor of Rotary District 5890.
Leroy promotes and provides awareness of the services that Oak Bend has available through outreach and engagement with the community. Leroy works to find out what the community needs, how Oak Bend can be a part of the process in meeting their needs, and to cultivate sustainable relationships. Leroy acts as a point of contact between the organization and the community by fostering positive relationships through organizing events, meetings, and activities to engage community members. Leroy disseminates information from the organization to the community and vice versa. This may involve partnering with the marketing department to create newsletters, social media posts, or other communication materials. Leroy serves as an advocate for the community's needs and concerns within the organization, ensuring that the voices of community members are heard and taken into consideration. Leroy builds and maintains relationships with community leaders, local businesses, government officials, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and support for community initiatives. Leroy addresses community concerns or issues that arise by acting as a mediator and finding solutions or resources to resolve problems within the community.
"The Chamber has given Oak Bend the opportunity to promote our mission and provide awareness about Oak Bend. As an ambassador I have had the opportunity to network and connect with different businesses. I have also had the privilege of expanding my network by establishing new personal and professional relationships."
Leroy is married with 3 children. His life revolves around his faith in God and he loves to read, spend time with family, exercise and fish. He is also the pastor of a church where he has served for 15 years.
As an Area Community Coordinator, Matt is part of the Public Affairs team and oversees donation requests, volunteer opportunities, corporate sponsorships and all community relation events in his assigned area. Basically, he is the face of H-E-B for a large portion of the county.
"Upon becoming an active member with the CFBC, the chamber has been instrumental in helping me grow in my role as it provided the perfect avenue to connect with local non-profits, network with regional stakeholders and expand the reach of our charitable endeavors. As part of the ambassador team, I enjoy being able to create that memorable first impression new members get when joining the chamber. Through our team, we're able to help support local businesses, form partnerships and build lasting relationships with members both new and old."
Matt and his wife have two very active young boys, so when they're not working, their free time is occupied with baseball, karate, soccer, music lessons and Cub Scouts. Personally, he enjoys painting, playing the guitar, fishing, live music & sporting events and exploring nature with the family.
In Marla's role as the Lead Membership Development Representative, Marla oversee various initiatives aimed at enhancing financial literacy and community engagement. Marla manages donation requests, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and maintain strong community relations across our geographical areas. Brazos Valley Credit Schools Union's mission is to Educate, Partner, and Serve our community and is dedicated to empowering individuals through a wide array of educationsl seminars. A common misconception is that BVSCU only serve educators; however, they welcome everyone who lives, works, or worships in our geographical areas. With 20 years of experience in Financial Services and a background as a Financial Counselor, coupled with an Associate Degree in Business Management, Marla is committed to fostering financial knowledge and well-being within our community.
"Serving as an Ambassador for the Central Fort Bend Chamber has been an incredible experience, allowing me to connect with local businesses and strengthen my ties to the community. I have forged wonderful friendships and collaborative relationships that enrich my role and contribute to our growing market. As an Ambassador, I take pride in being a face of the Chamber, emphasizing the importance of membership and welcoming new members into our network. It is truly rewarding to witness the growth of their businesses and to know that we are all working together to serve our community and foster outreach for growth. The Chamber has been instrumental in educating the community about the resources we offer, including answering questions about our Credit Union. Participating in Ribbon Cuttings is a highlight of my role, providing valuable insight into the diverse and thriving businesses within our county. I am grateful for the opportunities the Chamber provides to engage with our vibrant community and to contribute to its continued success."
As a proud mother of three amazing children, along with a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law, Marla cherishes her role as a grandmother to eight wonderful grandchildren who keep her youthful and full of joy. She stay actively involved in their lives, attending sporting events, dance recitals, and cheer competitions, which always bring immense happiness. In her personal time, she enjoys engaging in crafts and nurturing her garden, which provide a wonderful outlet for her creativity. Furthermore, she is honored to serve on the LEAF Board of Directors and the DSIC Committee of LCISD, where she can contribute to the community.
As an Assistant Vice President at Frost Bank, Duaa specializes in providing business solutions related to the operational side of business, including working capital loans, equipment loans, owner-occupied commercial Real Estate loans and more. Duaa's role at Frost as a Relationship Manager is exactly what the name implies, she build relationships with business owners and their employees, understand their business model and help them grow. The best aspect about working at Frost is they're all about building relationships with customers and within the community. Established in San Antonio, Texas, Frost Bank has been serving customers since 1868, with over 200 locations in Texas and over 60 in Houston offering a full range of banking, investment and insurance products. Frost prides itself on delivering the best customer service in the industry as it has consecutively won the J.D. Power award for the highest ranking in customer satisfaction in Texas, while offering competitive terms and pricing on the business and residential side of banking.
"Becoming an active member with the CFBC has helped me tap into a powerful network of like-minded professionals, create potential partnerships and gain visibility in the community. As part of the ambassador team, I get to extend a warm welcome to new members, encourage member involvement and educate the community about what the chamber offers. This has allowed me to make new connections and build long lasting relationships with amazing professionals and community advocates whom I get to learn from their expertise and share mine with them."
Outside of work, Duaa enjoys wathcing soccer, playing tennis and eating chocolate chip cookies.
Stacey is the owner and operator of a rapidly growing full-service fence company. Stacey's day-to-day responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including business operations, marketing, accounting, social media management, administrative support, and client engagement. Stacey's professional background includes real estate investments, owner of a previous restoration company and a variety of talents.
"I want to express my sincere gratitude for the role the CFBC has played in the growth of Superior Fence and Rail. My involvement in the organization has fostered a greater sense of community and allowed me to build strong relationships within Fort Bend County. It's truly a joy to be part of such a strong and supportive community. The leadership class and ambassador program have been invaluable. They have significantly increased my company's visibility and provided me with numerous opportunities to connect with other local businesses."
On a personal note, Stacey is a wife, mother of four adult children, grandmother and a twin! Stacey and her twin sister have co-authored a series of children's books together and also work together as realtors. Stacey enjoys a variety of hobbies, including cooking, crafting, playing pickleball, and volunteering with different non-profit organizations in the community. She has a special needs child and is a huge advocate for the underserved community. She cherishes spending quality time with family and exploring new places, cultures, and cuisine through travel.
As a Retirement Income Specialist, Fabian assists clients in aligning their tax strategies with their retirement income plans. Navigating the complexities of taxable withdrawals from retirement accounts and the varying tax treatments of different income sources can be challenging. Fabian provides clear, practical solutions to simplify these complexities and ensures his clients make informed, effective financial decisions.
"The Chamber has been a key factor in the exposure of my business, by providing fun networking opportunities and connections that have turned into long-term relationships. I’ve gained personal insights that have helped refine my approach and better serve the community."
Fabian and his wife deeply cherish the time they spend with their 4 grandchildren and enjoy exploring the outdoors together. They have a shared passion for travel and creating lasting memories along the way.
Wendy is the owner/operator of That 1 Painter Fort Bend County. She is the face of the business, estimator and project manager, just to name a few of the hats she wears.
"The Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is an extension of my business in so many ways. I have made so many networking contacts through the chamber and they are truly like family to me and my business. As an Ambassador it has allowed me to be the hands and feet of the chamber staff as they can't be everywhere and it's so natural to talk to others about visiting and/or joining the CFBC because it feels like home to me. Being part of the CFBC and an Ambassador for them is a very special part of my business."
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys reading, spending time with family and traveling (mostly cruising).
Christa is a photographer with a unique background. After spending 24 years in the insurance industry, she decided to follow her heart and pursue her passion for photography. Christa went back to college at 58 to learn everything she could about the art and craft of capturing compelling images. Today, she specializes in helping business professionals and individuals showcase their best selves through professional headshots, branding images, and photographs of their workspaces and buildings. Her expert retouching ensures a polished and professional finish for every image. Her journey has taught her the importance of pursuing your dreams and embracing change, and she brings that passion and dedication to every client she works with. Her motto: Every face has a story to tell. Let me help you tell yours!
"Being a member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce has been a great way to connect with other local business owners and become more involved in the community. The networking events are well-organized, and I've met some interesting people. I especially appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Ambassador Committee, which has allowed me to contribute to the Chamber's efforts and learn more about the local business landscape. I value the relationships I've built through the Chamber and the sense of community it provides."
In her free time, Christa enjoys all sorts of things, from chilling with her husband to meeting friends for lunch, getting creative with her photography club, and volunteering as a board member of the Fort Bend History Association. She is fan of a good crime drama, loves visiting family and national parks and believes in turning dreams into reality, which is what she is doing every day with her photography.
With over 27 years of financial services experience, Lisa Ta is the SW Houton Market President for Texas Regional Bank. This role allows her to build relationships with the community and businesses in delivering on the TRB vision of Banking Texas, one relationship at a time. While TRB is a full-service bank, Lisa’s emphasis is on commercial banking and lending.
"Central Fort Bend Chamber has provided me with the opportunity to connect with both the community and businesses through organized events that focus on business advocacy and economic development as well as community service. Serving as an Ambassador allows me to take the community connection a step further in welcoming new members, guiding them on maximizing their membership and celebrating all ribbon cuttings in the Central Fort Bend Community!"
Lisa is also a Board Member for Behind the Badge Charities who supports first responders and their families, as well as the Central Fort Bend Chamber. She enjoys traveling, musicals and good food!
Licensed in auto, fire, life, health and business insurance, Jessica is a Multi Line Sales Representative with Kevin Patton State Farm and is here to help protect what matters most to you!
"The Chamber has been an integral part of Kevin Patton State Farm since our beginning. From opportunities to serve the community to networking with other businesses we would not be here today without the endless support of the Chamber."
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys visiting friends and reading!