Annual Banquet
The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is a cherished tradition that unites our business community to celebrate dedication, progress, and success. This event stands as the largest assembly of business, civic, and community leaders in the area, solidifying its position as the Chamber’s premier event of the year.
This time-honored event showcases the Chamber's achievements from the past year, offers a glimpse into our upcoming goals, and recognizes exceptional citizens and volunteers. The pinnacle of the night is the esteemed announcement of the Citizen of the Year.
Save the Date: February 20, 2025
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors
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2024 Annual Banquet Awardees
The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce hosted its 108th Annual Banquet on January 18, 2024 at the McNease Convention Center.
Outstanding Member
Awarded to: KLST/KSAN
KLST has over a 70-year history of being a news leader for San Angelo and the Concho Valley. With their resources and experience KLST believes in empowering and educating their audience through television and online by providing content with a purpose. They are a community TV station dedicated to telling the San Angelo and the concho valley’s story. And we are proud of their commitment to our community!
Outstanding Director
Awarded to: Janet Karcher
Born and raised in Winters, Janet has always called West Texas home. She attended Abilene Christian University and graduated with a Bachelors in Communications in 2001. Janet’s career has lead her to the San Angelo Area Foundation where she is the Vice President of Community Engagement and Marketing. She has served this community through her work with Rotary and the Chamber Board among other organizations. Janet is a 20 under 40 recipient and was also awarded the Leadership San Angelo Bob Debitsch Outstanding Alumnus in 2019. Her thoughtful guidance and attention to detail have made her stand out as a board member and former board chair.
Special Recognition
Awarded to: Heather Kumpe
As we have said before, 2023 was a year of great challenge and great opportunity. The San Angelo Chamber undertook many incredible changes to how we do work and to how we serve our membership and our community. These changes don’t come easily and I know that, without the incredible efforts of every one of the chamber staff we would not have been able to have made all of this happen. Having said that, there is one staff member who was exceptional in terms her contributions, passion, dedication and competence. She is and continues to be the glue that holds our organization together. Her passion makes our Chamber a better place to serve and work every day.
Special Recognition
Awarded to: Mike Berry
Each year, members of the Career & Technical Association of Texas for Area 12, which spans from Eastland, to Presidio, to Mason, are given the opportunity to nominate individuals for Career and Technical Education Impact Awards. The Impact Award recognizes individuals from the education, business, and industry communities who enhance career and technical education by contributing to the improvement, development and progress of CTE. Individuals that have contributed to the promotion and success of CTE positively impact the overall image of our program.
We are proud to say that OUR nominee was selected to receive this year’s Impact Award for his partnership with the SAISD CTE Department and efforts to promote positive career opportunities for students.
Innovation Award
Awarded to: VGI and Snider Technology Services
VGI Technology has been providing high quality installations and service for Internet access, video surveillance systems, security systems/alarms, access control systems, and home automation since 2002.
Snider Technology Services is a Texas based IT service team that creates high value technology service solutions for your business.
These two companies have joined forces to create a new innovative facility, The Technology Tower, which will become a center piece for the growth of San Angelo’s technology industry now and into the future.
Chairman's Award
Awarded to: San Angelo Chamber Young Professionals
YPSA was founded in 2009, and in 2012 developed a partnership with the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, YPSA merged with the Chamber of Commerce to become the 'San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals'.
The merger between the Young Professionals of San Angelo and the Chamber of Commerce is driven by the goal of enhancing member benefits, fostering economic growth, and creating a robust network that supports professionals and contributes to the prosperity of San Angelo.
Since the merger, membership has grown from 75 to 345.
Young Professional of the Year Award
Awarded to: Arielle Plesant
We continue to be amazed by the talent our community is blessed to have in this group of professionals. Not only do they actively seek opportunities to be engaged in the community through their work, they are also passionate about building a brighter future for San Angelo. We would like to recognize Arielle Plesant as the Outstanding Young Professional of the Year for her dedication to Young Professionals and her efforts and talents in shepherding the organization through change as well as her many other contributions through the myriad organizations she is involved in like Ballet San Angelo, Ram Club and Junior League.
She currently serves as the Vice President of Consumer Lending for the San Angelo region at First Financial Bank.
Phil Neighbors Spirit of San Angelo Award
Awarded to: Laura Lee Lewis
Named for the late Phil Neighbors, Phil passionately served our great city as the Chamber President and CEO for 10 years with distinction and dedication. Phil was a gentle soul, who loved our city and worked tirelessly to serve Chamber members and advance the Chamber’s mission. He was a man of strong faith, and always had a warm smile and firm handshake for both friends and strangers alike.
Laura Lewis was born in Japan on Pearl Harbor Day to Jerold and Mary Lewis on December 7, 1967, while the family was stationed at Misawa AFB. The family then lived in Brindisi, Italy before retiring to San Angelo, Texas, in 1972.
Laura embraced the San Angelo community and considered herself a native. She attended McGill Elementary, Robert E. Lee Junior High, and graduated from Central High School in 1986. She attended Angelo State University before pursuing her love for travel and adventure.
She traveled the world during her 25-year career for Delta, often convincing family to travel with her and share in the privilege of seeing the world. She returned to San Angelo in 2015, to help care for her mother, and once again fell deeply in love with San Angelo, making it her permanent home.
While in San Angelo, Laura became very involved in the community she so deeply loved, and brought life, energy, and excitement to everything she touched. She served as membership coordinator for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, championing local businesses, before being promoted to Vice President of Member Relations. Subsequently, she was hired as the district director for State Senator Charles Perry. When not working her job, Laura gave countless hours to causes and non-profit organizations that benefitted the community. She was particularly fond of the San Angelo Clubhouse, where she served on the advisory council, the W.H.I.T program, and the Pachyderm Club where she was past president. There was no one more committed to the causes she believed in, and these organizations will be forever impacted for her enormous contributions.
Her dedication to the chamber and our members as first an employee and then as a volunteer and fierce champion of the chamber impacted and inspired us all. Laura was taken from us this year and she will be sorely missed. She will always have a space in our hearts and in the heart of San Angelo.
Citizen of the Year
Awarded to: Kathleen Brasfield
Kathleen Brasfield took the job of head volleyball coach at ASU in 1978, along with coaching the tennis team and teaching various kinesiology courses. There she found her niche and devoted the majority of her professional career to ASU.
During the 26 years at ASU, her teams won 647 matches, 7 Lone Star Conference Championships and she was named Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year 8 different times to set a record. This brought national recognition to Angelo State University and to San Angelo. She showed, thru her pioneering spirit and her coaching ability, that women also had a place in the sports arena. In 1982, she was named Women’s Athletic Director, and then in 2004, she became Athletic Director for all sports at the University. She was one of the top 5 winningest coaches in NCAA Division 2 Women’s volleyball.
She, with the help of some friends, established the university’s first endowment for sports at ASU. Under her direction at ASU Athletics grew to 13. National titles came to ASU during her tenure as Athletic Director. She was instrumental in getting ASU to host the NCAA Division 2 National Championships in 2009. In 2010, Kathleen served as Chairman of the NCAA division 2 Management Council. In 2011, she received the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year Award for the Division 2 West Region. In 2012, Kathleen was named a member of the Lone Star Conference All 75-year team as a coach. She was awarded the Sports Pathfinder Award for her contributions to the achievement of women in sports that same year. She retired as the ASU Athletic Director in 2012. In 2013, the Division 2 Athletic Directors Association awarded her a lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, Kathleen was inducted into the Angelo State University Athletics Hall of Honor and into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following her retirement from ASU, Kathleen Brasfield became very active in the San Angelo community. She has served on the United Way of the Concho Valley, and is very active in the food pantry ministry at First Christian Church where the hungry come for help and food. She also works with CASA and became a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Tom Green County where she offers support and guidance to children struggling in the court system.
She set a positive example for all the lives she impacted. We, in San Angelo, say thanks for her pioneering spirit; thanks for a job well done; Kathleen, you have left your mark. Congratulations on being chosen The Citizen of the Year for 2023.
2023 Annual Banquet Awardees
The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce hosted its 107th Annual Banquet on February 9, 2023 at the McNease Convention Center.
Outstanding Member
Awarded to: Shannon
Demonstrating their commitment to not only the Chamber, but the overall health of our community, we would like to recognize Shannon as the 2022 Outstanding Member. Through their support of Chamber events like the Annual Banquet, their continued commitment as Cornerstone Investors, and their active involvement through volunteer service, the Chamber can remain focused on our mission.
Shannon Medical Center is the largest, locally based health care provider in the Concho Valley and surrounding area serving a 25 county region across West Texas. For more than 89 years, Shannon’s mission has focused on providing exceptional health care for its family, friends, and neighbors. Together with Shannon Clinic, Shannon's clinically diverse team provides access to more than 350 providers in 40 medical specialties across 25 locations. Shannon’s services include nationally recognized cardiac and stroke programs with the AirMed air ambulance, a designated Level III Trauma Facility, which has been named top Trauma Facility in the state, a designated Women’s & Children’s Hospital with a Level II Neonatal Facility. Most recently Shannon joined as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network – a group of carefully vetted, independent health care organizations, offering patients access to Mayo Clinic’s expertise and latest research and treatment recommendations. This means our families, friends, and neighbors throughout the region will receive some of the most advanced care in the nation, right here at Shannon.
Outstanding Director
Awarded to: Chris Evatt
Joining the Chamber board in 2020, Chris helped our community navigate some of our most challenging times and through his leadership has been instrumental in Growing Business, Building Community. A valued member of this year’s Chamber executive committee, Chris has been an outstanding director whose community insight has played a vital role in the successes we have experienced this year. Chris is the President, CEO, and Chairman of the First Financial Bank of San Angelo Region and began his career with First Financial 21 years ago. Dedicated to community from the very beginning, Chris not only has contributed greatly to the Chamber, he is also actively serving on the Angelo State University Business School Advisory Council, San Angelo Industries Board, Howard College San Angelo Foundation, West Texas Rehab Board and is a former member of the City of San Angelo Development Corporation Board. Chris has been named a Top 20 under 40 honoree in both San Angelo and in Abilene.
Outstanding Chairman's Award
Awarded to: Griff Griffin
The impact of travel and tourism to our local economy is immense and despite challenges faced by the travel industry over the past several years, the San Angelo Destination Marketing Organization delivered a strong rebound of the local travel and tourism – resulting in economic benefits to our community through its marketing and promotional efforts. A strong advocate, Griff Griffin has served on the Destination Marketing Organization advisory committee for over 10 years and served as committee chair in 2022. He has contributed greatly to the vision of growing this critical pillar of our local economy and the Chamber is proud to present him with this year’s Outstanding Chairman Award.
Griff is the network operations manager for West Central Wireless and has been with the organization for over 28 years. Prior to his time at West Central Wireless, Griff served 14 years in the US Air Force and after tours in the Middle East and Europe, he was stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base for nine years where he taught advanced electronics and receiver principles for the National Security Agency and was the Resource Advisor for all radio electronics courses. Griff was instrumental in the transition of the DoD Fire Training Academy from Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois to Goodfellow. Active in the community, Griff has been a member of the San Angelo Downtown Kiwanis Club for over 20 years, has served on the Leadership San Angelo Alumni Board, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and Co-Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Sports Advisory committee.
Innovation Award
Awarded to: Fast Signs of San Angelo
For over 20 years, husband and wife duo Michael and Beth Martinez have been working side by side to bring unique and innovative ways to showcase businesses throughout San Angelo. Intrigued with digital billboards on a trip to Las Vegas in 2007, they decided to install the first digital billboard in San Angelo. Not an easy task, the couple continued to support businesses through innovative marketing and their dedicated work evolved into the full-service sign company, FASTSIGNS of San Angelo. Through their skilled team of professionals, FASTSIGNS has helped to create cutting edge products and delivers innovate solutions to help our local business thrive. The San Angelo Chamber has partnered with FASTSIGNS of San Angelo to create unique signage for several events like our premier West Texas Legislative Summit and the Chambers 20 Under 40 event highlighting our brightest young professionals.
We are proud to award Fast Signs of San Angelo the Innovation Award.
Chairman's Award
Awarded to: Howard College San Angelo
Over the past several years, communities, businesses, and families have been forced to closely evaluate the future and develop strategic plans to ensure our community is positively positioned for continued growth. Strong employees build strong business and this year the Chamber has been committed to cultivating business – education partnerships that will drive future success for San Angelo and the Concho Valley.
2022 was a year full of innovation and partnership building across the Concho Valley for Howard College. From increased GED Courses in rural areas, the Texas Two Step partnership with the ASU College of Education, and the Human Trafficking Summit with United Way of the Concho Valley, Open Arms RCC & LGBT+ Services, and Concho Valley Council Of Governments, and a Windmill Technician course with Aermotor Windmill Co. just to name a few.
Distinguished Service Award
Awarded to: Beverley Hanks
Se would like to honor one of the Chamber staff who has been a valuable team member and is celebrating her 50th year with the organization. Beverley Hanks has dedicated her career to the work of the Chamber and over the years has held several different jobs starting in Economic Development, working within different committees and at events like the Rodeo, Fiesta del Concho, San Angelo Relays, and many more. She has been honored by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives for her years of service and received the Unsung Hero award from former Chamber President, Michael Dalby. Beverly has been a treasured member of our Chamber team and we are honored to recognize her for 50 years of committed service.
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year
Awarded to: Diarmid Campbell
The Outstanding Young Professional Award is for young leaders under the age of 45 in recognition of their commitment and dedication. This year’s recipient reflects excellence & servant leadership.
We would like to recognize Diarmid Campbell as the Outstanding Young Professional of the Year for his dedication to both YPSA and our community.
Diarmid is an Assistant Business Agent/Career Development Organizer with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 520 (IBEW Local 520) and works to resolve issues regarding employment, education, training, and union related questions. In this role, Diarmid has been a valuable asset in numerous projects supporting the electrical field serving the San Angelo Community. Diarmid has a heart for serving others and seeks opportunities to support the community. He passionately serves on various boards and committees such as the Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association board, Hispanic Business Diversity Committee, Executive Board for Young Professionals of San Angelo, Trustee for West Texas Building Trades, Volunteer Services Council, Concho Valley Workforce Development Board and the United Way Impact Panel.
Phil Neighbors Spirit of San Angelo Award
Awarded to: Dave Erickson
This award is given to someone who helps to make our community a better place to live. It is named for the late Phil Neighbors, who served this city as the Chamber President and CEO for 10 years with distinction and dedication.
Phil was a gentle soul, who loved our city and worked hard to serve Chamber members and advance the Chamber’s mission. He was a man of strong faith, and always had a warm smile and firm handshake for both friends and strangers alike.
Since 1999, Dave has served our community, playing a vital role at the Small Business Development Center as both a Senior Business Advisor and currently, Director. Assisting hundreds of small businesses throughout our community, Dave’s dedication has been evident by the economic impact these entrepreneurial businesses have had on our community. His passion for helping business thrive has been instrumental in the establishment of the Business Incubator, the Small Business Plan Competition, the ASU Student Biz Pitch Competition and the Business Resource Center. Positioning our community for future success, Dave created the Angelo State University, SBDC graduate assistant program, giving MBA and Accounting graduate students hands on learning opportunities serving small businesses under SBDC professional advisors and trainers to accompany their classroom learning.
Citizen of the Year
Awarded to: Richard & Betty Jo “BJ” Mayer
Presented by: 2021 Citizens of the Year, Barbara Rallo and Treva Boyd
The Citizen of the Year is selected each year by a committee of past Citizen of the Year (COY) recipients. The deliberation and selection process behind the COY honor is highly respected and is privy only to previous COY recipients and revealed to the public at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet.
Each year a committee of previous COY recipients meet to deliberate on and choose the next COY. Qualities of a COY, as defined by previous recipients include an individual or group who has contributed significantly to the quality of life in the community and who has been involved in quality and effective volunteer work. A COY will also exhibit the leadership needed to achieve success for all in San Angelo and passionately pursues the best for this community.
The 2022 Citizens of the Year is Richard and Betty Jo “BJ” Mayer!
Richard and BJ are involved with and donate to several other organizations as well, such as the West Texas Rehab Center and The San Angelo Symphony. They both give time and treasure to their church the 1st United Methodist Church feeding the homeless, traveling to nursing homes and singing to warm their hearts.
To continue the legacy of philanthropy and loyalty to ASU started by his grandfather, Richard and BJ played an integral part in bringing a softball field to ASU.
With a passion for the arts and history as well as a loyalty and dedication to west Texas, ASU and family their passions have converged in the Mayer Museum on the ASU campus. In the state of the art Mayer Museum you will find art, archaeology, pioneer history and state government. It is there that you will find the West Texas Collection preserved for future generations.
It is through the generosity of Richard and BJ Mayer that generations to come will take pride in learning about all things West Texas.
Outstanding Member
Awarded to: Western Audio Works
Our Chamber is composed of many Outstanding Members so it’s always difficult to single out one member for recognition. However, the recipient of this year’s award has continually provided his unwavering support. As you know, the Chamber holds very large annual events throughout the year which require a ton of work behind the scenes. In order to pull off events that are as significant and detailed as these, the Chamber relies on dependable and talented individuals to assist us in creating a special experience for all who attend. This member’s contributions elevate any occasion, and their work is continually top-notch. The Chamber would like to recognize Brooks Willig with Western Audio Works as this year’s Outstanding Member.
Outstanding Director
Awarded to: Dr. Clifton Jones
Dr. Clifton Jones is a strong community leader who had delivered tireless service to the City of San Angelo for many years. His service to the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce began with his membership on the Chamber Economic Development Committee. He later became a board member in 2018 and board chair in 2020.
Dr. Jones is an innovator whose leadership brings excellence to the organizations that he serves. At the Chamber of Commerce, he worked tirelessly with the board and the Chamber staff to re-energize the Chamber organization. In 2020, he was instrumental in the recruitment and hiring of the Chamber’s President and CEO Walt Koenig. His mentorship and guidance helped him come up to speed quickly, and his boundless energy and vision catalyzed a great turnaround of continued success at the Chamber.
Dr. Jones is always an eager volunteer and is one who brings competence, innovation, diligence, and a measure of humor to all he does. His impact on the Chamber has been both highly positive and enduring. We are pleased to recognize Dr. Clifton Jones as the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce’s Director of the Year.
Innovation Award
Awarded to: Galilee Community Development Corporation
The recipient of our Innovation Award serves our community by seeking to achieve their mission in providing affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in the Concho Valley.
During this past year’s winter weather crisis, also known as “Snow-ma-geddon”, Galilee Community Development Corporation helped stand in the gap for community members who experienced damaged pipes, heating, and electrical issues caused by the record low temperatures. In collaboration with their network of contractors and community partnerships, Galilee CDC organized a response system to field calls for low-income homeowners who were most impacted. Over the course of three short weeks, more than 170 of our neighbors received assistance to repair damages to their homes. Galilee’s innovative response to our community’s greatest need is why they have been chosen to receive this year’s Innovation Award.
Chairman's Award
Awarded to: COVID-19 Task Force
2021 was a year of rebuilding and reconnecting, and our city leaders worked hard behind the scenes to support our community by forming the COVID-19 Task Force. This group consisted of City & Ccounty leaders that met EVERY Monday to discuss COVID-19 and to devise solutions to mitigate the impact.
Communication among all of San Angelo’s Leadership, from government to academic, healthcare to private sector, is a unique quality for a city of our size. We wanted to show our appreciation to this dedicated group of leaders.
The recipients of this year’s Chairman’s Award, the COVID-19 Task Force are Mayor Brenda Gunter, City Manager Daniel Valenzuela, General Ronnie Hawkins of ASU, Dr. Carl Dethloff of SAISD, Pam Callan from Howard College, Dr. James Vretis from the Health Department, Judge Steve Floyd, and Chamber President Walt Koenig, and Shannon President/CEO, Shane Plymell.
Special Recognition Award
Awarded to: Kaitlyn Brosh
Kaitlyn is the Director of Student Life, Marketing, and Outreach at Howard College. Since arriving in San Angelo, she has been an advocate for community involvement. Kaitlyn radiates servant leadership. She has always been involved with the Chamber, but this year, she went above and beyond. Kaitlyn stepped up to assist with the West Texas Summit, the Cookie Caper benefitting Goodfellow Air Force Base, and the Chamber’s newest endeavor: the 20 Under 40 Awards Program.
As a 2016 recipient of the “20 Under 40” award, Kaitlyn advocates the importance of fostering and recognizing young professionals in San Angelo. When the Chamber decided to incorporate the “20 Under 40” program into our calendar of events, Kaitlyn’s passion and hard work aided in its revival. She came early, she stayed late, and is truly a beacon of dependability, service, kindness, and strength.
Special Merit Award
Awarded to: Reyna's Tacos
Many of our local organizations play important roles in our community, and the Special Merit Award is given to one such entity that has made a positive and significant impact. Tonight, we would like to recognize Anna and Orlando Reyna from Reyna’s Tacos as our Special Merit Award recipient.
Despite the challenges of 2021, Reyna’s Tacos experienced huge growth, bringing a unique flair and flavor to our city. Anna and Orlando also support their team and encourage their success. They began by offering to pay the fees for any employee who wanted to attain their GED. That commitment has since expanded beyond their staff, and they now extend that offer to ANYONE in San Angelo that needs assistance in paying for testing costs.
Additionally, they stand out because of their willingness to help those in need. In February, the snowstorm left many in our community without essentials such as food, water, and electricity. Reyna’s Tacos encouraged people to bring their refrigerated and perishable items and cooked it for them and delivered meals to those in need. We are pleased to announce that Orlando and Anna Reyna are the recipients of this year’s Special Merit Award.
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year
Awarded to: Justin DeLoach
The Outstanding Young Professional Award is for young leaders under the age of 45 in recognition of their commitment and dedication. This year’s recipient reflects excellence & servant leadership.
This year’s awardee is a leader who likes to get things done. His drive and passion for the community is evident not just in his daily life, but through the work he does for others. His spirit and personality are contagious, and you know he will help get the job done, one way or another. He connects individuals to serve for the greater good of our community and is always an advocate for those who do not have a voice. Through his “practice what you preach” mentality, he inspires all of those who know him to be the best they can be.
Justin joined the staff of Children’s Advocacy Center in 2018 and oversees fundraising and development. He has a passion for using his talents to connect donors and community members with the work of CAC.
Phil Neighbors Spirit of San Angelo Award
Awarded to: Tom Green County Judge Steve Floyd
This award is given to someone who helps to make our community a better place to live. It is named for the late Phil Neighbors, who served this city as the Chamber President and CEO for 10 years with distinction and dedication.
Phil was a gentle soul, who loved our city and worked hard to serve Chamber members and advance the Chamber’s mission. He was a man of strong faith, and always had a warm smile and firm handshake for both friends and strangers alike.
Judge Floyd is a native and lifelong resident of Tom Green County. He has been a passionate promoter of Tom Green County for decades, and as such he embodies all the qualities represented by the Phil Neighbors Spirit Award. In 1975, Judge Floyd joined his father in the family construction business. Judge Floyd’s public service began in 1994 when he was elected to serve as Tom Green County Justice of the Peace followed by being elected as Tom Green County Commissioner in 2005 and Tom Green County Judge in 2013.
Through his entire career, Judge Floyd has brought wisdom, diligence, kindness, humor and the highest of standards to our community.
Judge Floyd was unable to attend, so several family members accepted the award on his behalf.
Citizen of the Year
Awarded to: Barbara Rallo and Treva Boyd, EnPleinAir TEXAS
Presented by: 2020 Citizen of the Year, Matt Lewis
Our Citizen of the Year for 2021 is a couple. However, this couple isn’t married to each other, however they are each married to someone else. (This is a good way to get a good rumor started!)
For the first time in the history of the Citizen of the Year, our committee has selected a couple, “not married… to each other” that have combined their efforts on an incredible event, collaborating over the past eight years and continues for its 9th year in 2022 putting San Angelo on the international art scene map.
The first of our pair, is a native of San Angelo, graduated from Angelo State and active in establishing the “Host Family” program for international students. She has been an active ASU alumnus, was ASU’s First Lady from 2009-2012, was a member of the Texas Tech University Public Art Committee, serves on the board for the Cultural Affairs Council, the and the Symphony. While in France anticipating her long-awaited marriage proposal, she required the re-creation of the proposal, due to an all-day shopping trip to Florence. She is known for her beautiful watercolor rendering, especially red-poppies and is the quintessential art entrepreneur.
The other half of this pair was born in Lamesa Texas, attended Angelo State University, after having to turn down a French Horn music scholarship at Stephens University in Memphis because her father wouldn’t let her leave the state. She later transferred on to Texas A&M graduating in 1974, paying her own way through college. She has been married to another Aggie for the past 48 years, raising two sons, who also graduated from Texas A&M, are both married and have given her four grandsons!
She’s been involved in community activities her entire life, being active in church, brownies, 4-H, Junior League, A&M Club, Fiesta del Concho, teaching Sunday School at Southland Baptist, United Way volunteer of the year in 1989 while working at GTE, volunteering for West Texas Boys Ranch, several Texas A&M committees, the Texas Racing Commission, and Revitalize Christoval, all while working outside the home, which included work at ASU in the President’s office, working at GTE in human resources and labor relations, and President & CEO of American Truck & RV.
Over 100 years ago, along the banks of the Concho River around Christoval, artists gathered to paint. As many realized then and today, our region has incredible beauty tucked away in many places throughout the Concho Valley.
In 2014 this pair collaborated to restart this annual gathering, which is now known nationally and internationally as a recognized public art program, exposing San Angelo to the competitive art of painting outdoors, bringing in hundreds of the most renowned artists in the country. This effort has helped our own San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts facilitate the program and gain increased national exposure all while raising several hundred thousand dollars each year to support the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts educational youth programing.
This collaboration is EnPleinAir Texas.
EnPleinAir is French for “in the open air” refers to the practice of painting entire finished pictures out of doors.
EnPleinAir Texas is an internationally acclaimed juried event, which now ranks in the top three nationally. (and the larger EnPlein Air events in our country have a larger metro area to draw on) This past year,
EnPleinAir Texas produced 187 paintings valued at over half a million dollars, creating income for 31 artists and more than a quarter million in net revenue for our Museum’s children’s programming.
One of ladies even has the word Plein Air on her license plates. Both ladies are like Madonna and Cher, who are recognized simply by their first names alone!
Our two Citizens of the Year for 2021 is the dynamic duo: Barbara Rallo and Treva Boyd.
Everyone in our community know these two ladies simply by their first names, Barbara and Treva, which is a testament to their impact and long-time community involvement to help make San Angelo a great place to live. Congratulations to Barbara and Treva and their work on EnPleinAir Texas.
