In 1996, the Hospitality Educators Association of Texas (HEAT) was formed to further professionalism for secondary educators who are teaching hospitality and tourism programs in the state of Texas.
HEAT is governed by a board of directors, consisting of high school and college hospitality educators and industry professionals.
President Louie Scott, Jr., Tarrant County College
First Vice President Jill Greer, Texas City ISD
Second Vice President Kandice Norrid, Tascosa High School
Secretary Chelly Sturgell, Retired
Past President Said Farraje, Hutto, ISD
Educator – Dallas Abby Monroe, Pearland High School
Educator – Houston Leslie Grantham, LPHS Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Educator – San Antonio Lindy Hutton, Glenn High School Leander ISD
Post Secondary Sarah Pequeno, St. Philips College
Post Secondary Mary Dawson, University of Houston
Post Secondary Dan Eichler, Texas A&M
Post Secondary Jeff Britain, UNT
Post Secondary Steve DeShazo, Dallas College
Industry Jason Avelson, Zwilling J.A. Henckels
Industry Lori Champion, CCG Global Advisors
DMO/CVB Meredith Darden, Visit Corpus Christi
Hotel Damien O'Connor, Sheraton Ft. Worth
Hotel Tejal Patel, Neemtree Hospitality
ExOfficio Debbie Wieland, THLA
ExOfficio Erica Bates, TEA
ExOfficio Erika Boyd, TTA
ExOfficio Jennifer Roush, TTA
ExOfficio Heather Pickett, TRA