About

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                             Said Farraje, Hutto, ISD

First Vice President             Louie Scott, Jr.,  Tarrant County College

Second Vice President        Jill Greer, Texas City ISD

Secretary                         Chelly Sturgell, Retired

Past President                     David Uminski, St. Philip’s College

HEAT DIRECTORS

Educator – West Texas       Kandace Norrad, Tascosa High School

Educator – Houston            Leslie Grantham, LPHS Culinary Arts & Hospitality

Educator – San Antonio      Lindy Hutton, Glenn High School Leander ISD 

Educator – DFW                  Madelyn Collins, Dallas ISD

Post Secondary                   Elena Doerrie, Johnson & Wales University  

Post Secondary                   Mary Dawson, University of Houston

Post Secondary                   Steve DeShazo, Dallas College

Industry                               Jason Avelson, Zwilling J.A. Henckels                            

DMO/CVB                           Meredith Darden, Visit Corpus Christi

Hotel                                   Gracie Vega, Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center

Restaurant                          Adam Horne, Raising Caines

ExOfficio                              Debbie Wieland, THLA

ExOfficio                              Erica Bates, TEA

ExOfficio                              Erika Boyd, TTA