Patsy dumas has served as a local banker for over 56 years.  Starting as a file clerk in the back of the former F&M State Bank, she moved through the ranks of bookkeeping and the proof department, to head teller and on to the lending secretary.  She later became a loan officer and served on the Board of Directors at F&M State Bank.  After leaving F&M, she was Branch President and a member of the Board of Directors of the First State Bank of Rio Vista for 7 years.  In August of 1999 she joined First National Bank of Burleson as Vice President providing personal and business loans and in 2008, she was elected to the Board of Directors.  Later in 2013, Dumas was promoted to Senior Vice President. 

Dumas and her family have lived in Burleson for over 64 years.  Serving on the board of the United Cooperative Services since 1990 and taking on the roles of Secretary and Treasurer, she is now the President of the Board.   Ms. Dumas is an active member and former Chairman of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce on two separate occasions.  She has received many local and international awards including national recognition in Washington D.C. for recruiting the most chamber members in 1989 for a city the size of Burleson. 

In the past she also served as Vice President of Keep Burleson Beautiful and was the committee member for the Texas Health Huguley Hospital Crystal Heart Gala.  Patsy currently serves as a member and past president of the ATHENA Society of Burleson and is a board member for the Burleson Opportunity Fund.  In addition to being a charter member in the Chisholm Trail 100 Club, she is also a charter member of the Burleson City of Character Council and feels honored to be able to work, serve and play in a community she loves.  She would like her legacy to be that she was able to help others. 

There is no place like home and Johnson County is where I have proudly called home my entire life. In 1970, my husband, Howard, and I moved to Burleson. We love the small family friendly atmosphere in Burleson but also enjoy the very progressive city.

After a lengthy career with a major telecommunications corporation, I retired and formed a consulting and training company. After totally retiring, I continued to volunteer with the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce, The Athena Society of Burleson and Meals on Wheels of Johnson/Ellis Counties.

My husband and I enjoy supporting organizations that make a difference in people’s lives in primarily Burleson and Johnson County. Meals on Wheels of Johnson/Ellis Counties is a special charity that we take pride in helping. This organization does an incredible job aiding elderly and frail residents to live in their homes independently for a longer period of time, which is their desire. Through donated funds, the Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver hot meals 5 days a week, provide a friendly visit and wellness check. Sadly, this may be the only human contact our neighbor has that day. Other organizations we support are Johnson County Child Advocacy Center, Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce, and Burleson Independent School District.

Being named the recipient of the Athena award in 1993 was very humbling especially realizing how many women I volunteered with that really deserved the honor. It made me want to work harder to show I was worthy of the honor. It is amazing to volunteer with the Athenas with such different personalities, backgrounds and successful careers. I am challenged by them to be better than I think I can. Lots of ideas flow when we are together but in the end we are a “single purpose” group striving for our goal. That goal is to extend help in critical times to our Johnson County & Burleson neighbors.

I am blessed with a wonderful husband and best friend. Howard and I enjoy our time together with friends, traveling and playing golf.

Laurie Evans grew up in South Dakota.  In 1982, she moved to Texas with her husband, Doug and young son and has lived here since.  Laurie was employed by Huguley Memorial Medical Center (Texas Health Huguley) from 1985 until her retirement in 2013.  While at Huguley she worked in the accounting department, volunteer services, administration, marketing and development and was the coordinator of HuguleyPlus senior services. 

Laurie was the 1994 Athena Award recipient.  She received this honor for her commitment and influence upon others at Huguley, and for her contribution to the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce, Beautification Committee, American Heart Association, Harvest House, Arthritis Foundation and her church.

Laurie and Doug currently live in Grapevine.  They enjoy travelling and spending lots of time with their son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Dakota.

Vera Calvin, husband Stacy, and their two daughters moved to Burleson in 1957. She grew up in Terrell, Texas and they lived in Corsicana, Texas for six years. They both became involved in community, school, church and county activities. Vera worked in a variety of jobs so she could be involved in her daughters’ activities as they grew up and attended school,

Her husband knew how she always dreamed of a college education and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Vera earned her Licensed Vocational Nurse Certification from Johnson County Hospital in 1967 and later an Associate Degree in Nursing from Tarrant County Junior College in 1974. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

She was employed by Fort Worth State School from 1976 until 1993 for a total of almost 18 years. She took classes from East Texas State University while working full time and earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration in 1984 with a GPA of 3.28. She was a grandmother of four when she fulfilled her dream.

Vera served on Burleson City Council 1980-1984 and 1987-1992. She was the second woman elected to the council and was the only woman for seven of the nine years she served. So far, she is the only woman mayor in the history of Burleson. The City Council honored her by naming “Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza” in August 2013. It was officially dedicated in April 2014 near City Hall and Museum/Visitor’s Center.

Other services included Johnson County Child Protective Board for two terms including being Chairman and Legislative Liaison. She served on NTCOG on Health & Human Services and Drug Abuse Board. She was named Johnson County Precinct 2 Justice of Peace 1995-1996.

She is a life-time member of Burleson Chamber of Commerce, was Director for two terms, and was Citizen of the Year in 1993. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church, Burleson Historic Society, Eumathian Club and Athena Society of Burleson. She has received many awards and honors from other organizations.

She has been a widow since 1993 after being married over 46 years. She has one living daughter, Carol, who lives in Joshua. Her youngest daughter, Lynn Clopton, passed away in 2002. She has three grandsons, one granddaughter, one great-grandson, and five great-granddaughters. She moved to Fort Worth in August 2014 but still does most of her business in Burleson.  She served as the President of the All-Resident Council at Brookdale Broadway Cityview Senior Living Community prior to moving back to Burleson.

It was with heavy hearts that The ATHENA Society of Burleson reported the passing of our long time ATHENA sister, former Burleson Mayor Vera Calvin on February 16, 2022.  We feel blessed to have enjoyed her love and friendship over the years.  She was a long time Burleson resident, leaving her influence throughout the community.  Her legacy will live on forever.   Thank you, Vera.  You are missed.

ATHENA Society of Burleson Treasurer

Rosie Perez has been in banking for over thirty years. She is vice president and branch Manager of National Bank of Texas in Burleson. She completed SMU graduate school of banking “SWGSB.” She formerly worked for Burleson State Bank and other banks in Fort Worth. Her banking experience and expertise has resulted in her serving as treasurer and finance committees for the Athena Society of Burleson, BACC, Big Red Booster Club and other groups. She was honored in 2006 with the “Making a Difference Award” for the State of Texas from the Independent Bankers of Texas. This is a statewide honor for service at work and in the community.

Rosie was chosen as the 1997 Athena because of her community service and her involvement n helping others. Most organizations in Burleson and the area have benefited from Rosie’s generosity of her time, energy and leadership. She is credited with helping create and implement Burleson’s Cinco de Mayo festival. She is past chairman of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce and has been involved with every program connected with the Chamber. She is a member of the Huguley Crystal Heart Gala fund raiser. She has been involved with the Harvest House programs such as the Angel Tree and Little Red Schoolhouse. She was chairman of the Optimist Club Neat Kids Banquet, is a former member of Burleson Business and Professional Women Organization, a mentor with the BISD program, and has been a volunteer for the American Heart Association. She was Director of the Child Advocacy Board and chairman of their golf tournament fund raiser. She was also on the Strategic Planning Committee for the City of Burleson, Civic Center Focus Group, Chisenhall Master Plan Committee, 4A & 4B Tax Committee, and Community Center Expansion Focus Group.

Rosie and Richard Perez have been married for 42 years. They moved to Burleson from Fort Worth in 1969. They have five children and the eleventh grandchild will be here soon! They are members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Burleson and Rosie is a founding member. She has held several positions on various committees such as Finance, District Educational Improvement Council, and drug awareness. Rosie has been an asset to her church and this community since moving here. She enjoys spending time with her family, and especially her grandchildren. She also likes power shopping and traveling.

Kay Godbey, PhD was born and raised in the Fort Worth area. She has two daughters (who are also public servants), three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. 

She is a retired city manager, serving over 30 years in local government, including City Manager of Burleson and before that in various capacities at the cities of Euless and Fort Worth. 

Her formal education consists of a PhD in Public and Urban Administration, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, and both a bachelor and associate degree in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement.  She earned various professional certifications in the law enforcement and municipal clerk fields.

After public service retirement, she was called on to serve in various capacities, for interim city management and special projects for other cities.  After completing her PhD, she taught on-campus and on-line master's level classes in North Carolina and Texas.

In addition to The Athena Society of Burleson, she served in other volunteer capacities, as well as a contributing author and presenter for the Texas and International City Management Association, and the Texas Women’s Leadership Institute.        

She is past president of the North Texas City Management Association and is a recipient of the 2021 Academician of the Year Award, the Athena Award, the Linda Keithley Award for Women in Public Management, the Joy Sansom Mentor Award, and the Euless Police and Fire Association Distinguished Service Award. 

Ella Dean Phillips is a native Texan, born in Fort Worth and a resident of the Burleson area since 1970. She began her community involvement as Preschool PTA President, Sunday school teacher, Women of the Church president, Cub Scout den mother, and an avid supporter for her three sons’ many sports and school activities. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and graduated from Tarrant County College. She retired from her professional career after 30 years as Burleson Branch Manager for EECU Community Credit Union, and is a Certified Credit Union Executive.

She received the 1999 Athena Foundation Award for dedication to the community and education in Burleson. Past honors and service include YWCA Women in Business Award, Burleson Star Volunteer Award, Johnson County Child Welfare Board, Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce Board, New Teacher Luncheon Chairman. She has served on numerous committees and programs with the Chamber, Burleson ISD, and other school districts as well as Tarrant County College and the YMCA. In addition to their community contributions, she and her husband, Calvin Phillips, spend their retirement traveling around the world, and attending the activities of their eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Terrie Lynn Harwell has spent most of her life serving in her community, her church and her job. Terrie Lynn and her husband Rex moved to Burleson in 1992 and she became very involvement in the community. She received the Athena Award recognition in 2000. During that time her involvement included service as a Board Member of the Johnson County Children’s Advocacy Center, Burleson Chamber Ambassador, Huguley Home Health Civic Advisory Board Member and member of the Community Advisory Council for the Burleson Pregnancy Aid Center; she started the first Arts Council of Burleson and was an officer and member of the Athena Society. As a choir and sports mom during her children’s school years, her service was also evident in booster clubs and various school committees. The Harwell’s moved to North Fort Worth in 2013. Continued service included Grant Committee Chair for the Fort Worth Fossil Creek Development Center, working with various Senior Living groups including the Alzheimer’s Association and she was the Fine Arts Coordinator at Fossil Creek Community Church in Fort Worth where she is still a member of the worship team.

Terrie Lynn’s attitude for service continues through her career in Senior Living where she has spent over 17 years serving Seniors and their families as they make the transition to Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Originally from Wichita Falls, Texas, Terrie Lynn and her husband have three grown children, two daughter-in-laws and two grandchildren. Terrie Lynn feels that her greatest accomplishment in life is her three children and the fact that they have each grown up to be wonderful Christians, college graduates and good citizens who also give back to their community in various service organizations.

Karan Wethington has been a realtor since 1998 and runs Wethington Agency located in the heart of Burleson. Her team The Wethington Team is consistently one of the top producing real estate teams in Johnson, Tarrant & surrounding Counties year over year! They sell residential, commercial, farm & ranch and luxury! She has multiple agents ready to serve every client with top notch customer service.

Karan prides herself on supporting many community charities such as Meals on Wheels, Heart for Kids, Chisholm 100, and many others! She has lived in Burleson area all her life and has watched this area grow and has enjoyed being a part of the growth!

Family is very important to Karan. She loves spending time with her husband Tommy, 3 daughters & 6 grandchildren any chance she gets.

She feels it such an honor to be an Athens and all the Athenas are such wonderful women to be associated with!

Betty Shelton was born in Burleson and has lived all her life. Betty loves living in Burleson because she knows Burleson has the: best schools, beautiful parks, an incredible police department, and a library with everything a person could want. She feels these are just some of the reasons Burleson’s population has grown so much. Everyone is figuring out that Burleson is a great place to live.

Betty had a successful business for 35 years. Her professional career also included working at: Spinks Industries & Airport, a cattle ranch, and a brick distribution company. For the past 9 years Betty has worked at Heritage Place Retirement Center. She feels needed and loved working with the residents of this community.

Betty’s community involvement has included working with Heart for the Kids to help children in our community with school supplies, clothes, physicals, toys at Christmas, and nutritional needs. She also works with the Veterans in our area, planning our Veteran’s Day event in Renfro Square’s Veteran’s Park, helping to raise money for the Eagle statue placed there. In connection with her work at Heritage Place she works with the Alzheimer’s Association each year.

Betty feels that being an ATHENA has given her a special sense of connection to the community because of the work the ATHENAs do with cancer care services. In her words, “The best thing to me is the help we give to the children at Cook Children’s Palliative Care. There is no better feeling than helping children.”

Betty currently has 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She’s very pleased that they all live in Burleson so everyone can share each holiday season together in this special community.

Peggy Barnes was born in Connersville, Indiana and moved to Houston Bellaire during elementary school.  After graduating from the University of Texas in 1972, her first teaching job was in Fort Worth, TX, where she met her husband.  In 1976, they bought a home in the Burleson area and have been residents and supporters of Burleson ever since.  Burleson has been a wonderful place to work and raise a family.

In June, 2011, Peggy Barnes retired from the Burleson Independent School District.  During her thirty-seven year career, she worked in Fort Worth ISD, Castleberry ISD and twenty-nine years in BISD. During her career, she has been a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.  The ever-changing education profession is challenging as educators meet the needs of the students, parents, teachers, community and legislators.  An educator’s passion is fueled by knowing that there are opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the students.  The satisfaction is finding out that you did.

Through the years, Peggy Barnes has served on numerous committees/boards including Johnson County Child Welfare Board, Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, BACC Education Committee, and St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church Christian School Board.  In addition, she has been involved in the Muscular Dystrophy Lockup and has supported Meals on Wheels, Relay for Life and Safe Haven.  She has a personal connection through friends which allows her to connect with each of these organizations.

Peggy Barnes was the 2004 Athena Award winner.  Each Athena is humbled to receive the Athena Award for the recognition of her individual contributions.  However, the accomplishments of the Athena Society of Burleson where the individual award winners work together for a common goal creates a tremendous sense of pride.

Ronnie and Peggy Barnes have been married fifty years. They have two married children and six grandchildren.  In retirement, they enjoy watching volleyball, playing golf, genealogy, and most importantly, spoiling grandchildren and attending their activities.

Jill Kunkel has called Texas home for more than three decades. Growing up in places like Tunis, Tunisia; Oran, Algeria; and Calgary, Alberta, made her appreciate the quiet country life. She lived in Burleson for 16 years. Living in Burleson provided her the opportunity to volunteer for various organizations throughout the community like the Burleson Pregnancy Aid Center, Miss Burleson Pageant Organization, and others. She was a web designer and owned JK Web Design. Her web design business donated site designs and web maintenance to local non-profit organizations like the Johnson County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Burleson Pregnancy Aid Center, Cowboys for Kids – Johnson County and others.

It was for her volunteer work throughout the community that Jill was chosen as the 2005 Athena Award Winner. In 2007, she was honored to receive the Star Award for the Athena Society Volunteer of the Year. In September of 2008, President Bush chose to recognize Pregnancy Center volunteers and Jill was chosen to receive a Presidential Volunteer Service Award at a ceremony at the White House Complex. Because of this recognition, February 9, 2009, was named “Jill Kunkel Day” in Johnson County, Texas at a presentation at the County Commissioner’s Court on the same day.

In 2016, she wrote her first children's book in honor of her first grandchild, Colbie Rae. “I Will Always Love You” was published and released in May of 2017.

Jill and her husband, Jeff, have three married children and a heart-full of grandchildren.

Nelda Stucks is President of SCM Containment, LLC., the manufacturer and installer of their Patented Secondary Containments, SCM-FLOW® and L&S Construction, Inc., an underground utility company in Fort Worth, Nelda Stucks is President of SCM Containment, LLC., the manufacturer and installer of their Patented Secondary Containments, SCM-FLOW® and L&S Construction, Inc., an underground utility company in Fort Worth, and Co-Owner of Texas Eco Services, Inc., an environmental clean-up company, also located in Fort Worth. Being in business since l984, she has strived to be an example, mentor and good role model to all women. She believes that everyone should have an opportunity to make the best of themselves in their career and education.

Nelda was raised in Odessa, Texas where she met and married her best friend and soul mate, Mark. She and her family moved to Burleson in l986. They have three daughters, Sharena, Kandace and Mandi. Sharena and Kandace currently reside in Burleson. Sharena and her husband, Matt Wilkins, have four daughters, Maloree, Kallee, Regan and Mattee. Kandace and her husband, Austin Wade, have two daughters, Lexee and Brylee. Their youngest daughter, Mandi, is married to Bud Hardin and resides in Cleburne.

Nelda and Mark have been involved in and support many different facets of the community in their volunteer and fundraising efforts. She is a member of the Burleson Chamber of Commerce, served as the Treasurer of the Making It Happen for Kids Education Foundation and she supports many other organizations such as: Johnson County Child Advocacy. After being the recipient of the 2006 Award, she is actively involved with the ATHENA Society of Burleson and has served as President for the last two years.

Insurance has become a way of life for Sharon after 30 years.  She came to Burleson to become a

State Farm agent via claims handling experience and a stint

at State Farm’s Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, 

Illinois.  Her varied experiences within State Farm allow her to appreciate her work; and value more than ever the company she represents.

She surrounds herself with caring, talented people that are very good at the job they are trained and licensed to do.  As a team they have built an award winning State Farm Agency with the most revered award being Chairman’s Circle which is earned by the top 5% of the State Farm agents in the nation.  She has earned 3 designations during her tenure with State Farm – CPCU, CLU, CASL and most recently ChFC.

Sharon is the proud mom of two beautiful daughters, Brandi and Suzanne and the proud “GiGi” of four absolutely gorgeous grandchildren, Riley, Annabelle, Maggie & Grace.

The Athena Award was given to Sharon in 2007 for mentoring women in the workplace and her involvement with and support of Johnson County Community Partners, Burleson Pregnancy Aid Center and Relay for Life. 

Ruth Moor, originally from Louisiana, moved to Texas with her husband Remy in 1985. They relocated to Burleson in 1995 to enjoy country living and raise their 2 girls, Caitlin and Brennan. Both girls are married and living in the area and we are proud grandparents to two grandchildren.

A veteran of the promotional marketing industry for over three decades, Ruth currently works with Gonzo Strategies to provide branded promotional products for businesses and non-profits seeking to promote themselves and their events. Her experience in the industry gives her customer’s an advantage to make their next project a success.

Ruth has been an active member of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce since 2004 and has served on the Board of Directors and has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2006. She takes pride in sharing her network connections with others to promote local businesses in Burleson.

A woman of strong faith, Ruth has been a member of Pathway Church in Burleson since 2000 and she has taught Sunday school, participated in youth mission trips, supported the Harvest House (an organization dedicated to providing food, clothing, necessary goods to the community), worked behind the scenes at summer Vacation Bible School, and has served on the Huguley Hospitals Crystal Heart Gala committee.

Being chosen as the 2008 recipient of the ATHENA Award has given Ruth the opportunity to use her experience and connections within the Burleson area to help an even wider range of people in need.

Cindy Aaron was raised in Burleson, Texas, and loved it so much she chose to raise her two sons here also. She has been blessed with two grandchildren and anxiously awaits the impending arrival of the third. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Texas State University, and is a graduate of the 233 class of the F.B.I. National Academy.

Cindy joined the Burleson Police department in 1977 as an officer. She worked in almost every area of the agency, retiring after thirty-eight years as Deputy Chief. In addition to her service with Burleson Police she served over twenty years with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies as an assessor and team leader. Traveling throughout the United States and Canada, she worked to ensure that police agencies fulfilled best practice standards to achieve and maintain accreditation status.

Cindy has held membership in several career organizations as well as civic organizations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Texas Association of Chiefs of Police, Texas Women in Law Enforcement, TALON Accreditation Coalition, Burleson Chamber of Commerce and Burleson Chapter of the Lions Club. She has been involved in volunteer work through the BISD, her church and several organizations.

Her work in the community provided the opportunity to work alongside and often observe the contributions made by the women of the Athena Society of Burleson. Receiving the Athena award was more than an honor for Cindy. She saw it as a challenge to reach the same level of service the wonderful women of the Athena Society of Burleson had already established.

Sharena Wilkins has called Burleson home since she moved here in 1986. She has experienced the growth and change in Burleson first hand. After marrying her husband in 1995, she moved away for her husband’s work but she’s always considered it home and moved back with her husband, Matt and their four daughters in 2000.

Sharena assists in the daily operations of family owned businesses, Texas Eco Services, Inc. and SCM Containment, LLC., both owned by her parents. Sharena grew up in the business and has been afforded many life lessons and skills working with the Companies. Her mother, Nelda, the recipient of the ATHENA award in 2006, instilled the importance of Community involvement. Sharena was recruited by Nelda to join the Burleson Making It Happen for Kids Foundation in 2005, having raised four daughters in the Burleson School District, it was a cause dear to her. During the time that she served on the Foundation, she served as President and was awarded the Volunteer of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce in 2007. She also had the privilege to participate in the steering committee as BISD developed concepts and built the second High School in Burleson, Centennial High School. Her focus during her children’s early years was education, as she has served on PTO’s and Booster Clubs. In 2006, she was introduced to the ATHENA Society of Burleson and began volunteering as they hosted their Mardi Gras Gala every year to raise funds for cancer care and education, two causes that she was passionate about. In 2011, she received the ATHENA award for her volunteer work throughout the community. Sharena has served multiple times as Vice President and President of the ATHENA Society of Burleson.

Sharena and her husband, Matt, have four daughters: Their oldest daughter Maloree and her husband, Andrew reside in Burleson and have two children, Gavin and Gracen. Maloree is a Marketplace Operations Coordinator for Dia-SHOP and her husband, Andrew, is a Hardware Engineer Build Lead at Lockheed Martin and actively serves as a Reservist in the Air Force. Kallee is pursuing her life goal and passion of coaching Collegiate Softball and is the Head Coach at St. Scholastica College in Duluth, MN. Regan is an Operations Manager for a Home Healthcare company. Regan and her and her husband, Logan, reside in Granbury. Sharena and Matt’s youngest daughter, Mattee owns her own business and has been a Hairdresser since 2022 . Sharena and Matt love being around their growing family and being grandparents, travelling and spending time with their family and friends.

Lisa Keese, a resident of Burleson, TX has earned the reputation as a seasoned leader in the mortgage industry. Throughout the span of three decades, she has garnered extensive knowledge, training, and hands-on experience in the industry and she specializes in Residential Lending.

Currently, Lisa serves as the Branch Manager & Sr. Loan Officer (NMLS #206895) for Service First Mortgage Burleson Branch. Since the very beginning of her career, she has been dedicated to providing a seamless, pleasant home loan experience through a personable, consultative, and transparent approach. Prior to that, she was the Branch Manager & Sr. Loan Officer for Mortgage Edge and First Preference Mortgage and has assisted hundreds of families with their mortgage financing.

In addition to being NMLS licensed, Lisa holds membership at a number of esteemed organizations, including ATHENA Society of Burleson, Rotary International, and the Burleson Chamber of Commerce.

Committed to making a positive impact in both her community and the world at large, Lisa Keese is a CASA volunteer and serves on the board at the Harvest House. She has been an active member of Pathway Church for over two decades, where she currently serves on a Guest Services Team as well as the Welcome Desk. She teaches a Money Matters class and has attended two mission trips to Ethiopia.

During her free time, she enjoys travel, spending time with her husband and grandchildren, repurposing old items to give them new life and designing spaces.

Megan Rhoades, MS RD LD is the Administrative Director of Support Services at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. Her responsibilities include oversight of all clinical and nonclinical foodservice operations as well as Environmental Services. She has been at Huguley for over 12 years and is passionate about serving the patients and their families of Johnson County and surrounding communities.

Megan is a graduate of Texas Christian University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition, Texas Woman’s University where she earned her Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and is currently a student at Liberty University where she is earning her PhD in Organizational Management. She was born in Cleburne, Texas, has lived all over Texas and Georgia, and now finds herself back in Johnson County where she lives in Burleson with her husband Brian, daughter Lilla, and dog child, Cade. 

I was born in California, my Dad was a military man so we moved many times. I got to have many experiences and lived in many different places. We settled in Fort Worth, Texas. Met my Husband Bobby in 1990 and in 1994 we took over his Father's business that he and Bobby started in 1973 Woolard's Custom Jewelers. We worked hard for many years serving our community, taking care of people’s jewelry needs, but also being involved in many organizations donating our time and energy doing whatever, whenever we could to support and help with the needs that were there. We retired in 2019 to enjoy the rest of our lives. We love to travel, take care of our home and property, work in our vegetable garden and flower beds. We enjoy hiking, biking, yoga, exploring and being together. 

Cheyanne Davis holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Divinity as of May 2023. She currently serves on staff at Pathway Church as the Pastor of Spiritual Development where she loves connecting with and equipping people who are ready to take their next step in faith. She has oversight of adult education, small group ministry, next step ministry, and marriage ministry. Her favorite role in life is being mom to her 2 beautiful teens and wife to Matt Davis. 

Moving to Burleson in 2010, she has been amazed at the hometown environment and quickly found comfort in calling it home. She has served on various committees such as Relay for Life, Power of Heels, and while at Huguley, Ladies First program. She has had the privilege of being part of organizations such as Burleson Area Midday Rotary, Support Our Soldiers, and many more.

Becoming an Athena was one of the highlights of her community career. Cheyanne believes in the Burleson community and is excited to be part of a culture where people find their home!

Mikala Hill has worked in education since 2001. As Chief of Staff in Burleson ISD, she shares district initiatives, achievements and information, and serves as a district liaison to support and strengthen community partnerships. Whether serving on the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Burleson Character Council, or Burleson Opportunity Fund, Mikala proactively identifies ways to develop and strengthen partnerships in the community.

A proud graduate of Burleson High School, Mikala went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Christian University, her Masters in Education from University of Texas at Arlington, and earned her doctorate at Texas Wesleyan University.

Mikala and her husband, James, live in Burleson. James is a lieutenant for the Fort Worth Police Department. Their daughter, Karter, graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree for commercial pilot. 

Becoming an ATHENA was a special moment for Mikala. She wishes to be a positive example to others, especially young ladies, as she serves alongside this strong group of women leaders.

Originally from South Carolina. Alison married her husband Bill in 1986, he was in the Air Force, and they lived in several places before eventually landing in Wichita Falls in 1998. After he retired in 2002, they settled in Burleson, with their son Rick. In 2023 Bill’s job moved them home to Abbeville, South Carolina where she can enjoy working on the farm with the family.

Alison’s insurance career began while her family was living in Las Vegas in 1990. As they moved around the country she continued to grow in the industry. In 2002, she became a customer service representative for State Farm in Burleson. After twelve years with State Farm, she moved into the world of the Independent Agent at Justice Insurance Agency as an agent and manager for the company. Alison is still thriving in the insurance world with Gleason Insurance Agency.

Shortly after arriving in Burleson, Alison joined the Burleson Chamber of Commerce in 2002, and became a Chamber Ambassador in 2003. As an ambassador she was able to reach out to new businesses in the area and welcome them into the Burleson community, building a rapport between the businesses, the Chamber, and the community.

Through hard work and dedication with the Ambassadors, Alison was elected President for two consecutive years. Her commitment to the Chamber also allowed her to become Chairwoman for the Board of Directors in 2012 and 2013. Alison was an active member of the Power of Heels, the women’s division of the Chamber, whose mission is to promote women in business. She served as co-chair for their annual Holiday Bazaar, earning her their Woman of the Year award.

According to Alison, being chosen as the 2019 recipient of the ATHENA award was the highest honor she has ever received. She was also honored when she received the 2021 Mary Slaney Award, served on the Burleson Chamber Board of Directors for the 2022 term. She looks forward to sharing her experiences from Burleson with the Abbeville community with the hope to have opportunities to serve the Abbeville community.

Alison is a member of Bethesda Baptist Church here in Burleson. She and Bill enjoy spending time RVing, fishing, traveling to Florida to see her two grandsons, and visiting her family.

Terri Perez-Turner grew up in a small town with big ideas. She always knew what she wanted to be  when she grew up, going directly from high school to Aladdin Beauty College and beginning her career in  1991. Almost immediately, she moved to Burleson and has been a part of the local business community  ever since. Active in the Chamber of Commerce, Terri served on the Board of Directors, the  Ambassadors, and is a founding member of the Women in Business branch of the Chamber, the Power  of Heels, Terri strongly believes in giving back to the community. Terri served as President of the Power  of Heels in 2020 and has chaired many of the events hosted by the POH including the Holiday Bazaar.  

In 31 years of business, most of which has been in Burleson, Terri has opened her own business, Looking  Suite Salon, and a second business, Holiday Design Sisters in 2016, supporting the local community along  the way. Terri believes in giving to help those who need it most and encourages other women to step  into their greatness.  

Terri has received numerous awards for her services to the community, most recently are the 2020  Power of Heels Woman of the Year and 2020 ATHENA Leadership Award. 

Terri believes all things are possible with God, you should never apologize for protecting your peace, and  that laughter is indeed the best medicine. : ) Terri is happiest spending time with her family and friends.

Penny Johnson is originally from Kansas, but she now proudly calls Texas home.  She has been part of AdventHealth since 2002, and has held financial leadership roles in Texas, Kansas, and Florida.  Penny served as CFO for Texas Health Huguley and the AdventHealth Southwest Region from 2011-2016.  During her tenure, AdventHealth and Texas Health Resources formed a partnership to own and operate Texas Health Huguley and now Texas Health Hospital Mansfield. She took the administrative lead in the planning and construction of the new patient tower completed in 2016.

Following her time as CFO, Ms. Johnson spent four years as the Senior Vice President of Finance for the AdventHealth corporate office in Florida before moving back to Texas in 2020.  “My family was thrilled when I had the unique opportunity to return to Texas – this time as the

President/CEO for Texas Health Huguley Hospital and AdventHealth’s Southwest Region.”  

Penny has a dynamic background having led hospital and corporate wide finance and

accounting initiatives, overseeing multiple facility expansions, advancing joint venture

partnerships, and developing employed physician groups.   With the many administrative and

financial decisions she faces every day, her main passion is providing patient care focusing on

serving people like the ones we love the most.

Ms. Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from

Union College in Nebraska and graduated with a master’s degree in business administration

from Baker University in Kansas.

Ms. Johnson is a board member of Southwestern Adventist University, a board member of the

Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; a board member of the Burleson Opportunity Fund Committee and the Burleson Chamber of Commerce.  She was honored to receive the Athena Leadership Award in 2021.  Penny enjoys mentoring young leaders and devoting time to groups that support this endeavor.

Penny is most proud of her family, Jeff (husband) and their two children Parks and Macy.

Mary is a retired educator that retired as assistant director for the lab school on a college campus. She moved to Burleson in 2005 and worked for Burleson Chamber as Director of First Impressions and during that time, she started the Power of Heels, a women’s division of Burleson Chamber.  After leaving the chamber, Mary volunteered as a CASA advocate for Johnson County for several years and served on the Burleson Chamber board.  Mary is very active with events in and around Burleson, including serving on the Old Town advisory board and managing the Historical Old Town Facebook page that supports Old Town events and business as well as attending the city Civic Academy.   In addition to that she serves on the advisory board for Russell Farm Art Center, volunteers with Friends of the Burleson Library and trained to become a Stephen Minister (Christian Councelor) with her church.  One of Mary’s most humble moments is having a chamber award named after her.  The Power of Heels awarded her The Mary Slaney Spirit award, and this award is still presented yearly to a deserving woman that is actively participating in the Burleson community.

Dallas Owen graduated from Midwestern State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration. Starting as the Controller for Regency Office and Promotional Products, she is now the owner and President of the company.  She and her husband of 45 years, Rick, have 3 sons (all graduates of Burleson Independent School District), 3 daughters-in-laws and 4 grandchildren which are the joy of her life!

Dallas has served as a Director for the Independent Suppliers Group and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Texas Health Huguley, Burleson Chamber of Commerce as Treasurer and the Burleson Sports Hall of Fame. On Sunday mornings you will find her investing time in 12th graders at Pathway Church, helping prepare them for life after high school.

Dallas loves Pilates, yoga, pound and CrossFit, but her real passion is kids and the unlimited possibilities for their futures.