It’s not the abundance of nonprofits Abilene is famous for or its many institutions that make the city unique in the eyes of Katie Alford. It’s something much more basic–friendliness. “It’s the magnet and the glue,” Alford said. Since 2009, Alford has led the Community Foundation of Abilene as President and Chief Executive Officer. She earned a degree in finance from Abilene … [Read more...]
Abilene Influencer: Blaise Regan
Long before Blaise Regan was elected to Place 3 on the Abilene City Council, he was doing his best to tout the city and to build it. A Wylie High School graduate, Regan went to Texas Tech University for a bachelor’s degree and then to St. Mary’s Law School in San Antonio for a law degree. But as soon as those goals were achieved, he headed home. Election to the city council … [Read more...]
Abilene Influencer: Shea Hall
A bit of advice once given to Shea Hall has turned out to be something that defines her: ”Show up early and stay late!” Everyone who knows Shea will tell you that she lives by that motto, whether in her numerous volunteer gigs or as the former West Texas Regional Outreach Director for U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Ted Cruz. Shea’s fingerprints are all over the … [Read more...]
Abilene Influencer: Tim Farrar
You could say that Service is Tim Farrar’s middle name. It isn’t really, of course, but the word is on his business card: Food Service Regional Supervisor, United Supermarkets. Tim’s service goes far beyond that, extending deep into the community beginning in 2006 when he started a three-year term on the American Red Cross board of directors. He has followed up with service … [Read more...]
Abilene Influencer: Donna Albus
People tease Donna Albus that she should start a new organization called “Volunteer Anonymous” because of her civic involvement. She can scratch one of her commitments off the list–City Council. After serving six years in Place 3, Albus decided not to run again in the May election. Voters elected Blaise Regan to replace her. Albus cited the new downtown hotel as the … [Read more...]