Tom joined Edward Jones following a distinguished career in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer (earning the coveted ranger tab) and a successful career in corporate America, where he worked for and with Fortune 500 companies at the director level. He was honored to complete his undergrad studies at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, and received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

He currently serves as a Battalion Executive Officer in the Texas State Guard, has been married to his beautiful wife Sandy for 25 years, and has two wonderful children.

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John Jones is CEO of the Jones Legacy Ventures, the parent company of Cassity Jones Lumber, Winn Tile Company, Allen Commercial and CJ Commercial company, which serve the construction service industry in East Texas, Dallas and Bossier City, Louisiana. John grew up in Carthage and is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He and his wife Lisa have two grown children and 5 grandchildren. In his community, John has served as President of the Henderson Optimist Club, Chairman of the YMCA, Commissioner of the Henderson Boy’s Baseball Association and Director of the Rusk County Electric Cooperative. John developed a passion for therapeutic riding while volunteering on Saturdays at the Spirit of St. Louis Therapy Center in Tyler, a predecessor to the Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

Lauren joined the Starbrite Board of Directors in Summer 2020 and assumed the role of CEO in Spring 2022. Leading an organization like Starbrite comes naturally to her, as she is able to serve the local non-profit community by combining her love for the Lord with horses. As a Tyler native, she is honored to be able to continue the family legacy of giving back to the community she loves. Lauren has spent a lifetime in the performance horse industry as a competitive barrel racer, showing hunter/jumpers, and serving as an expert in equine health and fitness. In addition, she is a certified ESMHL – Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning through PATH International, and current member of the WPRA.

Don Hood is owner and operator of TTI Tubulars and co-owner of LTD Fabrication. Don has been involved in the oil and gas industry for 30 years. Don grew up in Boerne, Texas and graduated from SFA University. He and his wife Pam share a passion for nonprofits. They are proud parents of 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Don has served on the Tyler Oilmen’s Benefit Association board for 35 years and has previously served on the Camp Tyler Foundation board and GABC missions board. Don served as board president at Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center in New Diana, Texas for 10 Years. It was during this time that he saw the tremendous impact such a facility can have on various populations of children and adults.

Eric grew up in Longview and is a graduate of the University of North Texas and the University of Dallas. Eric moved back to East Texas and settled in the Tyler area in 2010. He and his wife Kathleen have one daughter, Abby, who loves being the center of attention. Eric works at Johnson Controls, Inc. as the West Territory Controller. Eric also volunteers on the board of the East Texas Down Syndrome Group and has seen firsthand the power that volunteering can have on the community.

Kelly Borah is owner/co-owner of several businesses, including Hats of Hair Salon, Terracotta Gift Shop and multiple rental properties. She has been a hair stylist for the past 30 years. Her entrepreneurship developed from her love of buying and selling businesses, and she enjoys taking an idea and seeing it through. Kelly grew up in Tyler and graduated from Trinity Valley Community College. Kelly is married to Robert Borah and together they have 8 children and one grandchild. She is involved at Cross Brand Cowboy Church. Aside from work and church, her favorite place to be is with family and working on the farm with Robert.

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Bill Ward is a retired school superintendent/educator. He is married to Neita Fran Ward, owner of Valerosa Designs and Gallery in Tyler. They have five grown children and thirteen grandchildren. Bill has a passion for serving children and raising horses. He believes that good things happen when they are put together.