Kathy Smith, President
Kathy Garza Smith is originally from Pharr, Texas where she grew up being influenced by a highly-educated/ranching family and has been an Austin resident since 1985. She's a registered professional engineer with the State of Texas and is currently in her 31st year at HDR Engineering where she has recently taken on a marketing position, as well. She supports many nonprofit organizations, such as the Paramount Theatre, the UMLAUF, Forklift Danceworks, and the SAFE Place, in addition to joining the AAP board in 2023. She also loves to support Longhorns in any way she can.
Adam LeBlanc, Vice President
Adam LeBlanc is a dedicated professional with a rich, impactful journey in healthcare spanning several years. His expertise seamlessly blends healthcare operations and pulmonary medicine, carving a unique path. His unwavering commitment to equity, well-being, and social progress, fuels his determination to effect meaningful change. He manifested initiatives that transcended boundaries – from spearheading impactful campaigns to driving evidence-based policies that have far-reaching implications by harnessing interdisciplinary collaboration.
Fahim Idais, Treasurer
Fahim Idais is an experienced Educator with a demonstrated history of over 40 years working in the higher education industry, skilled in Project Management, Systems Analysis and Design, and Management of Information Technology. He served as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Texas Facilities Commission. He also served as an officer in the United Air Force and led the division of Strategic Languages at the United States Air Force Academy. Fahim is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of World Languages and the Department of Mathematics.
Kelli House, M.A., F-AAA, Treasurer
Kelli has extensive experience in the field of Audiology and has been a managing partner of Estes Audiology since 2014. Clinically, Ms. House specializes in adult testing, rehabilitative counseling, and hearing aid fittings. She also leads the expansion and acquisition arm of Estes Audiology and spearheads the integration of multiple insurance plans to the practice. Prior to joining Estes Audiology in May of 2008, she served as Director of Audiology at Easter Seals of Central Texas, a non-profit facility. Through this work, she gained knowledge of grant writing, coordination of ancillary rehabilitation support and providing hearing services to lowincome and elderly patients. Ms. House also has a vast experience in adult rehabilitation and hearing aid services for our military veterans. She previously worked in the Audiology Departments at Brooke Army Medical Center and the Temple Veterans Administration, working directly with active-duty soldiers and retired veterans. Kelli is very involved in local and regional professional organizations, including President-Elect of the Texas Academy of Audiology and co-President of the Austin Audiology Society. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Audiology and serves as an off-campus clinical supervisor for the University of Texas at Austin Audiology doctoral program as well as a guest lecturer for the program. She enjoys scuba diving, globally traveling, and spending time with her very active family.
Laura Galt
Laura Galt is a Tony Award (The Outsiders, Musical) and Drama Desk-winning Broadway co-producer, indie film producer, director, casting director, actor, speech-language pathologist & mom. She is a champion of education, the arts, relevant messages, love & laughter. atxrandom.com
Liz Howard
Liz Howard brings more than 20-years of project management, marketing and fundraising experience to Fortune 50 organizations, small start-up environments and nonprofit organizations. Liz currently works at the Long Center for the Performing Arts where she increased membership by 250 percent in her first year. Over her career, Liz has successfully sold and managed corporate sponsorships, designed large training and VIP events, led fundraisers, developed go-to-market strategies and conducted focus groups. She spent 5-years at Dell Inc., where she held roles in Marketing, Operations and Human Resources. She was a leader in Dell's diversity and winning culture initiatives, as well as Dell's first women's networking group. Liz’s goal is to create an exceptional customer experience for her members, partners, and clients, working tirelessly to build relationships, and infuse passion and energy while delivering long-term results. Liz has served on several nonprofit boards and is the current President of Austin Artists Project. She sits on the board of the statewide Texas Library and Archives Foundation and is a member of the Women’s Symphony League. She is married with three sons and enjoys the great outdoors, the arts, live performances and the inspiring and spirited community that is Austin.
Marc Biala
Dr. Marc Biala is a psychiatric and transgender medical specialist, as well as an independent music artist. With a deep passion for both science and creativity, he blends his expertise in mental health with his love for music, using it as a tool for self-expression and healing. His genre-blending sound captures raw emotion and storytelling, resonating with diverse audiences. Based in Austin, Texas, he is also a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a proud French Bulldog parent, finding joy in both his work and artistic pursuits.
Arlyn Owens
Arlyn Owens
Louie Valencia
Louie Valencia
