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.
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
With 20+ years in technology sales leadership, Arlyn Owens specializes in driving revenue growth, customer success, and strategic partnerships within SaaS, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. He thrives at the intersection of business development, channel management, and customer engagement, helping organizations scale their sales operations and maximize market impact.
Louie Valencia
Louie Valencia is a tenured professor, teaching courses on international studies, history and digital, youth & European culture. He has experience designing and implementing advertising campaigns for luxury brands, non-profits, fashion, music, and film. He co-organized an event in conjunction with the Embassy of France that brought together musicians, directors, photographers, scholars, community organizers, and the tech industry for a "Night of Ideas" to inspire new and creative ways of thinking. His work is known internationally and has been covered by prestigious world wide media outlets.
Sheri Henriksen
Sheri Clark Henriksen is a multi-generational Texan, now living in Austin, Texas. A lover of all forms of art and music, Sheri sits on the Leadership Board of the Texas Performing Arts at the University of Texas. She is active in the UT-Austin Fine Arts Council, UT-Health in Houston, Center for Medicine After the Holocaust, The Glasscock School of Continuing Education at Rice University and enjoys Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Chamber Music Center, Conspirare and Austin City Limits. Sheri is honored to be a part of AAP, bringing theater, art and music to Austin’s youth.
Dee Hall
Dee Hall is a dedicated pharmaceutical research professional with expertise in strategic planning, project management, stakeholder engagement and leading operational efficiency. Dee has a long-standing passion for the arts, local history, and cultural education. She is dedicated to fostering connections that support and empower opportunities for underrepresented voices.
James Bryant
Kristi Koock
Originally from East Texas, Kristi Koock has lived in Austin for 30 years. She holds a BA in Journalism with minors in Marketing and Theater from the University of North Texas, backing a 28-year career in operations, project management, and customer service. Her professional experience spans the service industry of Austin’s nightlife, serving as Managing Editor for Austin Golf Magazine, and managing events at Green Pastures - the landmark estate of her husband’s late grandmother, Mary Faulk Koock. She currently works as a homeschool teacher and office manager. Kristi describes herself as a proud “Warrior Mom” whose true devotion belongs to her family:her husband, their service dog Madge, and her son, who is the light of her life. Her son, who has autism, is honored to be an original member of the Variations Choir, an experience that has changed his life. Inspired by his journey, Kristi is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and underserved populations, supporting meaningful community organizations including Miracle League Baseball, Special Olympics of Texas, Velafamilies.org, and Canine Companions. Driven by a mission to illuminate the world around her, Kristi continues to educate communities and raise vital awareness. She works relentlessly to make the world a brighter, more accessible, and infinitely better place for everyone.
Carr Hornbuckle
Carr Hornbuckle is a licensed architect with 26 years of experience in firm leadershipand project management. After graduating from the University of Texas – Austin and living in Austin and Dallas, Carr returned to his hometown of San Antonio in 2003, and most recently has been employed as a Senior Associate with RVK Architecture. Carr is completing his tenure as 2026 President of the San Antonio chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and in 2027 will begin a two-year term on the board of the Texas Society of Architects. Carr has been involved for many years in non-profit service and governance, having served in leadership roles on the boards of the Southwest ISD Education Foundation and North East Educational Foundation, as well as serving as chair of the Board of Trustees of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church from 2021 through 2023. Recently, Carr served as an advisor to and founding board member of Alamo Heights Arts for All, a non-profit organization providing arts enrichment opportunities for students in grades three through seven in his local community. Carr has also been a featured soloist with choral ensembles throughout Central and South Texas, including the University of Texas Chamber Singers, the Victoria BachFestival, as well as the Houston Masterworks Chorus. Carr has been featured on numerous CD recordings with Austin-based Conspirare, including the 2014 Grammy Award winning album The Sacred Spirit of Russia. Carr has enjoyed past performances with American Artists Project’s Holiday Spectacular at Huston Tillotson University, and the Austin performance of Sing Out! In 2021. Carr is a founding member of the San Antonio Chamber Choir, and a frequent soloist at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. Carr has been married since 2015; his partner, Jack, is an associate professor at Trinity University in the engineering sciences department.
