Board of Directors
Elle Anders is newer to BAC but is no stranger to choral music. She has sung with Houston Masterworks and the Houston Symphony Chorus. She teaches art in Pasadena ISD, is a part time yoga instructor, and participates in regional theater. Elle is happy to contribute in any way to continue the traditions of fellowship and excellence in BAC.
Russ Colombo has been a fan and spectator of BAC for several years. In 2021 he responded to Tom Parish’s invitation to become a board member. Russ is a former teacher/coach and business owner in the school fundraising business.
Charles Davis is in his sixth season in BAC and his fifth season in BAC’s Spiritus Ensemble. He is a retired minister, music teacher, and businessman. He sang for twenty-six years in the gospel men’s acapella group, The Sounds of Glory. Charles wants to be on the BAC board to help in any way he can.
Susan Fox joined BAC in Spring 1987 when the Chorus sang in a combined choir concert in Carnegie Hall. She has been singing with BAC all but two years since then. Susan is a retired elementary music and Kindermusik teacher. She is happy to do her part to help BAC thrive and continue to be an integral part of the arts community.
Robert Gomez has been with BAC for 20 years. He is retired from the oil & gas sector. Robert has served on BAC's board in different capacities over the years including Section Leader, Vice President, and President. He is a longtime member of the Houston Symphony Chorus and currently serves on the HSC Council as an At Large Member. Robert wants to maintain the legacy of BAC for as many years as possible.
David Nickeson has been in BAC for twenty-four years and has sung in as many as five choral groups in the same year. David was a Pulmonary Physician until December 2023. David loves singing in BAC and wants to help support the ongoing success of the Chorus by serving in a leadership position. He has been involved in the Bay Area Chorus scholarship program for 20 years.
Janis Parish has been a member of Bay Area Chorus for 19 years and a member of Spiritus Ensemble since it’s inception four years ago. She served BAC as Soprano Section leader and Secretary before serving as President for 5 years. Prior to singing in BAC, Janis sang in the Houston Symphony Chorus 21 years, and taught music theory and piano lessons in her home 21 years. Janis wants BAC and Spiritus Ensemble to thrive and be a leading and well- known choir citywide and statewide.
Tom Parish, Treasurer, fulfilled the job of BAC Business Manager for 13 years before becoming Treasurer for the past three years. Tom is a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in the Army Security and Intelligence Corps. He has served in his church leadership for many years. He headed up the Finance Committee for his subdivision's HOA as well as serving as Treasurer of the Resident Council. Tom worked for ExxonMobil for 31 years.
David Schoen has been in BAC since 1980 except for two years that he took off. He is a retired Chemical Engineer. David serves on the BAC Board because he cares about the Chorus and thinks he can bring good judgement to its decisions.
Maria Schoen is in her 49th year of singing with BAC, the longest-serving member in BAC. Maria is a retired Chemical Engineer. Most Chorus members know her as the BAC Music Librarian. Maria believes in BAC and, as a Board member, wants to help it succeed in its mission so that it will be around for another sixty years.
Marty Schweers has spent his life in numerous volunteer leadership roles including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League, neighborhood watch and block captain. He retired as a Project Director for KBR. Marty became friends with Tom Parish and Russ Colombo and through those friendships has attended BAC concerts and galas. Marty is happy to work with the Board in any way he can be of assistance.
Glenn Sherwood Jr, Immediate Past President, worked for thirty-five years as an analytical Chemist. He has always sung in church choirs and joined BAC in the fall of 2017. Glenn has been in charge of managing logistical issues for the Chorus but more significantly, served as our BAC President for BAC’s 60th season. Glenn thinks that serving on the Board is a privilege.
Travis Stone, President, has been singing with BAC since Spring 2022. He is a Human Resources Advisor for an energy company. Travis says that being on the Board has enabled him to use his experiences to give back to an organization that has given him an opportunity to participate in something he enjoys: music.
Christi Thompson, Recording Secretary, is a Dyslexia and Intervention Specialist in Pasadena ISD. Christi has spent her entire life singing. As her daughters became more independent, in the Fall of 2022 she decided join her dad in BAC. Christi gets so much joy sharing her God-given talent with others.
Mary Voigt sang with BAC for several years previously and is happy to be back with the Chorus now. She is newly retired as Director of Celebration Ministries at Gloria Dei Lutheran and Director of Worship and Music at Trinity Lutheran. She has sung with a number of choral groups including the Houston Symphony Chorus, Houston Masterworks Chorus, and Houston Camerata. Mary is honored to have the opportunity to serve and is willing and eager to volunteer her time whenever it is needed.