Previous Graduations

Texas CPM Graduation Held on December 4, 2006 at the Texas State Capitol

Graduation Speech Delivered By Jack Martin, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Public Strategies Inc.—51 CPM Graduates from 5 Texas Universities Recognized

On December 4, 2006, the Texas CPM Program, which is offered by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, held its bi-annual CPM Graduation at the Texas State Capitol. Delivering the graduation speech was Mr. Jack Martin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Public Strategies Inc. of Austin, Texas. Mr. Martin, a former Chairman of the Texas State University System Board of Regents spoke about the ways in which public managers can meet the leadership and management challenges of the 21st Century. Mr. Martin was introduced by the Honorable Charles Matthews current Chancellor of the Texas State University System.

One of the highlights of the graduation was the induction of 51 CPM graduates into the Texas CPM Society and the American Academy for Certified Public Managers (AACPM). The December 2006 CPM Graduation was very special, it featured the graduation of 21 CPM participants from the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. This was the first graduating CPM class for Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s CPM Program. The Director of the Texas A&M – Corpus Christi CPM Program is Professor Dan Jorgenson.

In addition to the induction of the CPM students, Mr. Jack Martin, the Graduation Speaker was presented with an Honorary CPM Diploma. Also honored at this CPM Graduation was Ms. Stephanie Brim, Manager of the City of Huntsville, Texas who received a national award given annually by the American Academy of Certified Public Managers (the Askew Award) for the best applied project in Texas.

Jack Martin (center) receiving his CPM Diploma from
Texas State University Chancellor Charles Matthews (left)
and CPM Program Director Dr. Howard R. Balanoff).

Stephanie Brim receiving the AACPM Askew Award from
Texas State University Chancellor Charles Matthews (left), Jack Martin (right),
and CPM Program Director Dr. Howard R. Balanoff).

After the graduation ceremony was concluded, a reception for the CPM graduates and their guests was held in the Capitol Grill at the Texas Capitol.

In addition to the 21 graduates of the Texas A&M – Corpus Christi CPM Program, the December 2006 graduates of the Texas CPM Program included 13 who graduated under the direction of Texas State University William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, 4 from the City of Houston CPM Program offered by Sam Houston State University, 8 from the CPM Program offered by the University of Texas at Arlington and 5 from Stephen F. Austin State University’s CPM Program.

A list of the December 2007 CPM Graduates is provided below by Program location.

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas

Susan Jo. Allen, Sylvia Arispe, Edna Jean Davis, Fred Ensinger, Lainey Gafford, Amy Gazin, Daniel Gallegos Jr., Reba George, C. David Hamrick, JoAnn Hooks, Lawrence A. Hooks, Lawrence A. Jones, Deanie M. King, Robert V. Marraro Jr., Joan A. McKaughan, Blake A. Pettis, Ronald R. Robles, Constance P. Sanchez, John Sendejar, Bryan P. Smith, David P. Trevino, Sylvia V. Wilson.

Several of the graduates from the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi CPM Program.

Texas State University
San Marcos Campus & San Antonio Programs

Troy L. Davis, Maricela Garcia-Rivas, Ruben M Garcia, Rebecca Hettich, Anthony Mastracci, Robert Moreno, Michael Nyert, Sergio Rey, Maggie Schmitt, Bette Taylor, Paul E. Vidal, Dan Wattles, Sara N Worfel.

Texas CPM Director Dr. Howard Balanoff (center right) and Marilyn Balanoff (center left)
with several of the graduates from the Texas State University campus CPM Program.

Stephen F. Austin State University City of Nacogdoches Program

Peggy E. Byers, Jeremy Keith Higgins, Don Jordan, Deborah M. Pierce, Donna Marie Teel.

Chancellor Matthews (left), Stephan F Austin State University Professor
Kwame Badu Antwi-Boasiako (far right), Jack Martin (right), & Stephen F. Austin Graduate

Sam Houston State University City of Houston CPM Program

Kelly Dietrich, Susan Carol Lindsey, Doran L. Preacher, Jeffrey John Sundseth

Sam Houston State University CPM Coordinator Don Moore (far right),
Chancellor Matthews (left), and Jack Martin (2nd from left), and Sam Houston CPM Graduate

University of Texas at Arlington Dallas/Fort Worth Program

Dena Daniel, Juan Gabriel Guerra, Diedre Hall, Byron R. Hardin, Fred Hart Jr., Megan Henderson, Antonio E. Solomon, Ricky Trice.

David Tees, University of Texas at Arlington CPM Coordinator (center) and UTA CPM Graduates

Texas CPM Graduation Held on June 14, 2006 at the Texas State Capitol

Graduation Speech Delivered By Larry Gilley, City Manager of Abilene Texas—18 CPM Graduates Recognized

On June 14, 2006, the Texas CPM Program, which is offered by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, held its bi-annual CPM Graduation at the Texas State Capitol. Delivering the graduation speech was Abilene Texas City Manager Larry Gilley. Mr. Gilley, a former President of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) spoke about meeting the leadership and management challenges for Texas public servants.

One of the highlights of the graduation was the induction of 18 CPM graduates into the Texas CPM Society and the American Academy for Certified Public Managers (AACPM). In addition, Abilene City Manager Larry Gilley was presented with an honorary CPM Certification.

Larry Gilley (right) receiving his CPM Diploma
from CPM Program Director Dr. Howard R. Balanoff.

After the graduation ceremony was concluded, a reception for the CPM graduates and their guests was held in the Capitol Grill at the Texas Capitol.

The June 2006 graduates of the Texas CPM Program include 7 who graduated under the direction of Texas State University William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, 6 from the City of Houston CPM Program offered by Sam Houston State University, 2 from the CPM Program offered by the University of Texas at Arlington and 3 from Stephen F. Austin State University’s CPM Program.

A list of the June 2006 CPM Graduates is provided below by Program location.

Texas State University San Marcos Campus & San Antonio Programs

Rodney Gonzales, Yoby Fiebig, Christopher McCauley, Marlene Michael, Barbara Pearson, Kathleen Washington

Texas CPM Director Dr. Howard Balanoff (center right) Abilene City Manager Larry Gilley (center left) with graduates from the Texas State University campus CPM Program. Left to right are Chris McCauley, Marlene Michael, Yoby Fiebig, and Barbara Pearson.

Stephen F. Austin State University City of Nacogdoches Program

Brian Walker Bray, Dean Wayne Carrell, Debbie Sadler

Professor KWAME BADU ANTWI-BOASIAKO (2nd from left) and
Stephen F. Austin Graduates Brian Walker Bray & Dean Wayne Carrell.

Sam Houston State University City of Houston CPM Program

Easlyn Bailey, Stephanie Brim, Manuel DeLaRosa, Linda Robinson, Kelly Dietrich, Mitte Ann Reece Anderson

Sam Houston State University CPM Coordinator Don Moore
(third from right) and Houston CPM Graduates.

University of Texas at Arlington Dallas/Fort Worth Program

Li Jen Tang Lee, Kathryn D. Robinson

David Tees, University of Texas at Arlington CPM Coordinator
and UTA Graduate, Li Jen Tang Lee

Texas CPM Graduation Held on December 12, 2005 at the Texas State Capitol

Graduation Speech Delivered by Congressman John Carter—46 CPM Graduates Recognized

Former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby Presents UT Professor Emeritus Terrell Blodgett with Service to the Profession Award

On December 12, 2005, the Texas CPM Program, which is offered by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, held its semi-annual graduation ceremony at the Texas State Capitol. Delivering the graduation speech was the Honorable John Carter, District 31 Congressman from Central Texas. Congressman Carter spoke about the leadership and management challenges faced by public sector managers in Texas and United States.

Dr. Howard Balanoff (right) presenting a plaque of appreciation to United States Congressman John Carter, who gave the CPM graduation speech.

At the CPM Graduation ceremony former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby presented University of Texas Professor Emeritus Terrell Blodgett with a special award for his lifelong service to the City Management Profession. Professor Blodgett, the author of the book A History of City Management in Texas, was presented with an honorary CPM Graduation Diploma.

Former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby (left) presents UT Professor Emeritus Terrell Blodgett with a special award for outstanding service to the Texas City Management Profession.

Ron Faulkenberry, former Director of Planning with the City of Burnet was presented with the Askew Award for the best Applied Project in Texas. The award was given to Mr. Faulkenberry by the American Academy of Certified Public Managers (AACPM).

An additional award for Service to the Texas CPM Program was presented to Ms. Janice Springer by Dr. Steve Springer, Director of Texas State University’s Occupational Education Department.

After the graduation ceremony was concluded, a reception for the CPM graduates and their guests was held in the Capitol Grill at the Texas Capitol.

The December 12, 2005 CPM Graduation included 31 participants who graduated under the direction of Texas State University William P. Hobby Center for Public Service. This group included 10 managers from the City of Abilene, Texas; 9 participants from the CPM Program on the Texas State University campus and 12 participants from the Brooks City Base Program located in San Antonio.

In addition, graduates from the following universities completed the CPM Program. 2 participants from the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs; 7 participants from the School of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington; 4 participants from Sam Houston State University’s CPM Program located in Houston, Texas and 2 participants from the Stephen F. Austin CPM Program located in Nacogdoches, Texas.

A list of CPM Graduates is provided below by University Program location.

Texas State University Campus Program
Linda Cook, Susan Gale Gehring Liker, Noel Thomas Horan, Cynthia Machado, Elaine Mays, David Nelson, Steven W. Pettit, Carmen Sifuentes, and Peggy Gigout Sigwald.

Graduates of the Texas State University Campus CPM Program.

Carmen Sifuentes (center), a child support officer with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, receives her CPM plaque from Congressman John Carter (right) and former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby.

Texas State University City of Abilene Program
Rodney Abila, Larry Wayne Bell, Gregory W. Brown, Odis Dolton, Joy Hedges, Mark W. Moore, Pamela Stover Percival, David Lee Sartor, Carl D. Scott, and Mindy Reed Whisenhunt.

CPM Graduates from the City of Abilene with Dr. Howard Balanoff (right) and former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby (2nd from right).

Mindy Whisenhunt (center), Assistant Director of Finance for the City of Abilene, receives her CPM plaque from Congressman John Carter (right) and former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby.

Texas State University Brooks City Base, San Antonio Program
Leslie Amerson, Angie Burns, Pedro Lara Casias, Carrie Catherine Crane, James Patrick Garbett, Maria Elena Griffith, Felix Guerra, Maria Elena Martinez, Reynaldo Martinez, Alice A. Orta, Olivia D. Ramirez, and Tracy Shelton.

Graduates of the Brooks City Base CPM Program with Dr. Steve Springer, Coordinator of the Brooks CPM Program (right).

University of Texas at Austin (LBJ School of Public Affairs) Program
Shiidon Bahi Hawley and Phyllis Perkins.

University of Texas at Arlington (School of Urban & Public Affairs) Program
James R. Earp, Kenneth E. Francis, Dolph Johnson, Karen D. Kirby, Sui-Kwan Rebecca Koo, Vicki Mikel, and Jeanie Putman.

Sui-Kwan Rebecca Koo (center), a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington CPM Program, receives her CPM plaque from Congressman John Carter (right) and former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby.

Sam Houston State University City of Houston Program
Kevin F. Dickson, Andrea Gardner, Jerry Gardner, and Mabel Thorne.

Jerry Gardner (center), Fire Chief for the City of Pasadena, receives his CPM plaque from Congressman John Carter (right) and
former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby.

Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches Program
Aron L. Kulhavy and Mathias B. Serrano.

Graduation Speech Delivered by Dr. Ken Ashworth, Former Commissioner of Higher Education for Texas—25 CPM Graduates Recognized

Former Texas Lt. Governor, William P. Hobby Attends Graduation Ceremony

On June 14, 2005, the Texas CPM Program, which is offered by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, held its semi-annual graduation ceremony at the Texas State Capitol. Delivering the graduation speech was UT LBJ School & Bush School Professor, the Dr. Ken Ashworth, former Commissioner of Higher Education for Texas. Professor Ashworth spoke about leadership and management challenges faced by public sector managers in Texas. Click here for the full text of Dr. Ashworth's speech »

Dr. Howard Balanoff (right) presenting a plaque of appreciation
to Dr. Ken Ashworth, who gave the CPM graduation speech.

After the graduation ceremony was concluded, a reception for the CPM graduates and their guests was held in the Capitol Grill at the Texas Capitol.

Graduates of UT Austin’s LBJ School CPM Program.

After the graduation ceremony was concluded, a reception for the CPM graduates and their guests was held in the Capitol Grill at the Texas Capitol.

San Antonio Police Officer, James Warner (center)
receives a plaque from Dr. Ken Ashworth (left).

The June 2005 graduates of the Texas CPM Program include 14 who graduated under the direction of Texas State University William P. Hobby Center for Public Service including 4 managers from the Department of Community Initiatives of the City of San Antonio, Texas; 6 from the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs 6 from the School of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington and 1 from Sam Houston State University’s CPM Program located in Houston, Texas.

Cheryl Austin, Director of Administration for the City of Rockwall, a Graduate of the UT Arlington CPM Program receives her CPM Certification from Commissioner Ken Ashworth (left). David Tees, Director of the UT Arlington CPM Program is shown on the right.

A list of CPM Graduates is provided below by Program location.

Texas State University
San Marcos Campus, San Antonio and Houston Programs
Arthur Adame, Anne Walker Covert, Larry Davila, Jessie U. DeLos Santos, Tracie Enriques, Ron Faulkenberry, Ramiro Fernandez, Homer Garcia, Ismael Garcia, Antoine Lane, Michael Mendiola, Scott Okland, Laura Sullivan, James Warner

University of Texas at Austin (LBJ School of Public Affairs)
Clarissa Bennett, Maurice Dunn, Anthony Harkey, Rose Milligan, Gloria Taylor, Michael Taylor

University of Texas at Arlington (School of Urban & Public Affairs)
Cheryl Austin, Jeffrey Butters, Michael Dunn, Shan English, Jan Kleinheksel

Sam Houston State University
City of Houston Program
Regina Dickson

Regina Dickson, Manager with the City of Houston’s Public Works Department and a graduate of the Sam Houston State
University CPM Program receives her CPM Certification from Commissioner Ken Ashworth (left). Don Moore, Director of the Sam Houston State University CPM Program is shown
on the right with Dr. Howard R. Balanoff.

Graduation Speech Delivered By the Honorable Ken Apfel, Former Commissioner of the US Social Security Administration -- 40 CPM Graduates Recognized

Former Texas Lt. Governor, William P. Hobby Attends Graduation Ceremony

On December 6, 2004, the Texas CPM Program, which is offered by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, held one its largest graduation ceremonies ever held at the Texas State Capitol. Delivering the graduation speech was UT LBJ School Professor, the Honorable Ken Apfel, former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Former Texas Lt. Governor, William P. Hobby introduced Commissioner Apfel who spoke about leadership and management challenges in the US & Texas Public Service.

Dr. Howard Balanoff, Marilyn Balanoff (center) with graduates from the Texas State University campus CPM Program.

One of the highlights of the graduation was the induction of 40 CPM graduates into the Texas Society of Certified Public Managers and the American Academy for Certified Public Managers.

Dr. Howard Balanoff, Marilyn Balanoff (center) with graduates from the Texas State University City of Laredo CPM Program.

After the graduation ceremony was concluded, a reception for the CPM graduates and their guests was held in the Capitol Grill at the Texas Capitol.

Commissioner Ken Apfel (center) receives a plaque from former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby for delivering the December CPM Graduation speech at the Texas Capitol.

The December 2004 graduates of the Texas CPM Program include 26 who graduated under the direction of Texas State University William P. Hobby Center for Public Service including 14 managers from the City of Laredo, Texas; 1 from the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs 5 from the School of Urban and Public Affairs at Texas Tech University and 8 from Stephen F. Austin State University’s CPM Program.

Debra Hollida, a Graduate of the UT Arlington CPM Program receives her CPM Certification from Commissioner Ken Apfel (second from right) and former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby. David Tees, Director of the UT Arlington CPM Program is shown on the far right.

A list of CPM Graduates is provided below by Program location

Texas State University
San Marcos Campus, San Antonio and Houston Programs
John Barker, John Bierschwale, Billy Daugette, Jennifer Holmquist, Karl Kuhlman, Terry LeBlanc, Harold McCall, John Mendoza, Bruce Pearson, Alice Suter, Tamara Thornton, Alycia Tretta.

Texas State University
City of Laredo Program
Thelma Acosta, Martin Aleman, Robert Arredondo, Sylvia Arellano, Martha Bernal, Cesar Guerra, Dora Maldonado, Adrian Montemayor, Maria del Rosario Morales, Pedro Paredes, Jr. Miguel Pescador, Rene Ramos, Santos Reyes, Anita Stanley.

University of Texas at Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs Program
Donald Berryman, Denra Jo Daniel, Jennifer Fung, Debra Hollida, Charles Roland.

Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches Program

Brenda Samford, Stephen Strickland, Walter Poskey, Scott Marcotte, Renee Thompson, Gerald W. Williamson, Chris Fitzgerald, Betsy Gregson.

John Bierschwale, Acting City Manager of Schertz Texas and a graduate of the Texas State University San Marcos Campus CPM Program receives his CPM Certification from Commissioner Ken Apfel (right) and former Texas Lt. Governor William P. Hobby (left).

June 2004, Texas State Capitol

Speech Delivered By Texas Railroad Commissioner, Charles Matthews -- 49 CPM Graduates Recognized

Former Texas Lt. Governor, William P. Hobby Attends Graduation Ceremony

On June 8, 2004, the Texas CPM Program, which is offered by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, held one its largest graduation ceremonies ever held at the Texas State Capitol. Delivering the graduation speech was the Honorable Charles Matthews. Texas State Railroad Commissioner. Former Texas Lt. Governor, William P. Hobby introduced Commissioner Matthews who spoke about leadership, public service and the current status of the Texas Economy.

One of the highlights of the graduation was the induction of 49 CPM graduates into the Texas Society of Certified Public Managers and the American Academy for Certified Public Managers.

After the graduation ceremony was concluded, a reception for the CPM graduates and their guests was held in the Capitol Grill at the Texas Capitol.
The June 2004 graduates of the Texas CPM Program include 23 who graduated under the direction of Texas State University William P. Hobby Center for Public Service; 7 from the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs and 19 from the School of Urban and Public Affairs at Texas Tech University.

Thirteen of Texas State University CPM Graduates were participants in the CPM Program offered in the City of Laredo, Texas. The 19 Texas Tech CPM Graduates were participants in the CPM Program offered by Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas.

The list of CPM Graduates is provided below by Program location.

Texas State University
Arnold Gamez, Teresa Goff, John S. Herber, Donald P. Iles, Sherry Koenning Cook, Cynthia Mitchell Lopez, Shirley A. Moore, Antonio Perez, Henry Stephen Porretto, Fred J. Saucedo, Judy Diane Stengel.

City of Laredo Program
Jerry Elizando, Alfredo R. Gutierrez, Jr. Samuel A. Hinojosa, Steve E. Landin, Jose Angel Lopez, III, John E. Orfilia, Jr. John Robert Porter, Berta Laura Rivera, Karla Robles, Alejandra G. Santana, Veronica Urbano, Jose J. Villarreal, Guillermo Walls.

University of Texas at AUSTIN (LBJ School of Public Affairs Program)
Wanda Allen, Lila Beckley, Robert Hall, Ata-ur Rahman, Kristina R. Ramirez, Catherine Terrell, Jason Wang.

Texas Tech University
City of Lubbock Program
David Brunson, Chester Carthel, Jane Clausen, Russell Todd Darden, T. Flemming, Lori H. Fritz, Glen Ray Fowler, Edward M. Hansen, Jack M. Harper II, M. Gregory Ingham, Melissa T. Orasco, Christopher Jason Powe, Petra Sanchez Ramirez, Robert C. Robinson, Bradley Don Stafford, Fred D. Sthphens, Randy Truesdell, Melissa A. Verett, Peggy S. Walker.