Members of the Advisory Board
Cleotilde (Coty) Rodriguez Anderson is a high school counselor in the Plano Independent School District, and has been involved in counseling for many years. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Texas Counseling Association, has served as President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and is a member of many other civic and community organizations. Mrs. Anderson is the recipient of numerous service awards. Mrs. Anderson serves on the Quality Assurance Committee.
Fred N. Moses is founder and President of Telecom Electric Supply Company, a distributor of electrical and telecommunications supplies. He worked with General Electric Supply Company for 11 years before starting his own company. Mr. Moses has served on numerous committees, boards and councils both at the city and state level. He is a Past Commissioner of the General Services Commission for the State of Texas. Mr. Moses has received numerous awards and recognition for his business and volunteer involvements.
B. J. Williams is employed as a Human Resources Manager with the Social Security Administration. He serves as President of the Garland Branch NAACP, and is very active in civic and community organizations. He is a Commissioner for the City of Garland Plan Commission, and is a volunteer for several youth groups.
Cecil Starks is owner of PURPLE International, which operates in the U.S. and Canada. PURPLE is the coordinator for all construction materials for Motel 6 projects in Canada. Prior to the formation of PURPLE International, Mr. Starks was President and CEO of Unitech Technology, Inc. He has been involved in many civic and community service activities, and has received recognition for his work with business and community groups. Mr. Starks chairs the Public relations Planning and Implementation Committee.
Barbara J. Simpkins is owner of BJS Associates, Inc., a company providing bookkeeping and administrative services to small businesses. Mrs. Simpkins is a volunteer on several committees and organizations, and is a mentor in the Plano Independent School District. Mrs. Simpkins serves as Advisory Board Secretary.
Annie Dickson is a community volunteer who previously worked for Varo Inc. for 23 years. She has served as Vice President for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland, as Past Precinct and Election Judge Chair, and served on the Garland City Council for four (4) years. Ms. Dickson is also involved with various civic and community boards and is very active in the Garland Main Street Program. Ms. Dickson chairs the Program Policy Development Committee.
John Dudley is a Financial Advisor for First Union Securities. He brings with him experience in the stock market and expertise researching companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Mr. Dudley chairs the Business Growth Referral Committee.
Myrtle Hightower, Ph.D. is a retired counselor with the Plano Independent School District. She is currently instructing at Collin County Community College. Dr. Hightower is a very active member of the community, and has served on numerous boards and committees on the city and state levels. She has received many awards and commendations including being named Plano’s Meritorious Citizen in 1993, ad being nominated as one of Plano’s Living Treasures. Dr. Hightower is chair of the Quality Assurance Committee.
Willie Wattley retired from Texas Instruments where he was the first black supervisor and also the first black engineer. He served as Mayor Pro-tem of McKinney for 18 years and served on the City Council for 22 years. Mr. Wattley has lived in McKinney, Texas all of his live, and has been active in both community and civic endeavors. He organized the NAACP of Collin County in 1963.
Denise Upchurch is a Licensed Loan Officer for Carteret Mortgage/Investor. She was previously employed with Southwestern Bell. Ms. Upchurch is very active and has served as an officer in the Mesquite NAACP in the capacity of 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and President. She currently serves as 2nd Vice President and ACT-SO Chairperson. Ms. Upchurch is the 2003 Board Appointee to the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Upchurch is very family oriented, and has worked with the youth in Children’s Ministries. She is a spiritual motivational speaker.
