Six communities. Four school districts. One connected region.

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Leadership rooted in our region.

Opportunity grows when local experience meets a shared vision. Our Board of Directors brings leadership from education, law, business, and community service to guide EHCEC’s work across East Harris County.

Meet the people helping shape a stronger, more connected region.

Dr. Bobby Durst

Dr. Bobby Durst

Founding ChairwomanAn educator, ministry leader, and founding EHCEC Chairwoman, Dr. Durst champions equity, strengthens community connections, and helps others reach their potential.

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Dr. Bobby Durst is an accomplished educator, ministry leader, and community advocate with over 23 years in education. She holds degrees from Lee College, the University of Houston-Downtown, Lamar University, and a doctorate from Abilene Christian University. She has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal, and now makes history as Hardin ISD’s first Black female principal at Hardin Junior High School.

Driven by a passion for equity and inclusion, she champions diverse learners and leads with compassion, creativity, and trust. As EHCEC’s founding Chairwoman, she works to uplift underserved communities. A proud Barrett Station–Crosby native, she also serves at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church, empowering women through faith.

Brenna R. Lermon

Brenna R. Lermon

Board MemberAn employment attorney and entrepreneur, Brenna brings legal expertise, workforce strategy, and governance experience to help organizations and communities thrive.

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Brenna R. Lermon is an employment attorney, business owner, and community leader with extensive experience in governance, workforce development, regulatory compliance, and organizational strategy. She is Founder and Managing Attorney of Lermon Law Group, PLLC, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dynasty Workforce Solutions.

She previously served as Principal Counsel for Employment and Litigation at Cheniere Energy, a Shareholder at Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C., and Vice Chair of the City of Houston Civil Service Commission. Brenna earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and her Bachelor of Science in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Houston. She brings legal expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for expanding opportunity to EHCEC’s Board.

LaKeisha LeBlanc

LaKeisha LeBlanc

Board MemberChannelview ISD’s Assistant Superintendent, LaKeisha brings more than 26 years in public education and a commitment to helping students grow, lead, and thrive.

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LaKeisha LeBlanc is a devoted wife, mother, mentor, and passionate educator with over 26 years of experience in public education. She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent in Channelview ISD, where she supports students, families, and schools across the district. Her career has included roles as assistant principal, Elementary Principal of the Year, and Director of Communications—each shaped by her heart for service and strong belief in public education.

LaKeisha believes in providing multiple opportunities for students to grow, lead, and thrive—and in the power of community, connection, and intentional excellence to make a lasting impact in education.

Patrick Guide

Patrick Guide

Board MemberA Dow business development leader, former Marine Corps Engineer Officer, and leadership coach, Patrick brings expertise in sustainable growth, infrastructure, and developing people.

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Patrick Guide is a Senior Business Development Manager at Dow, where he leads strategic initiatives advancing sustainable solutions for the rapidly growing data center industry. With expertise spanning engineering, business development, and infrastructure, he helps organizations develop innovative technologies that support resilient and sustainable growth.

Patrick holds an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business and a degree in Mechanical Engineering. A former Marine Corps Engineer Officer and certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, he is passionate about developing leaders, mentoring professionals, and serving his community through leadership, resilience, and professional development initiatives.

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