Events
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Leadership Houston honors Gregory Boyd as the 2009 Distinguised Leader
September 15, 2009
By Michele Cowart
  • Leadership Houston presented the 2009 Distinguished Leader Award during a lovely Friday dinner, roast and toast to Gregory Boyd, artistic director of the Alley Theatre. Roasters Hal Holbrook, Lynn Wyatt, Dean Gladden, and James Black honored Gregory with fond memories and whimsical praise for his outstanding contributions to the arts in Houston and worldwide.

    A buffet dinner, catered by A Fare Extraordinaire, for 200 began at the Bank of America building in Downtown Houston. Silent Auction Co-Chairs, Cindy Moore, CFO, PILOT, Inc. and Leadership Houston Past Chair and Linda Toyota, Chief Development Officer, YWCA and Leadership Houston Past Chair/Board Member collected over 40 fabulous arts, sports, health, fitness, and entertainment packages, including a Galveston sailing trip for 10. Proceeds jointly benefited non-profit organizations Leadership Houston and the Alley Theatre.

    The Roast and Toast was held at the Alley Theatre on the Hubbard Stage. The emcee of the evening was James Black, Alley Resident Company Member; followed by roasters Dean Gladden, Alley Theatre Managing Director; Lynn Wyatt, Alley Theatre Board Member; and Hal Holbrook, Honorary Event Chair. Dixie Carter, scheduled Roaster, was unable to attend due to an illness. Gregory Boyd was the most humorous speaker of the evening, recalling his many adventurous years in the theatre and graciously accepted the 2009 Distinguished Leader Award and.

    "Leadership Houston plays a vital role in our city and I am honored to receive this award from them," said Gregory Boyd.

    Corporate and individual sponsors were recognized by Scott Rozzell, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of CenterPoint Energy, Event Co-Chair and Alley Theatre Board Member. The Distinguished Leader Award Presentation was made by Nancy Martin, President/Shareholder, Shannon, Martin, Finkelstein & Sayre, P.C., Event Co-Chair, Alley Theatre Board Member and Leadership Houston Board Member.

    "The collaboration between Leadership Houston and the Alley Theatre was a perfect fit for a fabulous evening," said Nancy Martin.

    Among those in attendance included Meredith and Cornelia Long, Caroline Baker Hurley and Bruce Hurley, Bob Boudreaux, Obie O'Brien, Bill and Susan Byerley, Sharon Owens, Joe and Pepette Mongrain, Dr. Zachary and Anna Hodges, and Steve and Beth Wallace.

    The Distinguished Leader Award is presented annually to recognize leaders in Houston who have made an outstanding and positive impact on the community.