Meet our Board of Directors
Brittany Sloan
Board Chair/Counsel
Brittany Sloan is an Estate Planning Attorney with the Strong Firm P.C. in The Woodlands. She serves as Vice-Chair of Meals on Wheels in Montgomery County. She also serves as Outreach Committee Chair on the Woodlands Arts Council. She is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Montgomery County.
She, her husband, and 2 children live in Willis.
Eric Rabel
Vice Chair
I’m Eric Rabel. I am currently the Director of Development for the Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC) here in The Woodlands. I work with our Strategic Development Group and am involved in the creation, design, and building of commercial developments (both here and in our Bridgeland master-planned community), with projects ranging from retail, office, hospitality, multi-family, and interiors. I’ve been with HHC for 8 years. I am a native Houstonian and have been a Woodlands resident for just over 7 years. I have been married to my awesome wife (18 years this year!) who is an amazing teacher, and we have 2 kids in high school.
Dave Wood
Treasurer
Dave is the Corporate Controller for Rigaku Americas Corporation, a non-medical X-ray Technology Manufacturer in The Woodlands. Dave is a graduate of Youngtown State University and earned an MBA from Texas A&M—Corpus Christi. During his career, he has served financial roles as CFO, VP of Finance & Administration and Financial/Corporate Controller. Dave, along with his wife and two children, live in Conroe.
Connie Mahaffey
Secretary
After working for several years in Education and the Insurance industry, I was able to retire and devote my time to volunteer. In the Conroe Independent School district, I served on the Academy of Science and Technology Board and the PTA Board for College Park High School.
I helped form the Legally Authorized Representative Alliance (LARA), a 501c3 charity to provide funds for events benefiting the Meadowbrook residents. I currently serve as Treasurer on the LARA board. Diana Egley and I were responsible for starting the LARA Christmas store and maintaining it for six years providing much-needed funds for activities for the Meadowbrook residents. When Meadowbrook first opened, I was able to secure the funds and volunteers to start the pantry which has provided items not available with food stamps for the residents for the past ten years.
My husband and I have two children, a son and his wife who reside in San Antonio and our daughter who currently lives at Meadowbrook and attends the Day Program.
Christin Allphin
(Past Chair)
Christin Allphin joined the New Danville Board on September 1, 2018. Christin is an
Executive Vice President at Woodforest National Bank, leading the
Healthcare Commercial Banking Group and the Business Banking Team for
Woodforest National Bank. With more than 17 years in the banking industry, she is
responsible for leading a team of relationship managers in working with existing
healthcare and business banking clients and building new client relationships.
Christin is an active participant in various charitable and civic organizations, which
include Chairman of the Board for the Economic Development Partnership of The
Woodlands, board member for The Montgomery County Community Foundation, as
well as Past Chairman for Montgomery County American Heart Association. She is
also a 2015 graduate of Leadership Montgomery County.
She is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Christin and her husband, Matthew, and their daughter, Mackenzie live in Conroe.
Kathy Sanders
Founder
Kathy Sanders founded New Danville in 2005. She served as its CEO and Vice-Chair of Operations. Prior to New Danville, she volunteered on boards and committees for numerous Montgomery County charities and service organizations including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Humane Society of Montgomery County, Montgomery County United Way, and The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce. Kathy is an entrepreneur and has been described as a ‘builder;’ she successfully developed a food manufacturing business and founded Lone Star HCS, a state-certified provider of services for disabled individuals.
Kathy is the mother of Jimmy, the inspiration for her to develop a community such as New Danville. Kathy and her husband Steve live in The Woodlands.
Odette D’Agostino
Odette is a certified teacher of the deaf having received her Masters’s degree from Louisiana State University. After teaching for many years, she eventually joined her family business in real estate development and earned the designation of Realtor. Prior to moving their company to Texas, she served in numerous areas on the board of Realtors including the President of the Commercial Investment Division, MSL and finance committee. She also served as president of the Apartment Association and several areas in the Home Builders Association.
Upon the move of the company to Texas, she headed up D’Agostino Outdoor, the billboard division of the company, serving as managing director.
The company has always had a philosophy of giving back to the community by selecting a local charity to support along with their support of St. Jude, Covenant House, and Veterans groups. New Danville was the perfect fit.
Odette has served on the ND board of directors for many years. She co-chaired the New Danville House Raffle, has served on the Tea On The Lawn committee since its inception, a member of the finance committee, and currently serves on the development committee. Her greatest pride is co-chairing the opening of Jazzy Junque, an upscale home décor store, with profits directly benefiting the day programs at New Danville. She continues to volunteer regularly and oversees the day-to-day operations.
Her other interests include being active in her church serving as Eucharistic Minister, serving as a youth director, and a member of the finance and building committees. She has served on the board of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, been a leader in local scouting programs, youth faith sharing groups, and a member of The Lions Clubs.
Diana Egley
Diana Egley joined the Board of Directors in 2020, serving as a parent representative for The Board.
After working over 40 years as a Registered Medical Technologist, Diana now spends much of her time in volunteer work. She is president of LARA, an organization focused on providing for social activities and other needs for residents of New Danville. She runs ebay sales for Jazzy Junque Resale Shop, which benefits New Danville. Diana volunteers at First Baptist Church of The Woodlands, and works with Love Fosters Hope, benefitting foster children in Montgomery County. She can also be seen on stage in various stage productions at The Owen and Crighton Theaters in Conroe. In 2023, Diana and her husband Glen were honored with the Texas State Volunteer Family of the Year Award, presented by the First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott.
Diana and her husband have three adult children, including a son, diagnosed with autism, who lives and works at New Danville.
Scott Harper
Scott Harper has over 23 years of non-profit experience ranging from the Conroe / Lake Conroe
Chamber of Commerce to the YMCA’s in Tampa and Houston. He started his professional
career with Wal-Mart’s corporate fitness center in Bentonville, AR. Scott played football and
graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Sports Management and
Recreation. Most importantly, while in Hattiesburg, he met his wife. Scott is a relationship
builder and community leader and loves supporting others. When not “officially” working,
Scott is usually seen giving back to the community while serving as a volunteer on a variety of
non-profit boards and helping other community organizations.
Scott has been married to his college sweetheart, Jennifer, for 27 years and they have two
children. Their daughter Laine, is a recent Baylor graduate and works for Conroe’s Economic
Develop Corporation and their son Ethan, is a Junior at Texas Tech. Scott and Jennifer reside in
Montgomery with their pack of rescue dogs, cats and their horses. In all of their spare time
they run a horse boarding facility called Revel Ranch.
Haley Garcia
Haley Garcia is a native Houstonian who has been committed to studying the landscape of the real estate market for 20 years. She is an entrepreneur, a broker, and a mentor who is passionate about cultivating lasting relationships with her clients. Garcia’s unstoppable spirit and resilience allow her to navigate even the most challenging transactions.
Garcia’s journey to real estate success was paved with grit and devotion. After earning praise as a capable agent early in her career, she purchased a real estate and relocation consultancy. In 2015, she founded the Haley Garcia Group. The group now has locations in Houston and The Woodlands and has grown to encompass a talented team of like-minded real estate professionals.
While Garcia specializes in luxury listings, her clients come from all walks of life. Her experience as an executive coach uniquely allows her to cater to each of her client’s exact needs. She credits her achievements with her commitment to learning and education. She regularly meets with business leaders from different industries to exchange ideas and to evolve her approach to the ever-changing real estate market.
Deep-rooted relationships are the foundation of Garcia’s philosophy as a business owner and a real estate agent. Alongside her team, she strives to cultivate harmony and to build trust with each of her clients. She understands that buying or selling a home can be one of the most anxiety-inducing times in a client’s already busy life; she and her company are dedicated to making this process as painless as possible.
On her rare days off, Garcia finds joy in her community. She is a proud dog mom, a certified yoga instructor, and an active member of several philanthropic groups. She is honored to be a co-founder and board member of Women of The Woodlands, a board member of The Woodlands Arts Council, a board member of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, a committee member of Habitat for Humanity, and a member of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
Career Highlights:
• Houston Business Journal Top 25 Teams 2019, 2020
• Houston Business Journal Top 25 Agents 2016, 2017, 2018
• Houston Business Journal Top 5 Luxury Real Estate Teams 2017, 2018
• Co-Founder of Compass Houston and Compass The Woodlands
• Houston Association of Realtors “Top 20 Under 40” Award
• Featured in Top Agent Magazine Multiple Times
• Featured on HGTV’s House Hunters.
Deven Hennessey
Since 2000, Deven has worked in the insurance industry, helping individuals navigate the maze of financial options. Seeing them realize the end result brings Deven tremendous satisfaction. He is focused on education, consultation, and implementation of protection and income planning. This process is a long-term relationship that spans years and, often, generations, as he works through your business or personal financial needs. Deven has had extensive collaboration with regional and national banks. He is experienced with buy/sell, executive bonus, key-person, deferred compensation plans, Section 79, captives, and premium finance.
Deven joined EMG Insurance Brokerage in 2016 as the Director of Life Insurance, Premium Finance, and Settlements. He is focused on recruitment, consultation, and point of sale assistance for agents and advisors in the life insurance, annuity, disability income, and retirement fields. He works with financial advisors, CPAs, estate attorneys, and high net worth individuals, such as; physicians, dentists, lawyers, pro athletes, business owners, and executives.
Deven has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Vermont.
Deven appreciates his opportunities to travel the world and sample amazing food. He loves adventures in the mountains and forests for hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring. He also enjoys sports car racing, golf, and tennis. His favorite activity may be snoozing in a hammock with his girls.
Janine Jones
Mrs. Janine Jones holds Public Relations & Marketing degrees and has been working in the Hospitality industry since 2005.
Married with four kids, the youngest attending The Woodlands High School, Mrs. Jones has been living in The Woodlands’ Cochrans Crossing village for 14 years now. Mrs. Jones has been influential in the community, affiliated with various charities including Women of the Woodlands, Interfaith of The Woodlands, In the Pink of Health – Memorial Hermann, HOPE – Will Herndon Research Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels of Montgomery County and the American Heart Association.
Mrs. Jones is now responsible for TRIS’ private dining offerings on-site, TRIS At-Home / Off-site Catering Services, Cureight At-Home Dining Experience, as well as our sister-brand Black Walnut Cafe’s banquet services.
Michelle Little
Michelle Little has been with Waste Connections for sixteen years and currently serves as the Vice President of Community Affairs and Corporate Giving. She oversees the company’s nonprofit foundation, WCN Cares, which has various fundraising and charitable activities in Montgomery County. Michelle serves as the Board Chair of Inspiration Ranch and serves on other nonprofit boards or advisory committees at Angel Reach, CASA Child Advocates, and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School.
She is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Business Administration/Accounting.
Michelle and her husband, Jim, and her daughter, Melba, live in Magnolia.
Bethany Medford
Conroe ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bethany Medford is a dedicated leader with deep roots in the Conroe community. She has spent 20 of her 23 years in education in CISD. Dr. Medford began her teaching career in Pasadena ISD, teaching second and fourth grades before moving to Conroe in 2002. She began her career in Conroe at Peet Junior High, where she taught and coached volleyball, basketball, and track. She has served as Assistant Principal at Runyan Elementary, Principal at Bozman and Cryar Intermediates, and Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools. Dr. Medford earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 1999 and was a member of the volleyball team. She then attended Lamar University, earning her master’s degree and doctorate in Educational Leadership. In addition to her leadership in Conroe ISD, Dr. Medford has served in many volunteer capacities at Stonebridge Church, where she’s been a member since 2008. Dr. Medford has twin daughters, Kenedi and Kaiden, seniors at Conroe High School, a nephew at Galatas Elementary, and a niece who is a Lil’ Lander at The Woodlands High School.
David R. Rautenbach
Dave has over twenty-four years of executive leadership, project management, and operational experience in the United States Navy and energy industry. Dave is currently the Global Strategy and Support Manager for ExxonMobil’s Environmental and Property Solutions Company. Located in Spring, Texas, he has been in this role since March of 2022.
Dave joined ExxonMobil in 2009 and held various positions in the Environmental and Property Solutions Company, ExxonMobil Chemicals Company, and Global Projects Company.
Prior to joining ExxonMobil, Dave spent nine years as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer in the United States Navy. Tours of duty included: Design Department Head at the Fleet Hospital Support Office in Williamsburg, Virginia; Resident Officer in Charge of Construction at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California; Company Commander for the Seabee’s Naval Mobil Construction Battalion Three in Port Hueneme, California; and Public Works Officer at the Presidential Retreat Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland.
Dave holds a B.S. in Naval Architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. He and his wife Meegan have three children – Ryan, Daniel, and Hadley. In his personal time, Dave likes to stay active with his family, enjoys skiing and the outdoors, and is a diehard Navy Football fan.
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