Sandra Mooney, the newest member of the Southwest Management District board of directors and the second woman to serve on the board in its 15-year history, is chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Houston Christian University, a key part of the district.
She succeeds John Holmes, a former HCU administrator who moved to another city.
Mooney shared her thoughts about her new position, her work at HCU and life in general. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: Please tell us a little about yourself.
A: I am married to Frank Mooney. We have one daughter, Miriam, who is married and lives in Virginia. I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley in Weslaco, Texas.
Q: Why are you interested in serving on the Southwest Management District board?
A: I have been aware of the work of the board when my colleague, John Holmes, served on the board. It is providing important services to our region.
Q: What are your job responsibilities on the board?
A: I hope to further the mission of the management district by supporting efforts that improve the small business environment to allow them to flourish and to spur redevelopment.
Q: Given your impressive background in financial planning and administration, how do you hope to employ your skill set as a member of the management district board?
A: I look forward to providing clarity to key planning and budgeting issues as requested.
Q: What do you look forward to in terms of improving the already productive partnership between the district and HCU?
A: A key component of the mission of Houston Christian University is to serve and be a responsible member of our local community. I look forward to finding additional ways to contribute to the success of the district.
Q: What are some of the fulfilling things about your position at HCU?
A: The success of our students.’
Q: What are some of the challenges?
A: Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college. Serving their academic, social, cultural, and economic needs is a challenge.
Q: Please discuss your role as president of Beechnut Street Inc.
A: Beechnut Street, Inc. is a for-profit real estate development subsidiary of Houston Christian University. I have been integrally involved in the strategic objectives of the company and led the efforts to redevelop The Pillars Shopping Center at Fondren and the Southwest Freeway. Our current projects include planning for a multi-family project adjacent to the shopping center.
Q: What do you think of the management district’s incredible diversity of cultures and businesses?
A: This diversity is what makes Houston, in general, and the Southwest District a wonderful place to live and work. People from all different cultures and backgrounds successfully live and work together.
Q: What are you hoping to learn from serving on the management district board?
A: I hope to learn even more about the needs of the community so that living, working, and owning a business in this district is safe, productive and rewarding.
Q: What are some of your interests and hobbies?
A: I love to cook and bake. My husband and I enjoy road trips and travel. I am loving being “Gigi” to my two grandchildren.
Q: What motivates you to volunteer to serve on the boards of community and professional organizations such as the National Association of College and University Business Officers; and the Council on Chiropractic Education and its Academy of Site Team Visitors?
A: I have been very blessed to live and work in Houston for my entire career and enjoy getting to know those who serve the community by providing various services.
