GTUC Board of Directors
The Texas United Charities Galveston Chapter launched in March of 2018 and has been thriving!
Currently, Galveston Chapter has over 50 members and growing. Our mission is to fundraise for GLBT community in Galveston County. Since we began, we have had three successful fundraisers for Resource & Crisis Center (RCC) and Access Coastal Care of Texas (ACCT).
The Galveston Chapter also has established the Jerry Eubank Angel Fund which can help in those in need with emergency funds. Stay tuned for more information
Our Board of Directors has quite diverse backgrounds and are very passionate about our community!
Feel free to contact us anytime:
Sheila Morton, President
Sheila A. Morton was born in Houston, Texas in 1960 and in 1964 moved to Alvin, Texas upon her family purchasing a restaurant. She grew up in Alvin, and later her family began investing in multi-family and commercial real estate.
Upon graduating from Alvin High School, she attended Alvin Community College, University of Houston, and graduated from Sam Houston State University with Bachelor of Business Management degree. She also attended the Art Institute of Houston and studied the Culinary Arts.
Since graduating from college, she continues to have a very successful career as a Property Manager and has worked for various corporate property management companies in the Greater Houston area since 1986. Also, she and her sister are now business partners in their ownership of their parent’s legacy in Alvin, Texas.
Sheila began fundraising in 2013 with Texas United Charities. In 2014, she was Director of Fundraising.
When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite hobby is traveling most especially to South Padre Island to her condo for much deserved relaxation and beach time.
Sheila – President – (713)240-8333 – Contact Email Address: morton.sheila@yahoo.com
Tim Dudley, Vice President
Tim Dudley, Vice President (409)457-6195
James Heyland, Treasurer for Galveston Chapter
James Heyland grew up in Kerrville, Texas. After graduating high school in Kerrville he received his BBA in Accounting from Texas State University in San Marcos and his MBA in Management Information Systems from The University of Houston. He passed the CPA exam in 1985 and is currently a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
James worked in various industries from 1979 until his retirement in 2009 and held positions such as Controller, CFO and Treasurer. He and his husband, Jody, owned a custom homebuilding company from 2012 until they sold it in 2017. They have a passion for restoring/renovating historic homes & buildings. Currently they own several rental properties in Houston and Galveston.
James & Jody have supported various organizations such as Galveston Historical Foundation, ACCT, Galveston Education Foundation, Galveston Island Humane Society. James is honored to have joined GTUC in 2018 and looks forward to raising more funds for the GLBTQ community.
James Heyland, Treasurer for Galveston Chapter (713)443-4859
Clay Rodgers, Secretary
Clay is a licensed attorney and CPA. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from LSU, Baton Rouge and his JD from University of Houston. Over his 35 year career he practiced as a commercial litigation attorney in Houston for two of the nation’s top tier law firms before retiring in 2017 and moving to Galveston to be with his husband full time.
Clay’s legal practice included substantial time devoted to pro bono work. He represented GLBT individuals seeking asylum from counties where they were persecuted. He was awarded “Top Star” from Human Rights First for successfully obtaining asylum in 2017 for a gay man from El Salvador who was able to flee an almost certain death and start a new and bright future in Houston. Clay describes this experience as the most rewarding of his career.
Clay also spends time as a volunteer for the Bryan Museum, Galveston Historical Foundation, and provides free tax preparation for residents of Galveston County during tax season. He is also an active member at First Lutheran Church Galveston.
Clay enjoys spending time with his husband and two long-haired white dachshunds. He is passionate about cooking for friends and family, and enjoys gardening, working out and travel.
Clay Rodgers, Secretary (713)907-0407 – Contact Email Address: clay2640@att.net
Mary McGowan, Director of Memberships
Mary McGowan, Director of Memberships (713)594-9983