Events

ABOUT MARK VELASQUEZ

Mark Velasquez, Director of Public Works for the City of Bellaire. Mark is a dedicated public servant whose leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to community service play a vital role in maintaining and improving the essential infrastructure that supports daily life in Bellaire.

He will chat with us about the wide range of operations in Public Works including streets and drainage, facilities, water and wastewater systems, solid waste services, and capital improvement projects. Municipal Public Works departments ensure that core infrastructiure services remain reliable, safe, and responsive to the needs of residents and local businesses. Mark is known for his thoughtful approach to long‑term planning, his emphasis on sustainability, and his ability to guide complex projects from concept to completion.

ABOUT DR. JOSEPH FLEISHMAN

Education

• Doctoral Degree, Northern Arizona University, Educational Leadership (2009)
• Master’s Degree, Northern Arizona University, Educational Leadership (October 2000)
• Bachelor of Science, Northern Arizona University, Public and Personal Communications with an emphasis in Business

Work Experience

• Associate Dean, Digital & Information Technology Center of Excellence, Houston Community College, TX
• Associate Vice President of Instruction – Workforce Development & Continuing Education, Texas Southmost College, TX
• Vice Chancellor Economic and Workforce Development
• SOWELA Technical Community College, LA
• Director Workforce Training, Idaho State University, ID
• Dean of Continuing Education, Mohave Community College, AZ

Author:

• Covalent Leadership
• Death by Leadership
• Driving Innovation

Artist:

Joefleishmanart.com

*SOLD OUT* Thanks to our supportors, we are a SOLD OUT EVENT!! 

Our annual Bellaire/Southwest Houston Rotary Club wine dinner is Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 6:30 - 9pm at the BraeBurn Country Club. All proceeds benefit the Willbern Heritage Scholarship Foundation. Join us for another fabulous evening of great food and wonderful wines in an elegant venue supporting a great cause!

• Gold Sponsor ($2,500): Logo recognition on all event print material and media, priority seating for 8 people, personal student thank you
• Host Table ($1,800): Table for 8 people
• Individual Tickets ($200 per person)

We will have a SURPRISE Guest Speaker on Thursday, September 24! You won't want to miss it!!

ABOUT LIZ MCNEEL

Liz is deeply committed to giving back. She volunteers as an Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator reflecting her dedication to supporting families navigating the challenges of aging and memory care. Liz also serves on the Board of Houston Area Continuity of Care.

Liz is also the Founder of the Houston Senior Living Series, a seminar series featuring candid conversations with expert panelists. These sessions address the unique and complex challenges that seniors and their families face, providing valuable insights and solutions.

Professionally, Liz McNeel is a REALTOR®, Real Estate Planner, and a trusted resource with two distinct areas of expertise. She serves clients of all ages throughout the Greater Houston region while also specializing in guiding older adults and their families through late-in-life transitions. Her mission is to present all available options, empowering her clients to make informed decisions with confidence.

Liz attended the University of Houston and spent over 25 years as a commercial insurance broker before transitioning to residential real estate, where she has been with Keller Williams Metropolitan for over a decade. She holds the
Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) designation from the PhD-led program at the Seniors Real Estate Institute, further solidifying her expertise in serving the senior community.

ABOUT CHIEF DAVIS FARQUHAR