Introducing your 2023-2024 LRAA Board of Directors

President - Chris Goodson

Dr. Chris Goodson is a proud graduate of LR Class 31! He served as a ROC (School of Rock) for three years for classes 33 – 35. He is proud to have served on the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association Board for several years and particularly as President this year.

Chris currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the Richardson Independent School District. He has spent his entire 32-year professional career in RISD and served in numerous roles including teacher, assistant principal, principal, Executive Director and Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools. He received his undergraduate and Doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas and his master’s degree from the University of Texas in Arlington.

Chris is the proud father of three amazing children. James (21), David (19) and Winnie (17). He is also extremely blessed to be married to his wife of 24 years, Kellie.

President-Elect - Leslie Rains

A graduate of LR Class 37, Leslie Rains serves as President-Elect for LRAA. Leslie is a Senior Business Analyst for a software company and volunteers for the remaining of her free time. Leslie participated in Richardson Citizen Police Academy, Richardson Citizen Fire Academy, and is an active volunteer. Leslie also has served on the board for the Citizen Police Academy as Class Rep of Class 44. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, and trying any sport that she can.

Secretary/Governance - Abbe Montgomery

Abbe Montgomery is a proud graduate of LR Class 31! She served as a ROC (Roc-a-dile) for three years for Classes 32, 37, and 38. 

Abbe currently serves as a Human Resources and Development Director at State Farm. She is also actively involved in supporting her three boys by volunteering at their schools and booster clubs. 

Abbe is married to Tim and the proud mother of three amazing children. Mason (16), Kingston (14) and Tucker (12).  She enjoys cheering her kids on in all their adventures, traveling, going to concerts, rooting on her teams (Mizzou and KC Chiefs), and anything Taylor Swift. 

Treasurer - Holly Petty

Holly, also known as Jingle Bell ROC and the Selfie Queen, is a woman of many talents and even more nicknames. She's the current Treasurer and knows the past Treasurer very well. As a member of the Leadership Richardson Covidians, she’s famous for capturing the perfect selfie while balancing leadership duties and spreading holiday cheer year-round. Not only that, but she’s got a refined palate—she definitely knows the difference between bourbon and "not real bourbon." With Holly, every moment is a photo op, every meeting is a laugh, and every drink is judged accordingly!

Vice President of Membership - Gavin Nichols

Gavin (pronounced with a long a sound as in ate) serves as Vice President of Membership.  He is a tall insurance professional who knows how to stand above the competition—literally. When he's not busy deciphering the mysteries of insurance policies, he's zipping around in his favorite small sports cars, because who says a guy over six feet tall can’t fit into a vehicle the size of a shoebox? After spending six months in the desert (don't ask), he's learned to stay cool under pressure, and his sense of humor is just as sharp as his culinary skills!

Vice President of Richardson Youth Leadership - Courtney Rains 

A graduate of LR Class 38, Courtney Rains serves as Vice President of Richardson Youth Leadership for LRAA. Courtney is a Paramedic for Wylie Fire and has really enjoyed the opportunity to serve for RYL this year so far. Courtney is an active volunteer and will do anything to make those around her laugh and enjoy their time. She graduated from Berkner High School and is proud to say that she was born and raised in Richardson, Texas. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, traveling, and found a new love for snowboarding.

Vice President of Website Services - Catherine Espel-Logan

A graduate of the Hottest Class, LR Class 39, Catherine Espel-Logan serves as the Vice President of Website Services.  As a Business Technology Manager for State Farm, this was the perfect opportunity to stay active with LR.  Catherine also runs a small business, Beagle FX,  with her other half and has a lot of fun providing direction on clothing and shoe design. When not working or hanging out with LR, Catherine enjoys playing agility with her dog, mountain biking with the family, or anything else outside.

 

Immediate Past President - Coby Pewitt

A graduate of Leadership Richardson Class 32, Coby Pewitt serves as President of LRAA. He has previously served as LR32 Class Representative, Vice President – Membership, Vice President – Website Services, and President Elect. Coby is currently an Assistant Chief of Police with the Richardson Police Department, where he has served the City of Richardson since 1996. He also serves as President of the Boys and Girls Club of Richardson, and he is an avid marathon runner.

 

Class 39 Representative - Becky Deragon

Becky Deragon is thrilled to graduate from LR Class 39, the hottest class! As a small business owner of RD Images, she’s not only the class representative, ensuring class 39 stays connected, but also the one making the LRAA board look good with her photography skills. Becky is deeply committed to her community, serving on the boards of YMCA Richardson and ACM PTA, a Tri Chair for RCC Ambassadors, and as a pebble for RYL. She’s happily married with three kids in RISD, and loves cheering on her boys in baseball, basketball, and football.

Class 39 Representative - Janelle Teng

Janelle Teng moved to Richardson, TX in 2013 to join her husband in the family business, Jeng Chi Restaurant and Bakery.   She has worn many hats in her role as General Manager.  

With the encouragement of a leader in the Chinese community where Jeng Chi resides, the family business joined the Richardson Chamber of Commerce in 2020.  This opened the door for Janelle to join Women in Leadership Committee where she found a community of business women supporting and encouraging one another.   The hunger to dig deeper into the Richardson community sent her in the direction of Leadership Richardson.  

In the wake of the understanding that the key holders at Jeng Chi will manage the restaurant daily operations, Janelle is taking time to be the best Class 39 Representative she can be.  Joining the LRAA board members in continuation of network opportunities of LR graduates, supporting youth leadership training and funding through grants the opportunities for others to do the same brings her much joy.