Since the start of ABA Services in 2005, Thomas’ skills have earned both him and the company a reputation for excellence, problem-solving, and innovative application. Through his attention to detail and dedication, ABA Services has grown to be the brand of choice for construction projects both in the Brazos Valley and throughout the State of Texas. Thomas’ drive to offer the best products and experiences for ABA Services’ customers has cemented his role as the company’s Chief Operating Officer and part of the Executive Management Team.

In this role, Thomas is responsible for overseeing the company’s construction contracting operations and employee teams. His objective is to build high-value projects for the company’s customers and partners through skills training and development of ABA employees. Thomas's second focus is updating the company’s current systems and processes to increase job productivity and efficiency. Thomas’ practical experience aids him in driving large-scale company growth, cultivating successful leaders and teams, and constructing an employee-first company culture.

Thomas is passionate about delivering high-quality work, using the best materials, finding solutions before the problem arises, and exceeding expectations in all of the relationships he builds with customers.

Dr. Charles (Charley) Gilliland, a native of Colorado, grew up on a cattle ranch and graduated from Regis College in Denver, Colorado with an A.B. degree. Dr. Gilliland earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Gilliland currently holds an appointment as a Research Economist with the Real Estate Center in the Office of the Provost and an appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University. He also served as Clinical Professor of Finance in the Master of Real Estate program in the Mays School.

The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers bestowed its Golden Quill Award on Dr. Gilliland. The Farm Credit Bank of Texas inducted Dr. Gilliland into the Academy of Honor for significant contributions to agriculture.

Dr. Gilliland has served as President of the Bryan Texas Rotary Club where he is a member of the Paul Harris Society. He also has served as Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5910. In addition, he also serves on the Youth Exchange Committee and Governor for Rotary District 5910.

Dr. Gilliland has an extensive publication record, including a book entitled Buying Rural Land In Texas published by the Texas A&M University Press.

Jeff Donoughue is Boeing’s director of Program Integration for the International Space Station, coodinating daily operations for the orbiting laboratory along with maintenance, sustaining and upgrades for the program. The ISS is the largest, most complex international scientific and engineering program in history, enabling hundreds of experiments annually while supporting continuous human habitation for more than 20 years. 

Prior to his current role, Donoughue served as the manager of Avionics Systems Sustaining for the ISS overseeing the complex computer, power and sensor network that directs the space station as it moves through orbit.

Donoughue led multiple activites throughout the design and assembly phases of the development of the ISS, including as a certified console operator for NASA’s Mission Evaluation Room during 37 missions to assemble the ISS in orbit.

Donoughue earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M. He is based in Houston.

Melissa Green serves as President of the Bryan Rotary Club, bringing dedication, leadership, and a deep appreciation for its legacy. A committed Rotarian, she is passionate about service and community impact. Today, she welcomes past presidents and shares insights into the club’s rich 105-year history and enduring mission of service above self.

We will be joined by several past Bryan Rotary Presidents at our regular meeting at the Phillips Event Center. Please help us welcome Joe Cerami, Joseph Hill, Janie Williams, Hugh Walker, Penny King, and Mike Southland. Plan to arrive at 11:30 AM for a meet and greet with these distinguished guests.

Bryan Rotary Club works with the Bryan Independent School District to collect scholarship applications from area students. Our committee reviews all the applications based on our own set rating criteria then chooses four (or more) worthy candidates to award scholarships. Students must register for classes and funding is sent directly to the selected school after enrollment. 

Mark Browning will be presenting our Scholarship Winners.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership training program for young people (typically14-30) organized by Rotary clubs and districts. It aims to develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and ethical leadership while fostering community service and personal growth. Events range from one-day seminars to week-long camps, often funded by Rotary scholarships.

Every year since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has collected shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children around the world. Since then, more than 244 million children in more than 175 countries and territories have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. The project delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expression of God’s love.

Tens of thousands of volunteers from local churches around the world partner with them at festive outreach events where children are surprised with these shoebox gifts.

Dementia Friendly Bryan - College Station's mission is to create an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, they strive to enhance awareness, understanding, and accessibility within our community, fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and dignity for all. 

They work to create a community where every person touched by dementia feels valued, supported, and empowered to live life to the fullest.  They aspire to create a network of compassionate individuals, organizations, and businesses working together to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and promote holistic well-being for those affected by dementia.

Royce Hickman has been a part of the Brazos Valley for most of his life.  If you know him, then you know he is proud to call Bryan/College Station his home.  Before retiring, Royce Hickman was the President of the B/CS Chamber of Commerce for 19 years.  He grew up in this area, and has done his part to help it grow ever since.  Royce has been part-owner, Vice President and Treasurer of Brazos Blue Ribbon Bakery, Business Administrator for Kingwood United Methodist Church, Boardf member and President of The Association of Former Students and President of the Houston A&M club and the Friends of Sterling C. Evans Library.

Brigadier General Joe Ramirez, Jr. is a native of Houston and a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Texas Aggie Band in the Corps of Cadets. General Ramirez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Texas A&M (1979); a Master’s Degree in Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri (1993); and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (2000). During his 31 years of military service, General Ramirez commanded soldiers around the world and served in leadership positions in various joint and operational commands. He was the Deputy Chief of Staff for United States Central Command during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and was the Deputy Division Commander for the 2nd Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea. His most recent assignment was Deputy Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy for US European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

Prior to being named Vice President for Student Affairs, General Ramirez served as the 45th Commandant of Cadets at Texas A&M from 2010-2021. As the Commandant, General Ramirez oversaw the largest collegiate Corps of Cadets outside of the three military academies. Under his leadership, the Corps of Cadets experienced the largest growth it has seen since the early 1970s, increasing in size from 1800 cadets to over 2550 cadets in just 7 years. In addition, the overall cumulative Corps GPA increased from an overall 2.6 to a 3.2. Under his tenure, the Corps also increased in diversity, including the first African American Corps Commander, the first female Corps Commander, the first female Mascot Handler, the first female Commander of Parsons Mounted Cavalry, and the first Hispanic Yell Leader. In addition, he helped oversee the largest number of officers commissioned into the Armed Forces from Texas A&M since the Vietnam War in the early 1970s.

He is also an active member in the local community, serving on numerous boards, including the Boys & Girls Club of Brazos Valley, Heart of Texas American Red Cross, Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History and the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce.

Scott Kirk the Executive Vice President of the Bryan Yard Dogs. Kinsey Lawrence serves as the Marketing and Media Director for the Bryan Yard Dogs while pursuing a degree in Sports Media at Texas Tech University.

They will be introducing the Bryan Yard Dogs, Bryan's collegiate summer baseball team, and highlight our inaugural 2026 season. I'll share how the organization is committed to developing collegiate athletes, creating meaningful community partnerships, supporting local businesses, engaging youth and families, and providing opportunities for host families, sponsors, volunteers, and community organizations to become part of something lasting in Bryan.

The Aggieland Humane Society provides humane care and placement for homeless and abandoned animals, promotes the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership to enhance the quality of life for the people and animals in our community.

UPCOMING EVENT:

Free Vaccine & Microchip Clinic

Education takes center stage at this week's Bryan Rotary Club meeting as recipients of the club's Teacher Mini-Grants return to share the impact of their innovative classroom projects. Each year, Bryan Rotary invests approximately $10,000 in grants that empower local educators to bring creative learning opportunities to their students. Members will hear firsthand how these projects have enhanced classrooms, inspired student success, and demonstrated Rotary's ongoing commitment to strengthening education throughout the Bryan community.

Drones are transforming modern law enforcement, from locating missing persons and assisting in search-and-rescue operations to documenting crime scenes, supporting emergency response, and enhancing public safety. This is a unique opportunity to learn how cutting-edge technology is helping protect our community while gaining insight into the important work of our local law enforcement professionals. We hope you'll join us for great fellowship, a delicious lunch, and a fascinating look at the future of public safety.

Chris Lamb is a dedicated public safety professional whose career spans more than three decades of service to the Brazos Valley community. A Paramedic for 28 years and a Bryan Firefighter for 24 years, Chris has built his career around serving others, leading in critical situations, and helping develop the next generation of emergency responders.

Chris previously served as an EMS Director, bringing leadership and extensive field experience to emergency medical services. He also served for 13 years as a Brazos County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Medic, providing specialized medical support during high-risk operations.

For three years, Chris served as a Flight Paramedic with CHI St. Joseph in Bryan, providing advanced critical-care medical transport to patients throughout the region. His commitment to excellence in emergency medicine has also been evident throughout his 20 years as a Field Training Officer with Bryan Fire Department, where he has helped train, mentor, and prepare firefighters and paramedics for the demands of the profession.

With decades of experience in fire service, emergency medicine, tactical medicine, flight medicine, leadership, and training, Chris Lamb represents a career defined by service, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to his community.

Nancy has lived in Bryan since 1994 after growing up in Dallas, and graduated from A&M in 1997 with a degree in anthropology. In that time, she’s been active at StageCenter, on-stage and off. She’s worked in radio for years, both as a reporter, news anchor, and disc jockey. Nancy is a court appointed advocate with Voices for Children. In 2014, she moved to Los Angeles where she directed script readings for Netflix, Apple, and HBO. The bright lights of Bryan called her back in 2022. She’s worked as an independent journalist for the past five years, and is a 5th generation Texan. Nancy spends her time reading, worrying about her yard, and serving as President of the Board of StageCenter.

Jay Patton, curator of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library’s America 250 exhibition, E Puribus Unum: Celebrating the American Experience, is an accomplished cultural heritage leader with over 20 years of experience shaping how the public connects with history.  As the Supervisory Museum Curator, he directs the Museum’s curatorial vision, and creates exhibits that educate the community about American history and the life and times of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.  With an academic foundation in historical research and museum studies, Patton develops engaging, world-class programming and remains dedicated to preserving vital historical narratives and keeping the American story vibrant and relevant for audiences today.

Join us for an informative and inspiring program about Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program, an opportunity that promotes cultural understanding, friendship, and international connections among young people.

Our current exchange student, Bruna Barbosa from Brazil, will share her experiences as part of the program and give us a firsthand perspective on living and studying in the Bryan community.

The Bryan Rotary Club has proudly hosted numerous Youth Exchange students over the years, creating lasting friendships and meaningful international connections. This program is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the impact of Youth Exchange and hear directly from one of the students benefiting from it.

Dr. Mary Parish graduated from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 1986 and served her residency in Amarillo Tx.  With her husband’s interest in rural Ministry with the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, she moved frenquently and served as a physician in a number of small towns.  She has served on the Texas Medical Association Committee on access and distribution (of Physicians) and also on the Committee on Primary Care.  She has been involved in a number of charitable organizations including serving as a physician locally for Health for All.

In 2024 she joined the Texas Silver Haired Legislature, whose focus is to help older Texans lead healthier, safer, happier, and more independent lives. They provide information and advocacy to the Texas Legislature that has helped mold laws affecting seniors, for over 40 years.