Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Our vision is guided by a diverse group of members to help build a better Galveston.

A strategic framework built on a proven track record of success.

Build Galveston utilizes a similar Strategic Framework, established by Vision Galveston, in a collaborative model to provide the greatest impact.

The organization is led by Executive Director Tyler Robert and governed by an independent board of directors representing the diverse interests and priorities of the people of Galveston.

Board of Directors & Consulting

Marshall Tyndall
Marshall TyndallPast President
Cate Black
Cate BlackPresident
Shirlyn Thomas
Shirlyn ThomasTreasurer
Ingrid Gonzalez
Ingrid GonzalezSecretary
Cornelia Banks
Cornelia Banks
Pierre Banks
Pierre Banks
Chris Basilotto
Chris Basilotto
Keath Jacoby
Keath Jacoby
Dwayne Jones
Dwayne Jones
Megan Jones
Megan Jones
Vincent Lorefice
Vincent LoreficeVice President
Betty Massey
Betty Massey
Paula Tobon
Paula Tobon
Christine Bryant
Christine BryantEx Officio
Sharon Lewis
Sharon LewisEx Officio
Brian Maxwell
Brian MaxwellEx Officio
John Rutherford
John RutherfordConsultant

Board of Directors & Consulting

Pierre Banks

Cate
Black

Vice President

Chris Basilotto

Keath Jacoby

Dwayne Jones

Vincent Lorefice

Bix Rathburn

Shirlyn Thomas

Treasurer

Paula Tobon

Marshall Tyndall

President

Christine Bryant

Ex Officio

John Rutherford

Consultant

Betty Massey

Brian Maxwell

Ex Officio

Sharon Lewis

Ex Officio

Megan Jones

Ingrid Gonzalez

Secretary

Cornelia Banks

Team Members

Christine Bryant

Build Galveston Executive Director-Interim

Christine Bryant is the interim Build Galveston Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Vision Galveston. Christine is a tireless advocate for the island and its residents and its workforce, with more than twenty years of experience in the nonprofit, public, and public/private sectors, and is an expert in economic development, public affairs, and community building. She is also an expert on opportunity zones, with a network of local, state, and federal elected officials and public-private partners, government agencies, and for-profit companies.

She recently served as vice president of existing industry and regional development for the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation. During her tenure, she formed a multi-county collaboration of economic development organizations, governments, nonprofits, and higher education institutions to spearhead business assistance facing COVID-19 disruption. She was also responsible for promoting investment in her region’s opportunity zones and creating the “Coastal Bend Opportunity Zones Summit” with The White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

Christine is a certified economic developer with the International Economic Development Council. She earned a bachelor of science degree in communications from Missouri State University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.

Tyler Robert

Executive Director

Tyler has been a resident of Galveston County for over five years and has worked within that time at both county and city levels. His background has spanned work in economic development, business recruitment, international trade development, downtown redevelopment, government advocacy, community engagement, marketing, and web design.

In Tyler’s previous role at the City of Hitchcock’s Economic Development Corporation he served as its Executive Director where he led efforts to expand the city’s working opportunities with industrial recruitment and expansion as well as the development of the downtown district and commercial corridor. Tyler formed the city’s first tourism initiative and launched Hitchcock’s first city-branded festival.

Tyler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Tech University in anthropology and has completed certification courses from the International Economic Development Council, Community Development Institute, and the TEEX Basic Economic Development Course. His passion for the economic betterment of communities in need has been the driving force in all aspects of his career.

Who is Vision Galveston?

For more information about what Vision Galveston is working on, visit them here:

Vision Galveston started as a project to empower the Galveston Island community to define its vision for the city, where we spoke to more than 8,500 individuals over an intensive nine-month period. These actions resulted in a strategic framework consisting of 78 recommendations—a culmination of numerous conversations, feedback sessions, community events, and the collective power of diverse voices. With the help and support of our residents, workforce, partners, and funders, we aim to transform Galveston into the best place to live, work, raise a family, and visit for all socioeconomic groups and demographics, young and old.

Who is Vision Galveston?

For more information about what Vision Galveston is working on, visit them here:

A partnership with CenterPoint Energy’s Agencies in Action helped income-eligible housing by providing whole-house energy weatherization upgrades like HVAC tune-ups/upgrades and water heater pipe insulation. The groundwork for a large neighborhood-wide revitalization is taking shape with the OCCP CommUNITY Project, aimed at home repairs to make the home safer, healthier and more energy efficient. Be sure to follow this project in 2024.