Scenic Houston welcomes four new Board Members

HOUSTON – Scenic Houston today announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors. Jeri Brooks, David W. Hightower, Courtney Johnson Rose and Alia Vinson are eligible to serve three, 3-year terms. “This is a great group of individuals with extensive knowledge of Houston, urban planning and development standards” said Scenic Houston Chair Marlene Gafrick. “We are thankful they have volunteered to put their years of experience to work helping Scenic Houston with its ongoing mission of advocating for high-quality policies that preserve and enhance the character of Housto

n’s public places.” Brooks is founder and lead strategist at One World Strategy Group, LLC, a Houston-based strategic communications firm. She has more than 20 years of public policy experience. Her strategic problem-solving skills have netted legislative wins for wide-ranging local, state and global clients. She is recognized as

a Top 100 Hired Gun lobbyist by Capitol Insider for both 2019 and 2021. Her previous experience includes serving as communications director for the 2009 Annise Parker for Mayor campaign.

“Scenic Houston has a long and admirable record of achievements that have helped make Houston a better place in which to live, work and play,” said Brooks. “I am honored to be able to contribute to the work ahead.”

Hightower currently serves as executive vice president of the commercial real estate development and investment firm Midway, where he handles large-scale land investment projects as well as the sourcing of new investment opportunities. He is leading Midway’s East River redevelopment project along the banks of Buffalo Bayou east of downtown. Prior to joining Midway, he was chief development officer at Wolff Companies. He is involved in the Urban Land Institute and a strong supporter of walkable neighborhoods.

“Since joining Midway I have become more acutely aware of the streetscape and pedestrian experience in our city. Serving as a board member of Scenic Houston is a way to give back to this community,” Hightower said. “I will be a passionate advocate for positive outcomes that will build upon Scenic Houston’s previous successes.”

Rose is chief executive officer at George E. Johnson Development, Inc. and the principal broker for its affiliate company George E. Johnson Properties, a full-service firm specializing in development services, master planning, residential and commercial brokerage services. Due to her leadership, the firm has secured many governmental and corporate clients. She oversees firm operations and business development and manages all the licensed real estate agents working for GEJ Properties.

“As a real estate broker, I understand the importance of aesthetics in maintaining a community’s image. Everyone has a right to live surrounded by beautiful, thoughtfully planned public spaces and uncluttered highways.” said Rose.

Vinson is a partner at Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP. Her practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation. She works with municipal utility districts, water authorities, local government corporations, management districts, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones and redevelopment authorities, both as general counsel and bond counsel. She is an advocate for long-term water planning and conservation, flood control and park improvements.

Vinson echoed the commitment of her new board colleagues in saying, “There has been much progress made over the last 40 years, but the work is not yet finished.”

Scenic Houston’s board has 34 members. There is also a 17-member advisory board as well as six board members emeritus.

About Scenic Houston
Scenic Houston is a chapter of Scenic Texas, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization and an affiliate of Scenic America. Scenic Houston’s mission is to enhance the scenic character of the spaces where we live, work and visit.