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Founding Director
Kelly de Schaun hails from Kerrville, Texas, where her formative years were spent working in the region's camps and restaurants during the summers. She's a proud alumna of the Conrad Hilton School of Global Hospitality at the University of Houston, with a Master's degree in Community and Regional Planning earned at the University of Texas at Austin.
Following her undergraduate studies, Kelly followed in her parents' footsteps and enlisted in the US Peace Corps. Her service took her to the beautiful Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic, where she served as an Education Volunteer.
Upon completing her service, Kelly's talents were recognized by the Dominican Republic's premier hotelier, and she was appointed as the founding Executive Director of the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation. Her work garnered accolades from the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CH&TA), leading to her appointment as the Founding Director of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, a subsidiary of CH&TA dedicated to preserving the Caribbean's cultural, environmental, and historical resources.
Kelly dedicated two decades to representing the private tourism sector in the Caribbean, receiving recognition from esteemed organizations such as the World Travel & Tourism Council, the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, Travel Weekly magazine, and the National Hotel & Tourism Association for her contributions to sustainable development in the region.
In 2011, Kelly returned to her roots in Texas and took on the role of CEO of the Park Board of Trustees, the local governmental body responsible for tourism promotion on Galveston Island. During her tenure, she led the Texas Travel Alliance through the challenges of the pandemic as Chair, earned the title of "Galvestonian of the Year" from the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, and was acknowledged for her conservation efforts by Artist Boat. Furthermore, she was recently inducted into the UH Distinguished Alumni Club and currently serves as a board member of the Panamanian-based education NGO Foundation Forum.
kdeschaun@lonestarcoastal.org
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Director of Creative Strategy
Lisa Shaw is a distinguished executive leader renowned for her ability to drive organizational growth and operational excellence across diverse sectors. With a rich background in organizational governance, project management, and personnel oversight, Lisa possesses a solid foundation in strategic planning, efficient execution, and impactful communication. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on prominent institutions, where she's consistently demonstrated her capability to manage complex logistics and implement innovative solutions, ensuring stability even in challenging times.
In her role as Executive Director at the Galveston Arts Center, Lisa showcased her talent in collaborating with stakeholders, executing strategic plans, and maintaining transparent communication to oversee the comprehensive functioning of the museum. Her tenure witnessed an expansion of educational outreach efforts and a resilient response to the COVID pandemic, securing the institution's sustainability. Lisa's leadership extended to The Nature Conservancy, where she orchestrated influential donor engagement field trips in Houston, and the National Museum of the Pacific War, where she managed multi-million dollar projects and fostered international collaborations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa has actively contributed as Chairwoman of the Cultural Master Plan of Galveston Island and as an Advisor to the Downtown Partnership, actively shaping communities. Lisa and her Husband J.R. are co- founders of Galveston Unscripted, a podcast and audio guide showcasing Galveston Island historical assets With a Master's degree in Museum Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in history, Lisa combines academic expertise with practical know-how. She is deeply committed to leveraging her skills to guide organizations toward their goals, foster collaboration, and achieve enduring success.
Lisa currently calls Galveston Island home with her husband, three kids and dog.
lshaw@lonestarcoastal.org
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Jade Warriner, a native of the town of Silverton, Oregon, embodies a constant determination and dedicated work ethic. Raised amidst the scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, she developed a deep-rooted love for nature, finding solace and inspiration in the rugged beauty of her surroundings.
Her journey led her to pursue a dual passion for Art History and Photography at Oregon State University, where she honed her creative talents and analytical skills. An opportunity at the Houston Center of Photography propelled her to Texas, where she immersed herself in the vibrant cultural scene, contributing to the Education Department by cataloging and mentoring aspiring photographers.
Driven by her thirst for new experiences, Jade ventured further south to Galveston, where she seamlessly transitioned into the realm of vacation rentals, leveraging her expertise in marketing and photography to showcase the allure of coastal living.
Today, she is a force in the business world, collaborating with diverse enterprises as a social media and marketing specialist. Her unwavering determination and dedication drive her pursuit of excellence, navigating the changing landscape of digital communication. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to success, Jade continues to carve her path.
Outside of work, Jade remains grounded in the simple joys of life, finding solace in the company of her two cherished canine companions and the breathtaking splendor of the great outdoors. Her love for travel and cultural experiences fuels her to continue to learn and grow as she discovers the diverse world.