88R32233 AMB-D
By: Middleton S.R. No. 637
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Kelly de Schaun is concluding her tenure as CEO of
the Galveston Park Board in 2023, after 12 years of dedicated
service; and
WHEREAS, An expert in coastal tourism and hospitality,
Ms. de Schaun has overseen the Galveston Park Board's tourism
marketing, coastal zone management, and park administration; under
her leadership, the agency has tripled its budget, achieved more
than $100 million in coastal restoration projects, and received
numerous awards for special projects and operations; she has also
chaired the Texas Travel Alliance; and
WHEREAS, After serving with the Peace Corps in the Dominican
Republic, Ms. de Schaun went on to enjoy a two-decade-long career
in the Caribbean; she worked as the director of community and
environmental affairs for Grupo Puntacana and as executive director
of the La Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association, and she helped found
and lead the Puntacana Ecological Foundation and developed the
Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism; during that time, she
oversaw the creation of a rural clinic, two primary schools, and a
biodiversity center; and
WHEREAS, Ms. de Schaun's accolades include being recognized
as both the Citizen of the Year and the Woman of the Year by the
Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce and as the Advocate of the
Year by the Texas Travel Alliance; she holds a bachelor's degree in
hotel and restaurant management from the University of Houston and
a master's degree in community and regional planning from The
University of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Kelly de Schaun has made significant contributions
to advancing the mission of the Galveston Park Board, and she may
take well-deserved pride in her exceptional record of achievement;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby commend Kelly de Schaun for her service as CEO of the
Galveston Park Board and extend to her sincere best wishes for the
future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. de Schaun as an expression of high regard by the
Texas Senate.