Team

Katie has officially been at the GHRA for a year now and man-oh-man what a year it has been! Katie just received her Master’s Degree in Public Relations from the University of Houston, where she found her love for writing. Before attending UH, Katie received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Texas A&M University. Prior to coming on board at the GHRA, she worked as an Intern at a PR firm, The Padgett Group, as well as a marketing/events coordinator at Elegant Beginnings, a linen rental company specializing in weddings and special events.

First and Foremost, Katie is a dancer. She has been dancing since she was a little girl and it’s what keeps her sane! Katie danced all through High School and was in Dance Arts Society at A&M. Though Katie does not take classes as much as she would like to now, it is something that she will always have to turn to when life gets crazy. 

 Favorite Food: Mexican Food – the spicier the better!

 Favorite Condiment- Salsa (you can’t have mexican food without it!)

 Favorite Recipe: Katie uses the term “home chef” loosely, as she is still learning how to cook.  She has set a goal of cooking a new dish every week, and although she has not quite met the “every week” goal, she has  recently created some dishes that were very tasty. Katie is fairly health conscious, so a lot of the dishes she makes are centered around veggies.  The dish that has gained the most positive reviews by roommates and friends are her stuffed peppers. What is so wonderful about this dish is the fact that you can make it based on the ingredients you already have in your kitchen! Katie’s favorite ingredients to fill the peppers with is ground turkey, brown rice, diced tomatoes, onions and peppers and of course, salsa!

Jean Stewart - Administrative Assistant

Jean is a lifelong Houstonian, briefly moving away to get her undergrad at Texas Christian University. Jean graduated from TCU in 2009 with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising. Most recently, Jean was a Project Coordinator for the 2011 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Houston where she assisted in the planning, organizing and implementing of numerous events, programs and activities. Prior to working for the Final Four Local Organizing Committee, she interned at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in their Advancement Office where she gained experience in non-profit development, event planning and public relations.

Favorite Food: Nothing beats homemade green enchiladas!

Favorite Condiment: Is queso a condiment? If not, it definitely should be!

Favorite Recipe: When I was living in Washington D.C., I got a last minute emergency call to cook luncheon for a group of about 15 ambassadors. With dietary restrictions galore and not a lot of time, I called upon my trusty baked salmon recipe that has a glaze of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. It was a hit then and I continue to make it for my friends when I am looking for something easy and delicious!

 Crystal Riggs - Member Relations Manager

Crystal is a Texan through and through.  She was born in Corpus Christi, TX and moved to Houston, TX when she was 2 years old.  After graduating from Texas Tech University in 2003 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing, she returned to Houston where she became actively involved in the community.  She was recruited to be a Game-Day Employee for the Houston Texans, served as the Social Events Chair for the Local Texas Tech Alumni Chapter and volunteered for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. 

During that same time Crystal began to focus on her career.  She was a Pediatric Sales Representative with Abbott Nutrition a division of Abbott Laboratories where she successfully grew not one, but two territories within the Greater Houston and surrounding areas.  Most recently, Crystal was hand selected as the Clinical Account Specialist for the state of Texas representing a premier line of Nutraceuticals. Her knowledge and passion for sales is a continued part of her success. 

Crystal is an avid sports fan.  Most weekends are spent with friends and family enjoying good food and taking in a game.

Favorite Types of Food: Texas BBQ

Favorite Condiments: Do Jalapenos count?

Favorite Recipes: King Ranch Chicken and my Great Grandmother’s Chocolate Pie.