Every 3 years, the North Houston Association Board of directors gathers for a strategic planning session. During this session the group not only identifies goals to help further the overall mission of the Association but also takes the opportunity to see where any changes or adjustments can be made to current procedures, or initiatives. One of the many changes pinpointed in the last session was at the board level with the implementation of term limits. This would provide new and emerging leaders the opportunity to serve the organization at the highest level. We are happy to say that for 2025 we have added 5 new individuals to the board and are excited about the new ideas they will bring to the Association. Get to know a little bit about them below!
Alan Black, P.E. Vice President, Quiddity
Alan’s path to Quiddity Engineering began with 12 years as a private consultant where he designed and managed primarily public projects. He then served the next 14 years at the Harris County Flood Control District, culminatng with a Commissioners Court appointment as Interim Executive Director, where he led a team of 350+. During this time, he was successful in securing more than $1.4 billion in state and federal partnership funds while directing a $5 billion bond program. He now assists Quiddity’s clients across Texas develop proactive strategies towards grant pursuits, while also advocating for policy and legislative solutions to funding obstacles.
Richard Cantu, East Aldine Management District Executive Director | Harris County Department of Education Trustee, At-Large Pos. 3
Richard joined the district in 2008 as director of services. He has more than 28 years of experience as a public servant, having worked in management and executive level positions at the City of Houston (Parks and Recreation Department & Mayor’s Office), as director of the Houston Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office and at BakerRipley. Richard serves as a Harris County School Trustee (elected county-wide in November 2018), president of the Aldine Education Foundation and board member of the Greens Bayou Coalition, the North Harris County Education Alliance (co-chair), Harris County Flood Control Task Force, and the Lone Star College Foundation.
Telfryn John, P.E., President, Geoscience Engineering & Testing, Inc.
Mr. John provides over 40 years professional engineering and consulting experience in environmental, geotechnical and construction materials engineering / inspection and testing. He has served as principal in charge, principal consultant, chief engineer, project manager, project principal, and consultant on a wide array of geographically diverse projects for commercial, educational, healthcare, infrastructure, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, mining, petrochemical, pulp and paper, retail, sports facilities, transit and transportation projects, nationwide. The favorite part of his job is to identify opportunities, develop contacts and to secure sales.
Michael Keck, P.E., Vice President, LJA Engineering, Inc.
Michael has over 18 years of collective experience in roadway and drainage design with an emphasis on complex freeway projects. He provides expertise in the production of construction documents, schematics, preliminary design, drainage studies, and program management services for TxDOT, Toll Road Authorities, and counties and cities throughout Texas. Michael says, “In my new role as Vice President within Transportation, I have the opportunity to build the community for the public good. This is rewarding work within a rewarding company. I also want to continue to contribute to LJA’s approachable culture. We are employee owned and this helps every employee feel like a real owner of their projects and their career.
Derron Vincik, P.E., LEED AP, Executive Vice President, PGAL
A 23+ year veteran of the firm, Derron rose through the ranks as a design engineer and project manager, and became Principal of PGAL’s Civil Engineering group in 2008. During that time, he has directed some of PGAL’s largest civil and transportation projects and is passionate about mentoring staff and developing and fostering strong working relationships with clients. Derron leads the firm’s transportation group, designing projects ranging from multi-level freeway interchanges and toll roads to rural and urban roadways and transit facilities. Major clients include Harris County, TxDOT, the City of Houston, METRO, and Fort Bend County. His engineering expertise, consistency in meeting challenges head-on, and solid leadership skills have resulted in high commendations from all of the clients, consultants, and contractors who have worked closely with him.
