In January, 2007, Tom joined Vital Alianceas a volunteer and was elected President in November, 2008.
Tom's affiliation with Vital Alliance began after he received a life-saving Heart Transplant in November, 2006.
A retired Army First Sergeant, he has spent the past three years volunteering and providing support to our program by devoting many hours planning our annual events and speaking in our local communities about Organ & Tissue Donation.
Mariluz Martinez, Vice President, Chairwoman, Memorial Tree Planting Committee
Has been a member of Vital Alliance for many years. Was appointed Vice President in March 2010 to fill the opening created when her predicessor resigned.
Mariluz is associated with the organization through her work at Allograft Resources, the University of Texas Health Sciences tissue bank.
Simera Nichols, Vice President - Chairwoman, Donor Awareness Run/Walk Committee Simera recently joined Vital Alliance as a volunteer after relocating to Texas from California. She coordinates community outreach and hospital development in relation to eye and corneal donation for the San Antonio Eye Bank.
She has worked in the field of donation and transplantation for the last 6 years and currently serves as the chair of the Vital Alliance Donate Life Run/Walk. “I am inspired by the courage of donor families to donate their loved one’s corneas so that those in need can regain their sight. I feel very blessed and fortunate to work in the field of donation and transplantation. It is the true circle of life.”
Rich has been with Vital Alliance since shortly after his September, 1994 Liver Transplant.
He is in his third consecutive term as the organization's treasurer. His "day" job is working as an Accountant for the Greehey Childrens Cancer Research Institute which is affilliated with the UT Health Science Center.
He spends his down-time with his wife and daughter.
Julie Philpott, Recording Secretary Julie became involved with Vital Alliance in 2008, and was elected Secretary that same year.
Julie is passionate about educating the community on the importance of registering to be an organ, tissue and cornea donor. She has over 18 years experience working in the medical field; as a Patient Advocate at MD Anderson Cancer Center and a Physician Liaison at MemorialHermannHospital, both in Houston, TX. She moved to Boerne, TX in 2006 to be closer to family.
She is currently the Development Coordinator for the Tissue Services department at the SouthTexasBlood & TissueCenter. In her free time, Julie enjoys knitting, being a Girl Scout leader and raising her two children.
Mary Segovia, Corresponding Secretary In 2008, Mary joined Vital Alliance and was inducted as Co-Secretary.
Her affiliation with Vital Alliance is through her work in the Tissue Dept at the SouthTexasBlood & TissueCenter.
She is a Hospital Development Coordinator and works very closely with area Hospitals on awareness & education about the Texas Glenda Dawson Registry on organ, tissue & cornea donation.
Mary has been working at the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center for 6yrs in both the Blood area and Tissue.
