New members join UTHealth Houston Development Board to help propel the university’s mission to advance health
On Sept. 1, 2024, four dedicated community leaders joined the UTHealth Houston Development Board. Under the leadership of Maria Pappas, Development Board chair, the board champions the university's mission to educate health science professionals, conduct innovative research, and model best practices in clinical care and public health. With more than 140 members, the board promotes awareness and philanthropic support for the university's critical initiatives to advance well-being throughout the region and beyond.
"We are excited that these outstanding individuals will share their time and talents to amplify the vital work being done across the university,” Pappas said. “Their voices and leadership will play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being for our communities."
Michael Cox
Michael Cox is a real estate development professional with 40 years of experience developing award-winning residential, commercial, and resort projects in the United States and the Caribbean. He leads Johnson Development Services, which provides equity placement, transaction management, and development services for large landowners, top-tier builders, investors, and lenders. Cox works with various community organizations and is deeply committed to promoting health and wellness in the community.
Albert J. Grobmyer IV
Albert Grobmyer has been chair and CEO of Puffer-Sweiven LP since 2007. Puffer-Sweiven provides engineered automation solutions to the oil and gas production, pipeline, refining, and petrochemical industries. Grobmyer also serves on the board of Aquinas Companies and the board of advisors for Fannin Innovation Studio, which focuses on developing and commercializing early-stage medical diagnostics, therapies, and devices. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children: Olivia, a graduate student at Duke University, and Cinco, a student at The University of Texas at Austin. Grobmyer holds a degree in chemical engineering from Rice University.
Helena P. Johnson
Helena Papadopoulos Johnson has served as principal and corporate counsel for Delta Troy, Inc., and DT-GP LLC since 1996. She has also been a director and the vice president of the C.N. and Maria Papadopoulos Charitable Foundation since 2004. Johnson is actively involved in various community and educational organizations. She has been a trustee and executive committee member of Annunciation Orthodox School since 2021 and serves as president of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Society. Additionally, she is a board member of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos Society. Johnson graduated from The Kinkaid School in Houston and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Rice University. She later obtained a law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio.
Barbara Riley
Barbara Riley is a retired certified public accountant. During her 30-year career at Chevron Corporation, she held various roles in financial management, business planning, and negotiations, working in the United States, the Caribbean, and Asia. Since retiring, Riley has actively volunteered in the community, mentoring elementary students in Houston's Fifth Ward and serving as a board member of PARTNERS, a group dedicated to raising funding for Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. She is a past chair of the nursing school's advisory board and previously served as an ex officio member of the UTHealth Houston Development Board. In her leisure time, Riley enjoys traveling, exploring national parks, and playing golf.