Position 
on Board: Vice Chair
Counties represented: Angelina
Randy George, President of William George, a wholesale food distributor in Angelina County, has served on the Burke board since 2009. He and his wife, Judy, have been married for 40 years; they have three kids, all Texas A&M graduates (Gig ’em!), and are grandparents to five grandchildren.
How did you first get involved with Burke?
Well, when we were growing up, we knew that my cousin had some developmental disabilities. So we learned about Burke through the services he received here. Burke has been a part of my family’s life for so long, and I think a lot of East Texans can say that.
What was your first impression of Burke?
I had a very personal, “service-based” impression of Burke because of my cousin. I always had a high opinion of Burke, but now that I’m on the board, I have a much better understanding of the organization’s reach throughout the whole region.
What do you wish other people knew about Burke?
I wish people knew more about what Burke does and the different programs it offers. Because of the media coverage that follows many mental health crises, people are aware of the problems, but they don’t always know where to turn for help.
What do you think will change about Burke (or the MH/IDD service realm) over the next five years?
Funding is always a concern for service organizations. Burke has always made incredible use of their funding sources. With 1115 Transformation funding, we hired new staff and cut waitlists completely. But with recent legislative changes, funding for several of Burke’s programs has been affected. I’m always worried about funding reductions, and Burke always finds a way to move forward.
How would someone describe you?
I’m a facts guy. I like to see results. I also like to see a thoughtful strategy. I think the successful organizations and businesses are looking 10 years out, trying to look around the next corner.
What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
I work! Really. I work a lot…usually 6 days a week. I love A&M football and go to all the home Aggie games. And I love taking family trips to the Texas coast.
