A proud graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Bondesen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1980. She also holds a double minor in Management and Photojournalism. Before joining Burke, Bondesen served as District Director for Texas State Representative Roy Blake Jr. from 2005 to 2006. Since becoming a Community Liaison at Burke in 2006, she has played a vital role in promoting community health initiatives.
Bondesen is credited with developing and managing the Rural East Texas Health Network (RETHN), which unites advisory boards in eleven counties. These boards include key stakeholders such as law enforcement, hospitals, judges, EMS, and mental health professionals, all working together to provide crucial care during mental health crises.
In 2018, Bondesen established a System of Care (SOC) advisory network after Burke received a four-year grant. This network brought together various agencies serving youth, including schools, juvenile probation departments, Child Protective Services, the Department of State Health Services, and Burke staff. Following the conclusion of the grant, the SOC board members transitioned to collaborate with local CRCGs. Bondesen continues her active engagement by serving as Secretary for the Houston/Trinity CRCG, facilitating meetings and fostering collaboration among partners.
Ms. Bondesen’s nominator, Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Mayor of Crockett, Texas, commended her decades-long service with the Houston and Trinity Counties CRCG and her role as secretary since 2018. She noted her “ability to openly communicate, show mutual respect, and prioritize the good of the whole has earned her the respect of all partners. She has grown our virtual membership and enhanced the service-oriented process.”
Fisher praised Ms. Bondesen’s passion: “Anne is always available to assist participants. She has a heart for service, helping others achieve their goals and maintaining high standards.”
About Bondesen’s role as Community Liason, Melanie Taylor, CEO of Burke, explains that “Anne does a great job collaborating with multiple entities across our communities to represent Burke and advocate for the people we serve. She exemplifies our mission of ‘Working Together to Improve Lives!'”
