Leadership

Officers – Two Year Terms 2026-2027

President

Mishell Parreno Taylor, Akerman

President-Elect

Joseph G. “Chip” Galagaza, Arbitrator

1st Vice President

Patrick M. Flynn, Attorney

2nd Vice President

Walter Darr, Managing Member
Darr & Associates – Labor Relations, Arbitration, Mediation, Training & Advisory

3rd Vice President

Deidra Norris, Section Chief, City of Houston, Labor, Employment & Civil Service Section

Secretary

Lori Laconta, Arbitrator/Mediator

Treasurer

Michael “Mickey” Brock, Arbitrator

Treasurer-Elect

Rachel Yurek, Arbitrator

Directors – Three Year Terms 2025-2027

Management

1. 1. A. John Harper III, Littler Mendelson, P.C.
   2. Katherine Mack, HR Director – Compliance
   3. Vacant

Labor

1. 1. Charlie Singletary – International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 564
   2. Robert Deleon, IB Teamsters, Local 988
   3. Ben Lilienfeld, USW Sub District Director

Neutrals/Education

1. 1. Nadine Littles, Labor-Management Arbitrator
   2. Barbara Manousso, Ph.D., MPH,CFRE – Mediator, Arbitrator, Trainer, Podcaster, Author
   3. Vacant

Government

1. 1. Jennifer Ortiz Prather, EEOC, Supervisory Attorney ADR and Mediation Services
   2. Marina Guerra, EEOC, Outreach and Education Coordinator
   3. Jimmy Owens, FMCS Commissioner – Houston TX Field Office

Associate Directors

1. 1. Sa’Mecha “Sam” Echols, FMCS Commissioner – Dallas TX Field Office
   2. Patricia Hollis McGruder, Arbitrator/Mediator

Advisory Committee Consultants

Advisory Committee: Maretta Comfort Toedt, Arbitrator/Mediator (Retired) and John D. Harris FMCS Mediator (Retired)

Updated 6/27/2026 (This slate of Officers and Directors approved by Greater Houston LERA Chapter vote on 12/4/2025)