Barry Mandel, President
As President and Park Director, Barry Mandel is responsible for the executive management of park operations, programming, fundraising, and continues to build upon the tremendous success of this downtown destination.
Mandel joins Discovery Green from Legacy Community Health Services, where he held the position of Chief Operating Officer and Capital Campaign Director for four years. A native Houstonian, Mandel has served for many years in the non-profit industry, both on the management side and on the board of directors level. Prior to his time at Legacy, Mandel served as the executive director of the Houston Theater District for six years and was instrumental in the merger of the Theater District and the Downtown Houston Association to create the Houston Downtown Alliance, which he ran for an additional three years.
Melinda Parmer, Business Manager
Melinda has been active in the Houston nonprofit community for most of her adult life. She was born in Houston and now considers it home, after spending time in Louisiana, Brazil, Mexico and most recently Arizona. Her varied background includes a degree in music from Tulane University and 24 years running HITS Theatre in the Heights. Business management of the Park involves various skills beyond bookkeeping and spreadsheets, and she is collaborating with other employees on developing procedures that will streamline many of the processes that go on at the Park, from park maintenance schedules to data entry strategies. She specializes in computerized and web-based methods, including managing HR tasks and accounts, which she says are greener – less paper, fewer trips to the post office and bank, and more time spent improving the Park!
Clark Curry, RLA, Operations Director
Clark joined Discovery Green in November 2007. As Operations Director, he is responsible for managing the day to day operation of the park. This includes overseeing maintenance, security, facilitating and supporting special events, and managing contractors performing work in the park. Clark is a registered Landscape Architect and earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University. He has over 15 years experience working for Municipal Governments in the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. Prior to coming to Discovery Green, Clark worked for the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department. He was assigned to the Central Division of the Greenspace Management Department and his responsibilities included Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou, Hermann Square, Tranquility Park and Sam Houston Park.
Susanne Theis, Program Director
Susanne joined Discovery Green as Programming Director after 25 years at The Orange Show, sponsor of the city’s popular, off-the-wall Art Car Parade. Theis is a published writer, art curator and has lectured around the country on Folk and Outsider Art. As Programming Director, she is working to build the programming framework for Discovery Green, and will concentrate on scheduling events and ongoing activities that will appeal to the diverse Houston community.
Julie H. Bergen, Development Consultant
Julie was brought on board as a development consultant to execute the building campaign and has moved on to devising a plan for annual giving. She previously spent 10 years as a special events manager with Texas Children’s Hospital. Another native Houstonian, she is also delighted to be a part of a unique project that will have a permanent spot in Houston’s recreational offerings.
Maria Aguirre, Executive Assistant
Maria joined Discovery Green in February 2008 after being in the media industry for 14 years. As Executive Assistant she supports the Staff and Management. Maria has called Houston home for over 30 years.
Gary Hernandez, Event Coordinator
Gary joined Discovery Green as Event Coordinator after six years with the University of Houston - Downtown, President's Office where he served as the Coordinator of Constituent Relations. He has grown-up in Houston's inner city and considers downtown Houston his home. As Event Coordinator, he works with the Programming Staff to coordinate and implement activities and events for the community to enjoy on a daily basis that reflect Houston's diversity.
Lori Ann San Miguel, Programming Assistant
As the programming team’s assistant, Lori works with the Programming Staff to coordinate events & activities. She conducts research for programming and park features and helps maintain the Event Schedule and the website. She also organizes group visits/field trips, children's birthday parties and other private events.
Ashley Davis, Event Tech
Ashley grew up in and around the Houston area and considers himself a proud Houstonian. He brings 6+ years of experience with audio/video to Discovery Green. He finds the success of both public and private events his greatest satisfaction and a job well done.
Larry Vasquez, Team Leader
Larry joined Discovery Green as Team Leader after 17 years in the financial industry at JP Morgan Chase. As Team Leader he works with his group of ambassadors to maintain safe conditions for the general public and is also focused on the overall behavior of the general public in the park.
