Board & Consultants

Cordelia Brown

President   May 2021 – May 2025

Cordelia Brown has been a cornerstone of the Heritage Village community since 1997, tirelessly dedicating herself to its growth and unity. Alongside her husband, Jessie, who serves on the Heritage Village HOA Board, Cordelia has raised five children in the neighborhood they both strive to improve. Her journey in community service began in 1998 as a Director of the Heritage Village HOA, where her advocacy led to the creation of numerous cherished events, including Fun Day in the Park, Santa Coming to Heritage Village, and the Annual Clean-Up, fostering a connected and engaged neighborhood.

In 2004, Cordelia expanded her impact by joining the Harris County MUD 217 Board, where she introduced additional community events like the Juneteenth Celebration, Easter Egg-Extravaganza, and Food Drives. As a licensed real estate agent, she emphasizes the importance of creating neighborhoods where families can thrive, emphasizing safety, pride, and lasting connections. Her leadership has been pivotal in enhancing community spirit, particularly through initiatives aimed at children’s safety and well-being.

The MUD 217 Board President, Cordelia continues to focus on building a vibrant and welcoming community for all residents. Her vision extends to creating a legacy where future generations can flourish in Heritage Village. Outside her community work, she finds joy in fishing, reading, and spending time with her family. Harris County MUD 217 celebrates Cordelia’s unwavering dedication, recognizing her as an invaluable leader guiding the community toward a bright and thriving future.

Debra Johnson

Vice-President   May 2021 – May 2025

Debra Johnson is a dedicated leader and community advocate within Harris County MUD 217. Since 1999, Debra and her husband, Curtis, have lived in Heritage Village, cherishing time with their two children and five grandchildren.

In her role as Vice President of the MUD 217 Board, Debra has been instrumental in improving community communication and engagement. Appointed to the board in 2016 and re-elected twice, she initiated the district newsletter to provide residents with conservation tips and updates. She also played a key role in developing the MUD 217 website, a resource for district news, water service updates, and online bill payments, further enhancing accessibility and transparency for Heritage Village residents.

Debra’s passion for conservation and fostering community bonds is evident through her support of various district events held at the MUD 217 administration building. These events promote unity and camaraderie among neighbors while enriching the lives of residents. Her unwavering dedication to education, conservation, and community service makes her a vital and inspiring figure within Harris County MUD 217, leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact.

Marian Henderson

Secretary   May 2023 – May 2027

Director Marian Henderson, the longest-serving member of the Harris County MUD 217 Board, has dedicated over 40 years to public finance and local government in the water service industry. A native of Marshall, TX, Marian’s upbringing emphasized education and hard work, values that propelled her to earn a B.B.A. in Office Management from Texas A&M University-Commerce by age 20. After breaking barriers in her first job at M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute, she transitioned to a career as a paralegal, eventually specializing in housing bonds and water districts. In 1996, after purchasing her home in Heritage Village, Marian was elected to the MUD 217 Board.

Throughout her tenure, Marian has championed improvements in MUD 217, emphasizing the importance of making decisions for the greater good of voters rather than catering to special interests. She has been a vocal advocate against contracts established by developers and consultants with conflicts of interest, believing in the power of persistence to enact meaningful change. Marian’s philosophy underscores the importance of ethical leadership, transparency, and a commitment to the community’s well-being, particularly in providing safe drinking water and reliable sewer systems.

Now retired from her career as a public finance paralegal, Marian continues to share her expertise by mentoring new directors and offering training to help them navigate the complexities of municipal utilities. She encourages aspiring public servants to seek education and mentorship to better serve their communities. Marian takes pride in the leadership and example set by the MUD 217 Board, believing that effective governance can positively shape the future of the district.

Sonnier Washington

Assistant Secretary   May 2023 – May 2027

Sonnier Washington has served on the Harris County MUD 217 Board of Directors since 2010. Currently the Assistant Secretary and a former President of the Board, Sonnier brings his passion for the outdoors and community improvement to his role. A native Texan with deep country roots, he is committed to enhancing the district, particularly through detailed plans for future park renovations. Sonnier is focused on building a better community for current and future generations.

Professionally, Sonnier has a diverse background that spans banking, finance, real estate, and information technology. This broad expertise has been instrumental in benefiting the district, enabling him to bring valuable insights and innovative solutions to his work on the Board. His financial acumen and IT knowledge have supported the district’s growth and effective governance.

Beyond his professional and community contributions, Sonnier’s love for his family, art, and the outdoors is evident throughout his work in the district. His dedication to both his personal passions and public service continues to make a positive impact on the community he serves.

Jerry Ewing

Director   May 2021 – May 2025

Jerry’s extensive professional experience in utility services has been pivotal to his success as a Director. His background provides him with a unique expertise in decision-making and establishing governance boundaries. With in-depth knowledge of water systems, Jerry has consistently implemented fiscally responsible decisions, enhancing the district for the benefit of the entire community.

He pursued his education at Doolin Technical College, HCC, Lone Star College, and the Texas A&M Extension Institute. His professional journey includes roles as a utility maintenance operator with the City of Houston Water Department, a manhole foreman at the Municipal Service Water Department, and an air conditioning technician in property management with Peebles Management Company.

Currently, Jerry works as a commercial truck driver, bringing the same dedication and commitment to his career as he does to his service on the board. His diverse experience and deep ties to the community make him a valuable asset to the district.

Attorney (General Counsel)
Frank Mitchell
Josh Zientek
Daniel Scruggs
Mitchell, Zientek & Scruggs, LLP
24624 Interstate 45 N, Suite 200
The Woodlands, Texas 77386
(281) 719-1990
Fax (832) 534-3220

Operator
Clint Gehrke
Paul Villareal
Water Wastewater Management Services 
P.O. Box 680529 
Houston, Texas 77268-0529
(281) 895-8547
Fax (281) 895-9147

Auditor
Joseph Ellis
McCall Gibson Swedlund Barfoot 
13100 Wortham Center Dr., Suite 235 
Houston, Texas 77065
(713) 462-0341
Fax (713) 462-2708

Tax Assessor/Collector
Shammarie Leon
Bob Leared Interests 
11111 Katy Freeway, Suite 725 
Houston, Texas 77079
(713) 932-9011
Fax (713) 932-1150

Bookkeeper
Adam Charanza
Municipal Accounts & Consulting, L.P. 
611 Longmire Rd, Ste 1 
Conroe, TX 77304
(936) 756-1644
Fax (936) 756-1844

Engineer
Timothy Hardin
Langford Engineering Inc. 
1080 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Suite 200 
Houston, Texas 77043
(713) 461-3530
Fax (713) 932-7505

Financial Advisor
John Howell
The GMS Group, LLC 
5075 Westheimer, Suite 1175 
Houston, Texas 77056
(800) 453-6234
Fax (713) 622-7620

Communications
Brian Sparks
Triton Consulting Group
25511 Budde Rd., Ste. 3604
Spring, TX 77380
(281) 766 4276
info@tritoncg.com