2025 - 2026 Junior League of Beaumont
Board of Directors
Sarah Wells
President
Kate Broussard Thorne
President-Elect
Marissa Gordon
Finance Council Director (Treasurer)
Kara Hawthorn
Sustaining Advisor
Katherine Williams
Corresponding Secretary
Lindsay Brake
Recording Secretary
Bethany Longmire
Communications Council Director
Amy Jerry
Community Council Director
Mallory Cross
Membership Council Director
Valerie Lewis
Planning Council Director
Cheri Dickerson
Past President
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees the activities, property, and affairs of the Junior League of Beaumont (JLB), providing strategic and forward-thinking leadership. The Board is responsible for setting and refining governance policies while ensuring that the JLB’s mission and vision are reflected throughout the organization. This includes policy oversight, financial stewardship, strategic planning, operational consistency, and community relations.
Kate Broussard Thorne
President
Bio
A Beaumont native, Kate Broussard Thorne grew up watching her mother and Past President, Johnnie Broussard, serve as an active member and now as a sustainer of the Junior League of Beaumont. Her mom’s service inspired Kate to joined the Junior League in 2017. Since joining, Kate has served in leadership positions such as Planning Council Director, Bylaws Chair, Spinning’s Editor, Education and Training Chair, and President Elect, among others. She is currently honored to be serving as President.
Kate is an attorney at MehaffyWeber in the firm’s business practice group. Kate’s practice has a concentration in estate planning and probate law, elder law, corporate and real estate transactions. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctorate from Baylor Law School.
Kate has maintained a lifelong commitment to community service and volunteerism. As an attorney, Kate volunteers through the Jefferson County Bar Association Pro Bono Program and Veteran’s Legal Clinic. In addition to JLB, Kate has served on various boards in the community including the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Beaumont Chamber Foundation, Beaumont A&M Club, the Jefferson County Young Lawyers Association, the Michelle F. Mehaffy Inn of Court, the Saint Thomas More Society, and the Msgr. Kelly Catholic High School Alumni Board. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Texas Rising Star, by BestLawyers as One to Watch in Trusts and Estates and Real Estate, and by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals as a 40 Under 40 Honoree. Kate and her spouse, Wil, have two sons and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Valerie Lewis
President-Elect
Bio
Valerie Lewis grew up in Beaumont and lived in France and multiple places in the United States (teaching junior high and high school!) before returning home to practice law. She currently is an attorney at Germer PLLC, where she specializes in litigation and appeals.
Joining the Junior League of Beaumont proved to be such a treat, as she met so many like-minded women and learned the skills she needed to serve on other area non-profit boards, including the Jefferson County Young Lawyers Association, the Michelle Mehaffy Inn of Court, and the Foundation for Southeast Texas. Valerie has held many positions in the Junior League of Beaumont, including service positions, fundraising positions, and Board positions. She is excited to serve the League as President-Elect for the 2026-2027 year, and geek out about all things JLB.
Outside of work and volunteering, Valerie loves spending time with her husband Zach and beautiful daughter, Josephine!
Marissa Gordon
Treasurer
Bio
Marissa Gordon is a Chemist by day with over a decade of experience in industrial labs. She’s mastered the art of quality assurance, environmental testing, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. She currently works at Indorama Ventures in Port Neches, TX.
Marissa isn’t all about lab coats and science; she’s also a passionate volunteer. Since joining the Junior League of Beaumont in 2022, her role in the Dancing with the Stars committee, where she has served as a star liaison, business manager, and star reveal chair, showcases her leadership and organizational skills. Whether organizing fundraisers or volunteering in the community, Marissa loves making an impact in her community.
When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll probably find Marissa at the gym, unwinding with her crochet projects or watching her nephews at a sporting event. Her sweet pup, Toby, is her sidekick. Whether in the lab or the community, Marissa brings passion, precision, and a lot of heart to everything she does!
Amy Jerry
Treasurer-Elect
Bio
Amy Jerry, born in Port Arthur, Texas, is a dedicated professional with a background in project coordination and financial management. With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, she currently serves as a Project Controls Senior Manager, where she oversees financial operations, forecasting, and reporting across multiple divisions supporting a $600+ million enterprise.
Since joining the Junior League of Beaumont in 2021, she has served as both chair and co-chair of the Healthy Behaviors committee and Community Council Director. She has actively contributed to other various league initiatives, including future and strategic planning, helping drive meaningful community impact.
In her spare time, Amy runs her macaron bakery, The Honey Comb, a venture that reflects her commitment to quality and her love for baking. As a devoted mother and a cherished “Honey” to her grandchildren, she treasures time spent with her family.
Erin Godina
Corresponding Secretary
Bio
A native of Orange, Erin is a proud graduate of West Orange Start High School and Lamar State College Orange. She resides in Beaumont with her husband Manuel of 22 years. Erin enjoyed a brief “retirement” in Singapore from 2008-2013 while her husband was working on a project with ExxonMobil Chemical. During that time in Singapore is where Erin immersed herself in various cultures as well as becoming a member of the non-profit organization, American Women’s Association of Singapore. While a member of the AWA, Erin served on the board as Recording Secretary, Social Chair, and Sports Chair. Upon returning to Texas, Erin’s “retirement” gig was up, so she drove back into her career in the dental industry that started in 2004.
Erin is the Office Manager for Legacy Dental of Beaumont as well as the Regional Manager of Revenue Cycle Operations for the company with 7 locations in Texas. She and her husband are active members of St. Anne Catholic Church, where Erin serves as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister and currently serves on Parish Council. She also served as a past Facilitator on the ACTS Core Team with the Parish.
Her love of giving back to the community started at a young age, alongside her mother, there were many times where she volunteered at Orange Christian Services. It was only fitting, while it took a few years after moving back across the globe, for Erin to devote some of her extra time to giving back where she lives. She joined the Junior League of Beaumont in 2018 and has volunteered in various roles on the Dancing with the Stars Committee from Back Stage Manager to ultimately Chairing the 2024 DWTS event, which was the most profitable fundraiser of The Junior League of Beaumont to date. While chairing such a big event would be her most rewarding year yet in the league, serving as a Provisional Mentor the following year is a pretty close contender. She has most recently served as Co-Chair of Fund Development as well as Chairing the Belonging and Connection Committee alongside her dear friend Courtney White. In Erin’s spare time outside of church, work, and the Junior League, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending Astros games and other sporting events, as well as traveling with her husband.
Brandi Lopez
Recording Secretary
Bio
Brandi Lopez was born and raised in Dayton, Texas. She moved to Beaumont in 2015 to attend Lamar University, where she graduated with a Baccalaureate in Social Work. After graduation Brandi returned to Baptist SmartHealth Clinic, where she completed her internship, to continue working with chronic disease patients.
Since joining the league in 2022, Brandi has served in Education and Training and Transitioning Youth. Brandi is passionate about community service, volunteering, and advocacy. She is excited to serve the League as Recording Secretary for its 80th year!
When not at work or volunteering with the Junior League, she can be found curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee, traveling with her husband, Jesus, or snuggling with her cats Fin and Este.
Ashton Smith
Communications Council Director
Bio
Ashton Smith was born and raised in Orange, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development before moving to Houston, where she spent twelve years working in Human Resources across the construction, oil and gas, and engineering industries. During her time in Houston, she also volunteered with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. After more than a decade in the city, she returned home to Orange, continuing her career in Executive Compensation.
Ashton joined the Junior League of Beaumont when she moved back to Southeast Texas and has enjoyed serving in several placements, including roles within the League’s fundraisers, Main Street Market and Dancing with the Stars. She is honored to serve as the Communications Council Director for the League’s 80th year.
In her free time, Ashton enjoys playing tennis and mahjong, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and her pup, Darcy.
Brandi Verdine
Community Council Director
Bio
LaSan Gilder
Membership Council Director
Bio
LaSan Gilder is a passionate entrepreneur and seasoned MAsterstylist with a deep commitment to beauty, business, and community. As the co-owner of DèLuxe Cheveux Salon, she has dedicated her career to enhancing confidence and style through expert hair care and personalized service.
Previously the owner of Looks Couture Studio, LaSan embraced her love for fashion by empowering women to express their unique style. In 2024, she transitioned her focus to real estate, closing the studio to pursue new opportunities in helping individuals and families achieve homeownership.
She is the founder of Looks Enterprises, LLC, a co-working space designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses without the burden of excessive overhead.
Now a dedicated real estate agent with the Dayna Simmons Real Estate Team in Beaumont, Texas, LaSan is committed to guiding clients through the home-buying and selling process while helping them build generational wealth through real estate.
Beyond her professional pursuits, LaSan is actively involved in community service, using her skills and resources to make a meaningful impact. Her entrepreneurial spirit, passion for empowerment, and dedication to service continue to define her journey.
Brooke Morrow
Planning Council Director
Bio
Brooke Morrow is a Southeast Texas native who has turned staying busy into a bit of an art form. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Reaud Guest House and as JLB’s Headquarters Chair for the 4th consecutive league year, while also dual placed on the Board of Directors as Planning Council Director for the 2026-2027 year, because one lane has never really been her style.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide) and a Master of Science in Port and Terminal Management from Lamar University through the Center for Advances in Port Management. She has been recognized as a 2016 “40 Under 40” honoree by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization and a 2019 Pioneering Women honoree, though at home, her most valued award is still her “World’s Best Mom” coffee mug. Brooke has served on several Boards and supported a wide range of organizations across Southeast Texas, including the Press Club of Southeast Texas, the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, the Symphony League of Beaumont, the Neches River Festival, Gift of Life, The Shorkey Center, the Houston Symphony League, the Southeast Texas Food Bank, Beaumont Farmer’s Market, Monsignor Kelly Catholic HIgh School, St. Anne Catholic School, CASA of Southeast Texas, and the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont. If there’s a board, a committee, or a cause that needs hands on deck, there’s a good chance Brooke is already involved or willing to take on a new challenge.
Despite a full résumé and calendar to match, her favorite role is being mom to Fallon and Gianna, who keep her grounded, make her laugh, and remind her daily what matters most: faith, family, and fall Saturdays in the SEC.
Sarah Wells
Past-President
Bio
Michele Smith
Sustaining Advisor
Bio
A longtime Southeast Texas resident, Michele Y. Smith has built a distinguished legal career spanning more than 30 years. Her practice at MehaffyWeber focuses on complex litigation, including products and premises liability, pharmaceutical matters, commercial disputes, construction defect cases, and mass‑tort litigation involving a wide range of chemical exposures. Michele is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has held numerous leadership roles within the legal profession, including serving as Past President of the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, the Jefferson County Bar Association, and the Jefferson County Young Lawyers’ Association. She currently serves as Chair of her firm’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.
Michele’s professional excellence has been recognized at the state and national levels. She was recently named the Best Lawyers 2026 Insurance Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in Beaumont and has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America across multiple practice areas for more than a decade. She has also been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters every year from 2005–2026. Her additional honors include the President’s Award from the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, the Cris Quinn Award and Kenneth Lewis Professionalism Award from the Jefferson County Bar Association, and the St. Thomas More Award. Michele has also served on the Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee for Products Liability and previously sat on the board of the Lamar University Foundation.
Michele has a longstanding commitment to community service and volunteerism. She has supported numerous philanthropic organizations and events, including the Spindletop Spin benefiting legal‑aid programs, the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, the Symphony of Southeast Texas, and the Shorkey Center, which provides rehabilitation services for children with special needs. In addition to her professional and civic leadership, Michele continues to give back through pro bono legal work and service to causes throughout the region.
The Junior League of Beaumont is honored to have Michele serve as its Sustaining Advisor, where her leadership, experience, and dedication to service continue to inspire members across the League.