Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley

randi-and-maddee

Randi McAleese

President

Randi McAleese was born and raised in Bryan/College Station. I am married to Jeremy McAleese and have three amazing children. Madee, her sixteen-year-old daughter has Down syndrome. She also has an eight-year-old boy, Jaxson, and a two-year-old daughter, Blakely. After living in Fort Worth for almost 10 years, they moved back to B/CS in 2016. They love being back home with family and friends. She is thankful to be part of the wonderful Down syndrome community and brings the needed parent perspective to our board conversations.

Rori Brownlow

Vice President

Rori Brownlow graduated from Texas A&M University in 2005 and has pursued philanthropy for most of her career. A native of Reno, Nevada, Rori worked for several years as the Director of Wish Granting for the Make a Wish Foundation, and later transitioned into a fund-raising role for Catholic Charities and their basic needs programs. Eager to get back to Aggieland, Rori, her husband Will, and their three children moved back in 2015. For the past 4 years, Rori has been blessed to work for the Texas A&M Foundation. She served 2 years on the Executive Staff, serving as the Assistant to the Vice President of Development Support and since then proudly serves on the Development Team for the Texas A&M University, fund-raising for the Fighting Texas Aggie, Corps of Cadets. In her role she supports donors’ requests to make meaningful gifts, she also oversees stewardship activities and the marketing and communication strategy for the Corps Development team. Connecting people’s passions with meaningful gifts of impact is something she is incredibly passionate about. She enjoys spending time with her family on their little farm, working with students, and being the best mom she can be. She is excited to help DSABV in whatever capacity her service is needed.

Jorge Borrego

Treasurer

Jorge Borrego is an education policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He is a former employee of the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley. He was served in various different capacities, working with organizational data, events, and administrational duties. He received a Master of Public Administration from the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M in 2021. Additionally, he served as a legislative director to Representative Lozano, Vice-Chair of Public Education during the 87th Texas Legislature. This is his first opportunity serving on the board of directors for DSABV and he looks forward to serving DSABV members and families.

Lt. Jason James

Secretary

Lieutenant Jason James joined the DSABV board in 2017 and is excited to serve. He has been a member of the Bryan Police Department for 25 years. He has worked in numerous areas within the police department including K9 Officer, School Resource Officer, Detective, and Public Information Officer. Jason is currently the supervisor of the Neighborhood Enforcement Team, where he strives to reduce crime and the fear of crime. He is highly involved in the community with many organizations throughout the area to help promote their mission. Jason is a member of the Bryan Evening Lions Club and an active volunteer with the Special Olympics. He is a 2014 Jefferson Award winner for his volunteerism in Bryan/College Station. Jason is married to his wife Mandie for over 9 years and they have two sons, who are ages five and seven.

Ben Erdman

Self Advocate

Born originally in Virginia, Ben has been a Texan since 1981. He graduated from A&M consolidated and attended Stewart Homeschool in Kentucky after high school. Ben has a long history of working with Texas A & M. He first interned with the Music Department during high school before working full-time for 22 years in both the Engineering Department and the Deal of Facilities Department. Some of his accolades include being a Global Messenger for Texas State Special Olympics and bringing a strong message of inclusion on behalf of the National Down Syndrome Association Organization. But his most distinguished honor is being a husband to his loving wife Wendy, to whom he has been married since 2003.

Amanda Bennett

Member at Large

 Amanda is a happily married, stay at home mom of four – Rylee 16, Luke 11, Eli 5, and Abel 2 years old. Abel is their DSABV member. She has a degree in sonography, but after knowing Abel would be arriving, she dedicated herself to being a full-time mommy. Besides being at home with her precious family, she enjoys coffee, lunch dates, and everything in between. 

Justin Lopez

Member at Large

 Howdy, I’m Justin! I have a six-year-old daughter Kenzlee. I work as a Regional Supervisor for Asset Living – a property management company! I’ve been involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley since 2009 with the Hooks Family. Serving is who I am. I am proud to give back to a community that has given so much to me. You may recognize me as the voice of Buddy Walk – I have Emceed that event since 2015. I am involved with several other nonprofits in our community.

Ryder Robinson

Member at Large

Roman Trant

Member at Large

My name is Roman Trant. I’ve been a part of the DSABV Family since 2012. I got involved when Nancy Jackson asked the company I worked for to purchase a table for the DSABV Gala. Little did I know how much I would fall in love with the organization and families. At the Gala, my eyes and heart were opened to a whole new world of unconditional love. A world of individuals with the ability to see the world through the eyes of pure love and innocence. Donating my time, efforts, and donations when I could – I wanted to be more involved with the organization. I have gotten to know so many of the families and have become really close to them. I also coach Pride Assist: a special needs team, in which many of the players are also involved with DSABV.