About Us

If you want to meet an extensive network of fantastic women, FAN is the club for you. Many are retired nurses, teachers, business owners, and executives; some still work or operate their businesses, and most volunteer in the community.

FAN has remained a respected women's club since its inception in 1979. Early on, FAN was established and is still guided by a set of Bylaws. In addition, an Executive Board is elected annually to oversee the club's goals, charity, membership, events, and financial decisions. The Board ensures that all activities align with FAN's three primary purposes of the club (see right).

FAN purpose

To provide an opportunity for members to become acquainted with others in the community in an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill, and helpful information.

To undertake and to promote charitable and humanitarian projects within the community.

To form enduring friendships.

EXECUTIVE BOARD 2024-2025

PRESIDENT

Kim Gerrish

Kim has lived in Houston for the past 44 years and is retired from Drilling Manufacturing Project Management. She is active in her home life with grandkids and her husband of 41 years. Kim has been involved with the FAN Board as the Fundraiser Chair and Cookie Exchange Chair during Covid, two years as the Newsletter Editor, and currently in her 2nd term as President. She is the Railroad Canasta Lead, plays Mexican Train and Mah Jongg, and participates in Day Trips and Happy Hour Gals.

1st VICE-PRESIDENT

Sandy Darst - Programs

Sandy graduated from the University of St. Thomas. She has been married to her husband, Tommy, for 52 years, and together, they run a successful business. She is a retired educator and an active community member through her memberships and board positions in various organizations. Sandy joined FAN in 2019 and served two years as our Directory Chair before becoming the 1st VP - Programs last year. She is the First Thursday Potluck Lead and plays Mah Jongg and Mexican Train.

2nd VICE-PRESIDENT

Gayla Baker - Membership

Gayla recently retired from Chevron after 43 years. She participates in community organizations such as Northwest Forest Republican Women, Pearl Guild, currently AAUW VP Membership, SAFD, and PTDA. She also volunteers as a finance instructor at a local charity. Gayla has been a FAN member for two years and jumped into the 2nd VP - Membership role last year. She participates in lots of FAN activities since she loves to play games and lunch with friends.

SECRETARY

Marybeth Magallanes

Marybeth recently moved to Houston from Atlanta, where she was active in a local women's club, holding various board positions. She also volunteered at the Forsyth County Alzheimer's Respite group. Marybeth grew up in Chicago, and later married and raised her two sons in upstate New York. Over the next 10 years Marybeth lived in Japan, Korea, Argentina and Mexico. She retired in 2013 after working 35 years for GE as a Human Resources Manager. Marybeth joined FAN in 2023 and has quickly gotten involved in activities. She has a passion for community service and has an avid interest in reading and playing games.

TREASURER

Karren Sims

Karren hails from San Antonio, where she was a member of the San Antonio Loavers, a bread-making club. She has been married to her husband, John, for 41 years. They share one grandchild who is her pride and joy. She loves quilting and reading. Karren joined FAN in 2021. Last year, she accepted the challenge of being our Treasurer after serving as 1st VP - Programs. She is a First Thursday Lunch Bunch member and plays Railroad Canasta.

AUDITOR

Gail Stone

Gail came to Spring, Texas, by way of Southern California, Miami Beach, Florida and Brooklyn, New York. She was PTA Treasurer for two years, worked in the banking industry for eight years as assistant head teller and branch auditor, and spent 11 years in the insurance industry doing claims adjudication and federal compliance audits. Her creative talents include arts and crafts. Gail joined FAN in 2021 and accepted her first board position as Auditor last year. Her FAN activities include Mexican Train, Mah Jongg, Railroad Canasta, Antiquers & Junkers, and Day Trips.

Laurie Nimberger

Laurie worked as a marketing specialist in the Oil & Gas industry and was instrumental in developing the company newsletter, website, and literature. She is currently a successful business owner. She enjoys decorating and traveling, family is important to her, and she likes to spoil her two dogs. Laurie joined FAN in 2021 and immediately offered to help with the FAN website. The result is a fabulous dual-purpose website that serves FAN's internal and external needs. Laurie served on the board as Social Media Chair (Website and Facebook) for two years before becoming the Newsletter Editor last year.

HISTORIAN

Claudia Gallagher

Claudia loves to stay active. In addition to FAN activities, she is involved with Northwest Forest Republican Women, AAUW, Pearl Guild, and MNW Garden Club. Claudia joined FAN in 2019 and soon became the 2020 Spring Luncheon Chair, which then became the 2021 Spring Luncheon Chair due to Covid. She has played a role in organizing the holiday fundraising auctions in past years. She served as 2nd VP - Membership for two years prior to accepting the role of Historian last year.

ADVISOR

Kathy Court

Kathy is a former FAN President and became the Advisor this past year. Prior to being President, Kathy served as 2nd VP - Membership for two years. She is active in the Thursday Lunch Bunch, Literary Review Book Club Lead, Dragon Ladies Mah Jongg and Mexican Train. Her hobbies include cooking, home decorating, reading and puzzles. She has worked for Chevron, Texaco, Eastern Airlines, and state and federal governments. She grew up in rural Nebraska and lived in Miami, Florida for 23 years before making her way to Houston.

EXTENDED BOARD

Activities

Charity

Day Trips
Directory

Goodie Exchange

Greeters

Holiday Charity Luncheon

Hospitality

Social Media

Spring Luncheon

Sunshine

Donna Morris

Mary Ales

Carolyn Grimes

Barbara Pack
Susan Butler

Susan Kleimann

Carol Peterson

Merry Keith
Debi Swaney

Joanne Elliott

Jennifer Banks