William Thomas
PRESIDENT
Term: 2030
William Thomas has been a resident of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 since 2003. Upon being appointed to FBMUD 23 Board of Directors in 2007 William serves as The Estates of Teal Run HOA, President. William was officially elected to the Board in 2010 and was appointed to the position of President by the Board in 2012. Over the past 19 years, it has given William great pleasure to be a part of the growth and prosperity of FBMUD 23.
In his professional life, William has been in the Civil Engineering industry for over 20 years. He currently fills a role as a Senior Utility Coordinator focusing on major utility relocation projects involving State and Local government agencies. While maintaining his professional obligation William is committed to the responsibilities and duties of being a MUD Director by having an attentive ear and working closely with Developers and Consultants. William’s goal is to continue providing his knowledge and expertise as a Director for the betterment of the District.
Brian Cokes
VICE PRESIDENT
Term: 2028
Brian Cokes is a dedicated resident of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23, having called it home since 2000. His commitment to the community extends beyond residency, as he has previously served as a MUD Board Director from 2006 to 2012, contributing his expertise to the improvement and development of the district.
Brian's educational background is as impressive as his dedication to community service. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, he holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Architecture, complemented by Masters degrees in both Architecture and Community Development. This extensive education equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the built environment and its intersection with social dynamics.
With over 25 years of professional experience, Brian has made significant contributions to various industries within the Houston greater area. His career spans across commercial, private, and higher education sectors, where he has played pivotal roles in shaping the architectural landscape of the city. Brian's work reflects a passion for innovation and sustainability, coupled with a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Houston residents.
Currently, Brian heads his own consulting firm, where he leverages his expertise to manage projects spanning the breadth of Houston. His firm's portfolio showcases a diverse range of ventures, from urban redevelopment initiatives to educational facility design. Through his leadership and vision, Brian continues to make meaningful contributions to the city's growth and prosperity.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Brian remains deeply engaged in community affairs, leveraging his skills and knowledge to drive positive change. Whether it's advocating for infrastructure improvements or championing sustainable development practices, he is dedicated to ensuring that Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 remains a vibrant and thriving community for generations to come.
Ellen Hughes
SECRETARY
Term: 2030
Having served on the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 Board for 28 years, Ellen is considered the “unofficial” Historian of the Board. When Ellen became a MUD Board Director, shortly after moving to Teal Run in 1993, FBMUD 23 had less than 500 hundred homes and only consisted of one neighborhood: Teal Run. The years have flown by as she and her husband of thirty-three years have raised their now-grown children in the very house they bought in 1993.
Introduction to MUDs came with her first job after college, working at the City of Sugar Land. Ellen is a proud Aggie who received a Bachelor of Speech Communication in 1989, followed by a Master of Public Administration in 1991. Ellen is currently employed at a local Civil Engineering firm as the Office Manager.
Her excitement for green space and parks has played out over the years as Ellen has been asked to testify before the Texas Legislature on numerous occasions on legislative matters that give MUDs the power and tools to provide quality recreational facilities for their residents. She was humbled and honored in 2022 when her fellow MUD 23 Board members surprised her by renaming the first MUD 23 walking trail in her name. The Ellen Hughes Trail was completed in 2005 and was a passion project for Ellen in the years leading up to construction.
Chris Robinson
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Term: 2028
Chris Robinson has been a resident of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 since 2002 and has served as a MUD Board Director since 2004. As a graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering, Chris has worked as a licensed Professional Engineer in the Houston area for over 20 years. His current position is working in the water resources group at HDR, Inc.
Originally from Dallas, Chris has put down deep roots in the FBMUD 23 community over the years and is a Deacon at a local church. He lives with his wife and four daughters in the Winfield Lakes community and owns a second home in the Teal Run North community. While growing his family and settling into the neighborhood, Chris also found time to earn his M.B.A.
Derek Coleman
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Term: 2030
Derek Coleman serves as a Board Director for Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 and is a resident of the Estates of Teal Run. As a member of the community, Derek is committed to serving residents and contributing to the continued growth, improvement, and long-term success of the District.
Professionally, Derek brings more than 15 years of experience in information technology, with expertise in IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, systems management, and enterprise technology operations. Throughout his career, he has supported complex technology environments and led initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening security, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring reliable services. His experience has given him a strong foundation in strategic planning, problem-solving, risk management, vendor coordination, and technology-driven decision-making.
Prior to transitioning into information technology, Derek spent more than a decade in the banking and financial services industry, where he advanced from Loan Officer to Branch Manager. This experience, combined with his technology leadership background, provides him with a broad perspective on financial responsibility, customer service, operations, and organizational leadership.
Derek holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management. He also holds professional certifications in information technology, cybersecurity, cloud administration, and endpoint management.
As a Director, Derek is committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, responsible infrastructure investment, and effective District operations. He looks forward to using his professional experience and leadership skills to represent residents, support thoughtful decision-making, and help ensure Fort Bend MUD 23 remains a strong and thriving community for generations to come.