The Houston Marathon Committee Announces

New Board President & Directors

Madeline Bunch named Board President and three new community leaders added as the HMC prepares for the 53rd edition of the Chevron Houston Marathon on Jan. 17-19, 2025

HOUSTON, TX – July 25, 2024 – The Houston Marathon Committee (HMC) announced today the appointment of Madeline Bunch as the new Board President, succeeding Brant Kotch, who led the world-class event for the past 22 years. Additionally, Monica Dean, Le Hoang, and Tom Stilwell have joined the Board of Directors, replacing Mike Atkins, Charles Bass, and Stan Coburn. Board of Director bios can be found at the bottom of the press release.

Bunch, a veteran Board Member, has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the elite athlete program over the last two decades. She also served as the Board President of the Houston Marathon Foundation from 2008 to 2020, which works to create greater access to the life-changing power of long-distance running for all of Houston’s young people.

“We are so grateful to Brant who helped lead this organization to unimaginable heights as the Chevron Houston Marathon Weekend of Events is now regarded amongst the finest long-distance running events in the world,” stated Bunch.

Bunch’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first female Board President in the organization’s history.

“We sincerely thank Mike, Charlie, and Stan for their decades of countless contributions to the organization, and we are excited to welcome our three wonderful new board members.”

The HMC aims to foster a professionally diverse Board, bringing in fresh perspectives from individuals passionate about these hallmark events, and who prioritize creating broader accessibility to the sport.

The new board members Monica, Le, and Tom were identified and nominated by a selection committee before being voted in by the HMC Board of Directors.

The 53rd running of the Chevron Houston Marathon, featuring the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and We Are Houston 5K presented by Aramco and Chevron, is scheduled to take place from January 17-19, 2025. Registration for these highly sought-after events is now open and fills up quickly. For more information and to register, please visit www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or call 713.957.3453.

About Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC) – Founded in 1972, the HMC is a founding member of Running USA and organizes the nation’s premier winter marathon, half marathon, and 5K hosting over 300,000 participants, volunteers, and spectators on race day. Recognized by World Athletics, the Gold Label Chevron Houston Marathon has been the race site for three U.S. Olympic Trials Marathons. The Gold Label Aramco Houston Half Marathon has hosted 16 U.S. Half Marathon Championships. The HMC received Gold Label Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport from 2011 to 2020. The event also garnered the 2015 AIMS Green Award for industry-leading sustainability initiatives. Race weekend generates over $50 million in economic impact for the region annually and has raised over $37 million through the Run for a Reason Charity Program since its inception in 1995. The event is broadcast live on ABC13 and syndicated nationally and internationally on ESPN3 Longhorn Network no longer exists.

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Board of Directors Bios:

Madeline Bunch (HMC Board President) a veteran Board Member of the Houston Marathon Committee (HMC) since 1997, has significantly contributed to the growth of the elite athlete program and the Houston Marathon Foundation. Serving as Board President of the Foundation from 2008 to 2020, she increased access to long-distance running for Houston’s youth. Bunch is also President of M. Bunch & Company, a healthcare/case management firm, and has been involved with the HMC since the early 1980s as a volunteer. She now enters her first year as HMC Board President.

Elijio Serrano (HMC Board Vice President) is the Senior Vice-President and CFO of TETRA Technologies, Inc., with over 40 years of experience in accounting, finance, and treasury across various sectors. He was Chairman of the Audit Committee of TESCO Corporation, served on the board of Talento Bilingual de Houston, and was a member of the President’s Advisory Council for the University of Houston Downtown. An avid runner, Elijio has completed 10 Aramco Houston Half Marathons and four Chevron Houston Marathons.

Shannon Truman (HMC Board Treasurer) is a financial advisor at Brasada Capital Management, focusing on wealth management sales and marketing. Previously, she worked at AIM Investments (now Invesco) for nine years, serving as vice president of AIM Private Asset Management, Inc. An avid runner and triathlete, she placed third in her age group at Ironman Texas 2021, leading to her participation in the 2022 World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Shannon has completed 14 marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2011 and 2017, and has competed in eight Chevron Houston Marathons and two Aramco Houston Half Marathons. A native Houstonian, she is honored to be a member of the HMC Board of Directors.

Subbu Venkat (HMC Board Secretary) is a Marketing and Business Development Manager at Texas Instruments Inc., with over 35 years of service. He holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Madras (India) and is an avid runner. Subbu has served on the board of directors for the Houston Area Road Runners Association and has completed five Boston Marathons, seven Aramco Houston Half Marathons, and 11 Chevron Houston Marathons.

Tracey L. Anthony is the Chief Compliance Officer for Crane Worldwide Logistics with over 30 years of international trade experience. A strategic executive and recognized speaker, she is a Certified Compliance Officer and Empowered Official with the Import Export Institute. Tracey focuses on Global Trade Compliance, helping Crane Worldwide and its clients meet international shipping regulations. She oversees global risk management for Trade, FCPA (Anti-corruption), and Anti-Trust and Competition Law for the company.

Monica Dean is an attorney with over 15 years of legal experience, senior HR certification, and experience at a large international law firm. She has served as Chief Counsel and Compliance Officer for a public multinational oil and gas company in Houston. A recipient of the National Bar Association’s “Top 40 Under 40” Lawyer Nation’s Best Advocate Award, Monica is recognized for her innovation, vision, leadership, legal, and community involvement. Passionate about running, mentoring, and volunteering, she has provided pro bono legal assistance and mentored students and new lawyers. Monica is active in professional organizations and has served in leadership roles within the National Bar Association and the California Minority Counsel Program.

Melissa Hahn is the Senior Director of Corporate Partnership for the Houston Astros, overseeing club sponsorships in her 16th season. She also works with the Astros’ Community Leader Partners and the Houston Open. A native of Wasco, CA, Hahn played college volleyball and is a Business Marketing graduate from California State University, Bakersfield. She is an avid endurance athlete, having completed 26 marathons, three Ironman triathlons, and over 30 half marathons. She is a member of the PRX running group and met her husband James while training for a marathon in 2009. They live in Kingwood with their two children and their dog, Dash.

Le Hoang is a Sr. Export Manager at Hillenbrand, Inc., with over 18 years of experience in trade compliance, focusing on sanctions, licensing, and export laws. She enjoys running, hiking, biking, kayaking, and has a passion for yoga, recently earning her yoga certification. Le volunteers for organizations like Cycle, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Trees for Houston.

Brant Kotch, Senior Counsel at Crain, Caton & James, P.C., began volunteering for the Houston Marathon in 1992 and became Course Director in 1997. He has served on the Board of Directors since 1996 and became President of the Board and Race Director in 2002. Under his 22-year leadership, the HMC hosted 16 U.S. Half Marathon Championships and the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon. Under his direction, participant numbers have tripled, and the HMC now hosts two World Athletics Gold Labeled events simultaneously.

Tom Stilwell is a partner at Sorrels Law, focusing on high-stakes personal injury cases. A successful trial lawyer for 30 years, he has partnered with several renowned law firms. An avid runner, Tom has completed over 20 marathons, including sub-3 hour finishes at Houston, Boston, and New York, and 17 half marathons. He has also organized multiple 5K, 10K, and cross-country races. Tom and his partner Betsy, introduced by the running community, are raising their children Alex and Lilly, who also run and compete for their schools.