Executive Team

Monique Sharp serves as the President and CEO of The Woodlands Township, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the community. With a robust background in public administration and strategic planning, Monique oversees the daily operations of the Township, ensuring the implementation of Board policies and objectives. She is instrumental in coordinating activities across all departments, fostering a cohesive and efficient administration.

Monique's expertise extends to financial and budget management, where she plays a pivotal role in developing and administering the annual operating and capital improvements budgets. Her forward-thinking approach drives The Woodlands Township’s efforts in economic development, short-term and long-range planning, and enhancing the community's quality of life.

Actively engaged in legislative initiatives, Monique represents The Woodlands Township at local, state, and federal levels, advocating for the community's interests. Her commitment to environmental education, neighborhood services, and recreational programming underscores her dedication to creating a vibrant and sustainable community.

Additionally, Monique serves as a Director on the Visit The Woodlands Board, promoting tourism and economic growth in the area. Her leadership and vision continue to shape the future of The Woodlands Township, ensuring it remains a premier place to live, work, and play.

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Karen Dempsey serves as Chief Administrative Officer for The Woodlands Township. In this role, she oversees several key departments, including Communications, Human Resources, Customer Engagement and the Township Secretary’s Office. Dempsey reports directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, providing leadership and strategic support to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services across the organization.

Dempsey began her career with The Woodlands Community Service Corporation in 1998 as a member of the Community Relations staff. In 2007, she transitioned into the role of Management Analyst, where she worked extensively on major initiatives related to transition, governance and organizational development. Her long-standing experience with the community has positioned her as a valuable resource for Township operations and leadership.

Originally from the Great Lakes region, Dempsey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her deep institutional knowledge, strong communication background and dedication to public service continue to support the Township’s mission of maintaining a high quality of life for residents.

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Chris Nunes has worked for The Woodlands Township since 2006 and was promoted to the Chief Operating Officer position in 2022. In that role, he provides oversight for the Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Infrastructure and Covenant Administration Departments.

As the Director of Parks and Recreation (2006-2021), he implemented cost recovery strategies, developed business/operational plans for facilities and programs, facilitated the planning and development efforts for additional parks and sports fields, and has increased programming (recreation, aquatics, environmental, special events) significantly to better meet the needs of the community.

Under his leadership, The Woodlands Township was recognized by the National Recreation and Parks Association in winning the Gold Medal Grand Plaque Award for excellence in parks and recreation management in 2019. He and his team followed up this prestigious award in 2020, receiving NRPA’s Conservation Innovation Award.

Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and a master’s degree in Sports Management from Springfield College in Massachusetts, a Doctorate in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of New Mexico and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive through the National Recreation and Parks Association.

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Chief Palmer Buck holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science Fire Protection Technology, a Master of Public Affairs and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program. During his 26 years with the Austin Fire Department, Chief Buck was involved in all operational aspects of the Austin Fire Department.

Chief Buck has 37 years of experience in public safety. He is a proven leader with extensive operations and command experience, a change agent who is both a problem solver and an innovative thinker, well-versed in personal, budget and resource management and a sought-after mentor and advisor to firefighters of all ranks.

Chief Buck is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Agency, the National Society of Executive Fire Officers and the International Association of Firefighters. He rose through the ranks in the fire service in Texas and North Carolina, having worked as a paramedic, firefighter, EMT, battalion chief, division chief, shift commander, public information officer group supervisor, water team supervisor, among others. He also holds numerous certifications through the National Fire Academy, the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Austin Fire Department.

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Nick began his career with The Woodlands Township in 1999. During his tenure, he worked on project teams which included the development of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center; the expansion of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion; and the developments of Market Street, Town Green Park and Waterway Square.

Nick is the President of Visit The Woodlands, the convention & visitors bureau. Nick oversees the staff teams who handle marketing, advertising, social media, websites and public/media relations for both of these organizations.

He is a founding member of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival which is now ranked in the Top 10 of all arts festivals in the country. His marketing programs have won numerous awards from the International Festivals & Events Association, International Economic Development Council and several state-wide organizations. Nick has successfully published public relations articles on The Woodlands in media outlets such as USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Southern Living Magazine, Corporate & Incentive Travel, Golf Digest, Zagat’s and numerous radio and television programs.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Nick’s 39-year career began in college as a writer for The Lufkin Daily News and the Houston Chronicle. Upon graduation, Nick spent the first 13 years of his career with advertising/marketing firms to provide sales, marketing, public relations and advertising guidance to a variety of corporations, including hospitals, doctor offices, grocery chains, banking, state associations and governmental entities.

Nick has resided in the Village of Alden Bridge since 1999 and his daughter and son both attended CISD schools.

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Visit The Woodlands Responsibilities

Serving as President of Visit The Woodlands, the organization focuses on the promotion and marketing of over 11 million square feet of hospitality, shopping, dining and entertainment in The Woodlands. Each year, The Woodlands has over 820,000 hotel rooms available in its high quality 14 hotels. Visit The Woodlands is a 501 (c) (6) organization dedicated to promoting The Woodlands as a premier regional destination for conventions, corporate meetings, shopping, dining, entertainment and a place to conduct business. The Bureau facilitates inquiries from leisure travelers, group businesses, meeting planners and corporations looking for a special place to host meetings, conventions, conferences or just to visit. Positions in the Visit The Woodlands include Assistant Director, Brand Development Manager and Brand Development Specialist, Convention Sales Manager and Convention Sales Specialist, Senior Administrative Assistant and a part-time position.

William Pham oversees the Information Technology and Facilities Departments at The Woodlands Township. His responsibilities include Information Technology, Radio Communications and GIS, supporting the design, development, implementation and management of data systems, cyber and physical security, and voice and radio communication systems. He also oversees facility maintenance for the Township.

Pham joined The Woodlands Community Service Corporation in 1998 as Network Administrator. He was promoted to Information Technology Manager in 2007 and then Director of Information Technology in 2010. He is a Certified Government Chief Information Officer and an active member of the Texas Association of Governmental Information Technology Managers, where he has served as President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer.

During his tenure, Pham developed the Township’s technology infrastructure from the ground up, building a fully robust and continually evolving system. He also served as Co-Construction Manager for the Township’s Town Hall facility at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard. Over the years, Pham and his team have implemented critical technologies and systems, including GIS, land management tools, asset and work order systems, mobile applications and server virtualization.

In partnership with The Woodlands Fire Department, Pham and his team have also enhanced public safety operations by implementing apparatus mobile data computers and upgrading public safety communication systems.

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Kellan Shaw serves as Chief Financial Officer for The Woodlands Township. She joined the Township in 2011 and was promoted to her current role in 2023. As Chief Financial Officer, Shaw provides direct leadership to the Director of Finance, Director of Budgeting, Purchasing Manager and Grant Administrator. She oversees the Township’s daily financial operations, ensuring effective stewardship of public funds and maintaining fiscal integrity through strong internal controls.

In addition to managing the Township’s financial activities, Shaw oversees the annual budget process, the annual audit process and provides leadership support to the Investment and Audit Committees. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from Sam Houston State University and brings more than 17 years of experience in governmental finance to her role.

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Todd Stephens serves as the Director of Intergovernmental Relations for The Woodlands Township, leveraging over two decades of extensive legislative and governmental experience. In this role, Todd acts as the front-line guardian of the Township’s interests in state and federal legislative matters. He is responsible for interfacing and collaborating with other political subdivisions, as well as local, state, and federal agencies and business entities regulated by the state.

Todd's responsibilities include working closely with stakeholder and partner organizations to identify emerging legislative, regulatory, or business issues. He advocates positions to governmental bodies and partner organizations to favorably resolve these issues and participates in local and regional planning and advocacy efforts. Todd attends Board meetings and the meetings of Board committees, monitors and reports actions of the Texas government and local political subdivisions, and maintains beneficial relationships with local government and private entities to advance the Township's legislative or regulatory agenda. Additionally, he works with contract political consultants to support these initiatives.

Before joining The Woodlands Township, Todd served for 13 years with Congressman Kevin Brady in both Washington, D.C., and Texas. His career also includes various roles in the Kentucky General Assembly, where he served as professional committee staff, bill drafter, and legislative assistant to the Senate President. A veteran of the United States Army, Todd holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy.

Todd Stephens' extensive background and dedication to public service make him a vital asset to The Woodlands Township, ensuring the community's interests are effectively represented at all levels of government.

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Angela Branch serves as the Director of Human Resources for The Woodlands Township. In this position, Angela provides leadership and oversight of the Township’s Human Resources policies and operations. Angela partners with the Township Board of Directors and Executive Management Team to identify and implement talent management strategies aligned with the Township’s vision and goals.

As Director of Human Resources, Angela’s focus is to attract and retain top talent for The Woodlands Township. This requires continuous review of compensation and benefits programs, as well as being an architect of workplace culture. Angela is the management sponsor of The Woodlands Township Employee Engagement Committee and the Township’s Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator.

Prior to joining the Township staff in 2022, Angela was Executive Director at The Woodlands Methodist Church and served in multiple Human Resources management roles at Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Angela earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois and Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota. Angela and her family have enjoyed living in The Woodlands for over 10 years.

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