Larry Cress has been involved with Houston Furniture Bank since 2000 and serves as Director of the Mattress Recycling Center. Cress is also CEO/President of New Tech Global Companies. A registered petroleum engineer, he graduated from Texas A&M in 1976 and has over thirty-six years of drilling and completion experience. Additionally, he is CEO of Wild Stallion Vineyards located in Spring, Texas. He and his wife Karen are active members of Faithbridge Community Church in Spring, Texas.

Managing Director of financial services company Raymond James and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Houston Furniture Bank, also known as “Captain Cash” on local radio station KTBZ-FM “The Buzz”, Hal has been involved with the Furniture Bank since its inception in 1992, joining the board in 2004 and becoming Board Chairman in 2006. His leadership skills are moving the Houston Furniture Bank to be a self-sustaining non-profit, with a focus on re-use and recycling.

Kari Smith is a professional in the interior design industry serving residential clients. Kari is also the Co-Leader of Houston Furniture Bank D.I.V.A.S (Desigining Interiors, Volunteers at your Service). Prior to her work in interior design, Kari was a commercial banker at Wells Fargo Bank, serving clients in the Large Corporate sector. Kari has also served in volunteer leadership positions at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Texas Special Olympics. Kari is a graduate of University of Texas at Austin, receiving an undergraduate degree in Finance from the School of Business.

Frank Monacelli holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Oklahoma State University. He worked with General Telephone & Electronics Company and M.W. Kellogg Company before joining Nino & Associates, Inc. in 1987. There, his expertise in Relocation and Human Resources complemented the residential real estate home-finding services of both Nino Realtors and Nino Corporate Lodging. Monacelli holds a Texas Real Estate Broker’s license and is a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP). Monacelli served on the board of YES College Prep School and Houston Relocation Professionals.

Pat Duffy is President of the Houston Office of Colliers International. He has over 34 years of experience in commercial real estate as a producing broker, educator, sales manager and managing broker. Duffy enjoys assisting people with creating strategic and tactical plans, leveraging his broad-based commercial brokerage background as a practitioner, manager and instructor. As President of the Colliers Houston office, Duffy has direct responsibility for recruiting, training and managing the sales and leasing teams, property management, business plan creation and coordination for the company.

Retired Executive Director of the The Harris Center, Dr. Schnee fostered the foundation of Houston Furniture Bank in 1992, serving patients transitioning out of mental health facilities. When these services were extended to other agencies in 1995 and in 2003, Dr. Schnee helped establish the independent Houston Furniture Bank. Dr. Schnee serves as Director on several boards including Harris County Healthcare Alliance, Network of Behavioral Health Providers and Homeless Youth Network. Among many leadership positions, Schnee is a member of the QUAD Agency and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Executive Steering Committee.

Miles Marks is Director of Client Development in the Wealth Management division of Avalon Advisers. In 1998, Marks became President and CEO of the 12th Man Foundation, where he served for 15 years. Prior to his role at A&M, he was a banker with the Texas Commerce Bank / Chase Bank of Texas organization where he worked for 12 years. Marks is active at Second Baptist Church, serves an Advisory Director of Cadence Banks, is a member of the Ambassadors Council of the 12th Man Foundation at Texas A&M as well as the A&M System’s Chancellor’s Century Council and joined the Houston Furniture Bank Board in 2016.

Bernadine Falco, a native Houstonian and University of Houston alumna, brings over 40 years of project management experience to The Furniture Bank. With a background in Shell Oil Company and the Friedkin Group, Bernadine’s expertise drives successful outcomes. She actively supports organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Houston, Children at Risk, The Charity Guild, and United Way while enjoying cooking, travel, and the arts in her spare time. Her commitment to making a difference shines through her professional and personal endeavors.

Francie Willis, a dedicated and accomplished board member, brings a wealth of experience to The Furniture Bank. With a successful career as a renowned entrepreneur and management consultant, Francie’s visionary leadership led to the establishment of Urban Retreat, a prestigious luxury day spa and salon. Her philanthropic endeavors have left a lasting impact on the Houston community, with her
involvement in numerous charitable organizations and raising over $10 million for various causes. Recognized for her achievements, Francie has received esteemed awards and accolades, further highlighting her exceptional contributions. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Francie Willis plays a vital role in driving our organization toward its mission of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Gary has over 42 years of experience in areas such as financial leadership, strategic organizational development, and multi-generational product development. Currently Gary is CFO of Prahsys, Inc,, a fintech payment processing company. Prior to Prahsys, Gary spent 17 years as CFO of the oldest and largest lake and pond management business in Texas. Other positions included various management positions with General Electric Company. Gary graduated in 1980 from the University of Texas – Austin with a BBA -Accounting and a MBA in 1996 from Houston Baptist University.