Frank Monacelli serves as Chairman of The Furniture Bank’s Board of Directors, helping lead the organization’s mission to make empty houses homes for families in need.

He brings decades of experience in real estate, relocation, and human resources, along with a strong background in community service. Frank is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and Certified Relocation Professional, using his leadership experience to support families served by The Furniture Bank.

Mike Willis is a dedicated supporter of the Houston Furniture Bank, actively involved in its mission to provide essential furniture to families in need. Alongside his wife, Francie Willis, Mike co-chaired the inaugural “No Kids on the Floor” benefit event on June 1, 2024, at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston.

In addition to his event leadership, Mike serves on the Board of Directors for The Furniture Bank. His commitment to the organization’s vision and goals has been instrumental in driving initiatives that support families transitioning out of homelessness and those affected by disasters. Through his philanthropic efforts and leadership, Mike Willis continues to make a significant impact on the Houston community, ensuring that no child has to sleep on the floor and that families have the necessary furnishings to lead comfortable lives.​

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.

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.

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.

D.I.V.A.S.

Pat Brewer is an experienced interior designer with 35+ years in the industry and co-leads the Furniture Bank D.I.V.A.S. She retired from Houston ISD after 40+ years of teaching business and computer courses and seven years in administration.

She served as Professional Development Director for Texas Gulf Coast ASID and President of the Texas Gulf Coast NKBA. Pat holds degrees from Prairie View A&M, the University of Houston, and Lonestar College. A skilled trainer and event planner, she is passionate about helping others create functional, comfortable living spaces through design and volunteer work.

Since joining Star Furniture in 1989, Michael Galloway has been a driving force in the company’s promotional and digital strategy at this Berkshire Hathaway Company. As the Vice President of Marketing, Michael has spearheaded innovative campaigns that have significantly enhanced Star Furniture’s online presence and customer engagement. Star Furniture has been working with the Furniture Bank for over 30 years, being an early supporter of the mission. Michael has been directly involved since 2022 and is committed to using his skills to increase awareness and visibility for The Furniture Bank.

Michael is deeply committed to community service, actively supporting the Houston Furniture Bank, and is passionate about the furniture industry’s responsibility towards sustainability. His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive Star Furniture’s success in the competitive market.

Samantha Hoffer’s work begins where most of the furniture industry stops: with what happens to a piece after its first home. A fifth-generation member of the Finger and Hoffer furniture families, she built her career learning every facet of a century-old family business that had grown far beyond traditional retail into rental, commercial interiors, design, logistics, refurbishment, and resale. That range taught her how thoughtful asset utilization, operational excellence, and strategic sourcing extend the life of quality furnishings across many uses. Today she channels those lessons into Hoffer Companies, a family of furniture brands with a modern vision for a more connected, circular furniture industry.

The Furniture Bank is where that vision reaches its fullest expression. Her grandfather, Jodie Hoffer, was an early supporter, and Samantha is proud to serve on its Board of Directors, furthering its mission of transforming empty houses into homes for families across Houston.