Dean’s College Advisory Board Adds New Industry Experts
The Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB12) is an elite group of distinguished alumni, former students and industry professionals committed to advising Interim Dean Patrick Suermann in shaping the future of the College of Architecture. These individuals lend their knowledge, time and resources to help the college fulfill its mission as the premier place of learning for architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and construction science.
Members of this year’s board include:
- Kamal Ariss ’83 – Chair
- Bill M. Brown
- Aan Garrett Coleman ’81
- Dr. John T. Cooper, Jr. ’92
- Whitney Fuessel ’97
- Stefan Gresham, Jr. ’18
- Melanie Harris ’06 – Chair Elect
- James C. Pitts ’87
- Jim Russ ’86
- Dr. Paul H. Sanders ’68
- Dr. Audrey Tinker ’96
- Angela E. Watson
As of January 2025, three new members have been appointed to the board: Dr. Audrey Tinker ’96, Jim Russ ’86, and Whitney Fuessel ’97. They were invited to join due to their extensive experience in industry, commitment to the college, and dedication to fostering innovation.
Meet the New DAB12 Members
Whitney K. Fuessel ’97
HKS, Inc.
Regional Practice Director, Health | Partner
Whitney Fuessel is a highly regarded health architect and a recognized leader in healthcare design. She joined HKS Architects in 2017 and currently serves as the Houston Health Director and Principal. With over 20 years of experience in health architecture, Whitney specializes in the creation of innovative healthcare campuses, clinical spaces and medical education facilities.
Her international projects have taken her to regions including the U.S., South America, Africa and Asia. One standout project includes a CitizenHKS initiative to create a neonatal unit in Mbale, Uganda. As a principal at HKS Architects, Fuessel is known for her leadership in blending thoughtful design with functional healthcare spaces, always with an eye toward improving the human experience.
Fuessel is passionate about giving back and is active in industry groups including the American Institute of Architects, where was past chair of the committee on Architecture for Health. She is a recipient of the American Institute of Architects Presidential Citation and was named to the Dallas Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Healthcare.” She is also a founding board member of Women in Healthcare.
In her personal life, Whitney values continuous growth, mentorship and innovation. She is committed to pro bono work and has a special place in her heart for charitable contributions in Africa. Fuessel also finds time to engage in writing on topics related to healthcare innovation.
Her motto, “If you don’t ask, the answer is no,” reflects her belief in challenging the status quo and her drive to create positive change through her work.
Jim Russ ’86
President & CEO
EHRA Engineering
A proud native Texan and second-generation Aggie, Jim Russ is a fourth-generation principal at one of Houston’s longest-standing, privately owned engineering firms, EHRA Engineering.
Russ began his career in civil construction after earning a bachelor’s degree in building construction from Texas A&M University in 1986. He transitioned to civil engineering in 1998, focusing on land development, municipal engineering and public infrastructure.
Celebrating its 88th anniversary in 2024, EHRA Engineering’s legacy is one of commitment and service. As president and CEO, Russ leads an organization which employs some of the industry’s most distinguished, well-respected and accomplished professionals. As a leader, Russ understands the delicate balance between focusing on team members and managing client expectations. He is committed to inspiring a company culture that emphasizes both the team and the client.
Russ has a personal policy of “giving back by paying it forward.” He is actively engaged in the growth of the region through his volunteer work with numerous civil construction and engineering industry organizations, political action committees, infrastructure advocacy groups and economic development organizations throughout Southeast Texas.
In his spare time, Russ enjoys spending time with family and friends, networking and serving his community. An avid supporter of Texas A&M University, he takes great pride in his involvement with the Association of Former Students, the Texas A&M Foundation, the 12th Man Foundation, the Chancellor’s Century Council, the College of Architecture, the School of Engineering, the School of Public Health and the Department of Construction Science. He also enjoys attending Texas Aggie baseball, basketball and football games whenever possible.
Audrey Tinker, Ph.D. ’96
Owner
Sage Signature Homes, Inc.
Audrey Tinker is a construction management professional with more than 20 years’ of experience in both academia and industry. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, she holds a Ph.D. in architecture with an emphasis in construction management. Tinker owns Sage Signature Homes, Inc., where she leads home design, project management and subcontractor coordination.
Tinker’s career began in academia, where she taught at Texas A&M University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With a deep commitment to sustainable building practices, she specializes in green building programs and residential water consumption. Her expertise is widely recognized and her research has been published in the Journal of Green Building and the Proceedings of the Associated Schools of Construction.
Tinker is dedicated to delivering innovative, sustainable homes while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. She is passionate about giving back to her community and volunteers extensively, both domestically and internationally. She has also served in leadership roles for numerous community organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Circle K International and Make-A-Wish®, where she has organized and participated in fundraising events and service projects.
Tinker is a dedicated mentor, particularly for women in construction. She has advocated for increasing female enrollment in construction programs and has spoken on the increasing role of women in the industry.
In her personal life, Tinker is an avid runner, having completed marathons in multiple cities, including Chicago, Austin, Ft. Worth and New York City. She is a proud mother of two children: Landon and Corinne.
Outgoing Members
Outgoing DAB12 members Dan Leverett ’80, Jeremy Stovall ’99, and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tim Green ’86 are transitioning to emeritus status, which allows them to continue advising the college, but in a less time-intensive capacity on the board. They join current emeritus members:
- Jim Singleton ’66
- Ron Skaggs ’65
- Jim Thompson ’68
Additionally, William Peel, Jr. ’74 serves in ex officio.
