Our Co-Chairs
2026 Co-Chairs
Co-Chair
Ellecia Knolle
Beta Xi, University of Texas
Ellecia is a graduate of the University of Texas and has been a Houstonian for the past 28 years. She is married to Edmund and is the proud mother of three Kappas and one nine-year-old, otherwise known as her “favorite son.”
Ellecia is a stylist and wardrobe curator. Her business, Paris Prep, offers personalized styling, wardrobe streamlining, and brand guidance. She combines her sense of wanderlust, and creative energy to provide a distinctive perspective as a stylist and brand ambassador. Ellecia has spent the last two and a half decades actively involved in public education, her church, and numerous civic organizations. With a deep passion for the success of all children, she is honored to chair this inaugural event, raising groundbreaking funds to invest in early childhood education in Houston, Texas.
Co-Chair
Whitney Russell
Epsilon Rho, Texas A&M University
Whitney and her husband Robert are proud parents to two incredible sons who keep their lives full of joy and adventure. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Whitney served in multiple leadership roles during her time as a Kappa. After moving to Houston, she met some of her lifelong friends, roommates and mentors through the Night Owls and the Kappa Alumnae Association.
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Whitney is an active volunteer in her community, including her children’s school and neighborhood initiatives. Her commitment to service extends beyond her family and friendships into her professional life as a co-founder of Petree Partners, a boutique consultancy for businesses, law firms, and privately held companies. She approaches every endeavor with the same dedication, warmth, and commitment to making a meaningful difference. Whitney is honored to be a part of the inaugural Key to Design: A Tablescape Event.
Underwriting Chair
Aimee Dodson
Delta Psi, Texas Tech University
Aimee Dodson is a proud Kappa Kappa Gamma alumnae of the Delta Psi chapter at Texas Tech University. Alongside her mother, Sue Brennig and daughter, Bailey, Aimee has been a cherished advocate for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Charitable Foundation, lending her time, her leadership, and energy.
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Aimee has brought beauty and intention to some of Houston's most treasured cultural institutions, including her meaningful work with The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Alley Theatre and Houston Grand Opera, Texas Opera Theater Group. Her creative spirit is matched only by her generous heart.
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Aimee and her husband, Marshall, have three wonderful children. She is an active volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she serves on the Rodeo School Art Committee, championing arts education and nurturing the next generation of young artists across the region. Her volunteer spirit also shines through years of involvement in the Houston community with Communities In Schools and Camp For All.
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Aimee had the honor of serving as President of both the Kappa Mothers' Club and the SAE Mothers' Club. Beyond her civic life, she has a genuine love for animals and a passion for animal science.
Host Committee
Underwriting
Aimee Dodson, Chair
Danna Burkett
Sue Brennig
Julia DeWalch
Clayton Erikson
Blake Kunetka
Lauren Moncrief
Nancy Gordon
Melissa Rabalais
Judy Tate
Jennifer Tellepsen
Karen Tellepsen
Committee
Carson Bell
Libba Blalock
Jessica Brazelton
Abigail Coleman
Meredith Crow
Jacquelyne Deegan
Molly Duncan
Elizabeth Eades
Cathy Frank
Cari Griggs
Mimi Griggs
Casey Hedges
Stephanie Holt
Jenny Hull
Alison Jamison
Isla Jornayvez
Jenna Junell
Catherine Justice
Libby Kafka
Mimi Knolle
Catherine Martin
Kelly McWherter
Caroline Melody
Paula Mentz
Tara Mize
Carlin Morstead
Courtney Prochaska
Tracey Rice
Emily Catherine Riggs
Lynn Russell
Margaret Sanders
Cecille Shannon
Jennifer Shepherd
Stephanie Smith
Braden Spalding
Joan Stedman
Meredith Turner
Laurie Vander Ploeg
Courtney Vandiver
Diana Velarde
Laura Weitzel
Elizabeth West
Lynn West
Kathryn Wilson
Kappa Mothers' Club:
Suzanne Stiles
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Foundation Board
Catherine Campbell Lane, President
Shelley Barineau
Kimberly Connell
Kelli Cravens
Renee Davis
Nancy Ellison
Carrie Fisher
Mary Groves
Hope Huber
Tany Klaes
Vickie McCarthy
Carole Monday
Carlisle Powell
Mary Sommers Pyne
Debbie Robinson
Kelly Schleider
Lib Snell
Peggy Strode
Suzy Thompson
Hope Young