WHA’s Members News:
David Hightower joined Midway Companies as the Executive Vice President of development on January 1, 2017. Hightower worked at Wolff Companies for 36 years in various leadership roles. He has been involved in the management, development, and/or ownership of more than 6,000 acres of investments including commercial, residential, and agricultural land. Hightower has been a part of boards and committees of several organizations dealing with the real estate and community development issues. He has been active in the West Houston Association, the Greater Houston Partnership’s Real Estate Advisory Committee, and the Houston Real Estate Council. He remains active in the West Houston Association at the committee level.
Michael Prats has joined CDS Community Development Strategies as a Senior Market Analyst. At CDS, Mike will be consulting with both public and private sector clients in performing Market Analysis, Economic Development Studies, and Strategic Market Planning Assignments. Previously, Mike was Vice President of the Lake Houston Area Economic Development Partnership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography Degree from Texas State University and a Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans, School of Planning and Urban Studies.
Remembrance:
Richard (“Rick”) Allen Rice, a native Texan, passed away on November 30th, 2016. Rick Rice was a member of the Interstate Board for many years before he accepted a role on the Houston City Planning Commission. Rice was also a developer who helped build Houston’s west side and was known for the quality of his achievements of projects. He dedicated his efforts to enhance the outdoor environments of the West Houston area. The Rick Rice Park is also named after him in order to commemorate for his ongoing efforts. Richard Rice will be remembered for his valuable efforts to beautify West Houston. He was also an active member of many professional associations including as Director Emeritus of the West Houston Association, Harris County Flood Control Task Force Past Chairman, Houston Real Estate Council Past President and Greater Houston Builders Association Developers Council.