Frederick (Fred) is a native of Hallsville, Texas and currently resides in Houston. After high school, he attended Prairie View A&M University in Texas and the University of Washington in Seattle, earning degrees in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of International Business, respectively. Between undergraduate and graduate school, he served two years in the United States Army.
Fred is currently Director of Public Affairs for Valero Energy’s regional refining operations. Prior to this assignment, he served in a variety of engineering, human resources, and public affairs positions within Valero and Exxon Mobil’s operations in Texas, California, and Louisiana.
In his civic life, Fred has volunteered in many capacities including the Boards of Directors for United States Olympic Committee and USA Track and Field. He is past Chairman of the Board of the Texas City/ LaMarque Chamber of Commerce, Chair-elect for the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Houston’s Community Family Center, and Vice-chair of the Black Heritage Committee – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Fred also serves on the Capital Campaign Committee for Prairie View A&M University and is an avid supporter of the United Way and Boy Scouts of America.
While at Prairie View A&M, Fred was a three time All-American and National Champion in Track and Field. In 1976, he won Gold and Silver Medals in the Montreal Canada Olympic Games. In 2000, Fred was appointed Team Leader for the United States Men’s Track and Field squad to the Olympic Games in Sydney, Austria. He has served as the High School Referee for the Texas Relays for the past seven years and Co-Referee at the Texas State UIL Track and Field Championships for the past six years.
Fred is a member of the First Metropolitan Church in Houston. He and his wife of 38 years, Rhonda, have 2 daughters – Vonda and Benecia; a son-in-law, Pele’ Nunley (Vonda’s husband); and two wonderful grandsons, Andre’ and Bryce. His hobbies are gardening, ranching, and volunteering in youth oriented programs.
