Board of Directors

William Thomas has been a resident of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 since 2003. In 2005, he was elected as the first HOA Board member for The Estates of Teal Run; he served as President in that capacity for 10 years. His commitment to serve his community eventually led William to accept an appointed position on the FBMUD 23 Board of Directors in 2007. He was officially elected to the Board in 2010 and was appointed to the position of President by the Board in 2012. Over the past 14 years, it has given William great pleasure to be a part of the growth and prosperity of FBMUD 23.

In his professional life, William has been in the Civil Engineering industry for over 20 years. He currently fills a role as a Project Coordinator III, focusing on Land Development projects involving Single‐Family residential. While maintaining his professional obligation William is committed to the responsibilities and duties of being a MUD Director by having an attentive ear and working closely with Developers and Consultants. William’s goal is to continue providing his knowledge and expertise as a Director for the betterment of the District.

William has been married to his wife Chantel for 19 years, and they have one daughter.

Anzilla Gilmore has been a Director on the Board for Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 since 2009 and currently serves as Vice President to the Board of Directors. She is civic- and community-focused, and works with the growth and betterment of the District neighborhoods in mind.

Anzilla began her career as a student intern in the Physical Plant at PVAMU, then went on to work as a student intern at HOK in Dallas while studying at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Graduate School of Architecture. She became a registered architect in 2004, becoming the first female African American registered architect in the city of Houston, and the fifth in the State of Texas. Anzilla has spent most of her career working as an owner’s representative in Higher Education

Anzilla’s passion for architecture manifests itself through service. She has dedicated herself to professional mentorship, community outreach and professional service through leadership in professional organizations for 20 years. She has been an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1999. Additionally, Anzilla is a Lifetime member of the PVAMU National Alumni Association.

Further, Anzilla has served as/on:

• National membership chair for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) for eight years

• Established the first NOMA chapter in Houston in 2005; she was HNOMA chapter’s first president and has served in a number of different capacities within the chapter over the years, currently serving as

• AIA’s National Ethics Council from 2014-2019 and served as the chair of the Council in 2019

• Director on the first board of the Architects Foundation (AF), the philanthropic arm of the AIA, leading the rebranding of the AF Diversity Advancement Scholarship and founding and launching the AF’s diversity scholars mentorship program

Anzilla was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in February 2019, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member, making her the 18th African American woman in the country to receive this honor in the college’s history, third in the state of Texas and the first in Houston.

Having served on the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 Board for 28 years, Ellen is considered the “unofficial” Historian of the Board. When Ellen became a MUD Board Director, shortly after moving to Teal Run in 1993, FBMUD 23 had less than 500 hundred homes and only consisted of one neighborhood: Teal Run. The years have flown by as she and her husband of thirty-three years have raised their now-grown children in the very house they bought in 1993.

Introduction to MUDs came with her first job after college, working at the City of Sugar Land. Ellen is a proud Aggie who received a Bachelor of Speech Communication in 1989, followed by a Master of Public Administration in 1991. Ellen is currently employed at a local Civil Engineering firm as the Office Manager.

Her excitement for green space and parks has played out over the years as Ellen has been asked to testify before the Texas Legislature on numerous occasions on legislative matters that give MUDs the power and tools to provide quality recreational facilities for their residents. She was humbled and honored in 2022 when her fellow MUD 23 Board members surprised her by renaming the first MUD 23 walking trail in her name. The Ellen Hughes Trail was completed in 2005 and was a passion project for Ellen in the years leading up to construction.

Chris Robinson has been a resident of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 since 2002 and has served as a MUD Board Director since 2004. As a graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering, Chris has worked as a licensed Professional Engineer in the Houston area for over 20 years. His current position is working in the water resources group at HDR, Inc.

Originally from Dallas, Chris has put down deep roots in the FBMUD 23 community over the years and is a Deacon at a local church. He lives with his wife and four daughters in the Winfield Lakes community and owns a second home in the Teal Run North community. While growing his family and settling into the neighborhood, Chris also found time to earn his M.B.A.

Brian Cokes is a dedicated resident of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23, having called it home since 2000. His commitment to the community extends beyond residency, as he has previously served as a MUD Board Director from 2006 to 2012, contributing his expertise to the improvement and development of the district.

Brian's educational background is as impressive as his dedication to community service. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, he holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Architecture, complemented by Masters degrees in both Architecture and Community Development. This extensive education equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the built environment and its intersection with social dynamics.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Brian has made significant contributions to various industries within the Houston greater area. His career spans across commercial, private, and higher education sectors, where he has played pivotal roles in shaping the architectural landscape of the city. Brian's work reflects a passion for innovation and sustainability, coupled with a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Houston residents.

Currently, Brian heads his own consulting firm, where he leverages his expertise to manage projects spanning the breadth of Houston. His firm's portfolio showcases a diverse range of ventures, from urban redevelopment initiatives to educational facility design. Through his leadership and vision, Brian continues to make meaningful contributions to the city's growth and prosperity.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Brian remains deeply engaged in community affairs, leveraging his skills and knowledge to drive positive change. Whether it's advocating for infrastructure improvements or championing sustainable development practices, he is dedicated to ensuring that Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 23 remains a vibrant and thriving community for generations to come.