Ronald J. Materre
1st Assistant Chapter Representative
Ronald James Materre - God has set Him apart for His glorious praise. He was created to praise. Born in Metairie, Louisiana and raised by loving parents in the persons of the late Mr. Royal J. Gardner and Mrs. Mayme D. Gardner. Ronald was always destined to live a life that expressed the goodness and greatness of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost through song. His ability to sing and play the piano and organ led him to pursue a career in music as he studied in the public schools of New Orleans, LA and thereafter matriculated to higher learning at Southern University, where he received Bachelor of Science Degree in Music. Ronald is the proud parent of Ryan Materre who recently matriculated into college to pursue his educational career.

Minister Materre in 1983 accepted the opportunity to lead the Music Ministry of the New Faith Church, under the leadership of Dr. T. R. Williams, Sr. and has seen God do great and marvelous in this ministry. Minister Materre is a gifted music composer and songwriter and his music has been a vital part of the Gospel Music Workshop of America for many years. Currently, Ronald is the 1st Assistant Chapter Representative for the Houston Chapter and is the General Music Director in the Texas Mass Choir. Rjmaterre@yahoo.com

Dr. Theola Booker
2nd Assistant Chapter Representative/Women's Counsel
Theola Booker is a native Houstonian and is a product of the Houston Independent School District. She is married to Rev. Gusta Booker who is the pastor of Greater St. Matthew Church and serves as the Minister of Music and Women’s Ministry Coordinator. She has composed and arranged music for the GMWA for many years. In addition, she has composed and recorded music with the Greater St. Matthew Church Choir.

Theola Booker is currently the 2nd Assistant Director of the Houston Chapter GMWA and also coordinates the Jewels (women’s music) ministry in the chapter. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
tbparsongb@aol.com

Dr. Albert L. Lemons, Ed.D
Academic Dean
Dr. Albert Lemons, the Academic Dean of the GMWA Houston Chapter, has been a member for 34+ years.  His position as Academic Dean involves the development and facilitation of all educational and instructional programs, organizing and scheduling workshops, and the facilitation of class registration for the national convention.


In addition, on the national level, Dr. Lemons serves as the Director of Supervisors.  In this role, he is in charge of 20 class supervisors.  His responsibilities include making assignments for the supervisors at each convention. The supervisors visit assigned classes to assess curriculum content, class size, instructional efficacy, as well as instructor competency and efficiency.


A well known and respected educator in Houston, Dr. Lemons is principal of Atherton Elementary School.  As a result of the high level of excellence demanded by Dr. Lemons, Atherton has been placed on the state’s list of exemplary schools.  He is a member of numerous community organizations, including Callie Lewis Watson and the Forty Plus, Inc, a modeling agency which awards annual scholarships to deserving students in their pursuit of higher education.  Dr. Lemons has been the reigning king of the organization since 2004.


Among his most recent accomplishments, Dr Lemons was elected as a School Board Trustee to the North Forest Independent School District.
alleelem@yahoo.com

Robert Thomas
Chief Financial Officer
Robert Thomas, a member of the GMWA Houston Chapter since 1979, is currently the CFO of the Chapter. He is a member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell and on music staff at Ship of Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Thomas.
NationMKTG@aol.com

Minnie Jefferson
Financial Secretary
Minnie Jefferson is a member of Christian Home Baptist Church, the wife of Pastor D. R. Jefferson and serves as church musician. She describes herself as “A Child of The King.” She was crowned Queen of the Women’s Division of the Gospel Music Workshop of America 2007-2008.

Sis. Jefferson serves as Financial Secretary for the chapter, and receives all monies for registration and events.
jefferson68@msn.com

Dr. William Barks-Dale
Men's Counsel
Dr. William A. Barks-Dale-An internationally renowned "Composer of Music for Worship" A native of Dothan, Alabama. A member of the Fountain of Praise Church in Houston where he serves as a Volunteer Director under the leadership of Pamela J. Davis-Director of Worship and Arts (Rev. Remus E. Wright and First Lady Mia Wright-Co-Pastors). Has been a member of the Houston Chapter Since 1991. Barks-Dale's musical credits included but not limited to: "It's All About Worship", "Right Here in This Place", "Lord, Speak A Word", "Yes, There is a God", and He's the Keepuh". Many of his compositions have been presented in the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He is an active participant in the Men's Council of the GMWA. Dr. Barks-Dale serves as the liaison for the Men's Department which enhances the overall interest of ministry for Men.
wbarksd363@aol.com