Meet one of the newest members of the GHBA team, Cecilia Buice. Cecilia is a certified public accountant and is taking over the role of controller, as Griff Godwin retires following 10 years of service to GHBA. She is responsible for oversight of the finances for GHBA and its entities. She will also work with volunteers and staff to create the annual budget. Cecilia sat down to answer questions from Aimee Bertrand, to help you get to know her better!
Aimee Bertrand (AB): Where did you grow up?
Cecilia Buice (CB): I grew up Houston, Texas but I spent many summers with my relatives in La Paz, Bolivia in South America where my parents were born. The cities are so different, one is the highest city in the world and the other just at sea level, but both are very special.
AB: Did you ever take a woodshop-type class in school?
CB: No, I never took woodworking, but I enjoy working on projects of all types and difficulties. After my husband and I purchased our first home, we built our own covered deck in the backyard. It was a lot of work but looked great when we were done. We were proud to see it stayed standing after Hurricane Ike in 2008!
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AB: What made you decide to come to work for GHBA?
CB: I enjoy working where you can make an impact in the community. I decided to come work for GHBA not only because of the advocacy and education it provides the local community, but because of the staff I met during the interview process. It was evident that the company works well as a team and supports each other.
AB: What events or projects are you looking forward to working on with the GHBA Team?
CB: I’m looking forward to attending groundbreaking events and charity events. It seems so exciting to be part of a much-anticipated project that benefits our community.
AB: Do you have any pets?
CB: I have two cats and two dogs. If I could fit a horse in my backyard, I’d have one too! My cats are Kylo, a black cat rescued from a parking lot, and Suki, a Siamese. Penny is a labrador retriever who loves to snuggle in bed or lay by your feet by the couch, and Roxie is a lab rescue that has tons of energy but also stops any time for affection and scratches behind her ears.
AB: What do you do when you are away from the office?
CB: I enjoy cooking, but I really enjoy baking. I like to make everything from scratch, including pie crusts, and it must have real butter! My friends and family know me for my baking, especially my bourbon pecan pie. They fight over the last piece during the holidays.
AB: What is your go-to restaurant recommendation for guests from out-of-town?
CB: I am a huge fan of the Pappas restaurants, especially Pappasitos and Pappadeaux. Another great local restaurant is Tejas BBQ & Chocolate in Tomball, Texas. Their BBQ was praised in Texas Monthly a few years ago and their chocolate truffles are both beautiful and delicious! Craft Grill in The Woodlands is another local favorite.
AB: What do you do when you are away from the office?
CB: I enjoy going out to dinner with friends and family. I also enjoy doing things around the house whether it’s painting or reorganizing a bedroom or trying out a new cake recipe. If the weather is nice, I love to sit on my patio with a cup of tea and my dogs by my side.
Please stop by and say hello to Cecilia the next time you are at the GHBA office, or at a GHBA event!