Education and Professional Career Dr. Maxwell was born and raised in Amarillo and graduated from Randall High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Leadership from West Texas A&M University, as well as a Doctorate in Global Leadership and a Superintendent Certificate from Lamar University. His career began with recognition as a distinguished educator and teacher before he transitioned into executive leadership. This is where he met Jodi, Rae, and so many incredible educators passionate about serving kids and making their communities a better place. He served as a turnaround principal, earning statewide performance distinctions, and later held key roles, including Executive Director and Deputy Superintendent for Pampa ISD, as well as Superintendent in Ralls ISD. For the last three years, Dr. Maxwell has served as the Deputy Executive Director at Region 16 ESC. In this role, he supports school districts across the region and provides input, guidance, and collaboration with the Texas Education Agency throughout the state. He also contributes to professional development and serves as a professor at West Texas A&M University, teaching master's of curriculum and instruction and principal certification. Contributions and Community Dr. Maxwell is the recently published co-author of Service With Soul, which outlines steps for turning transactions into transformational moments in customer service. He has demonstrated a commitment to the community by serving on numerous boards and community volunteer organizations, which has led to his nomination for the Amarillo area's Top 20 Under 40. Nathan loves sports, working out, and traveling. Recently, he was inducted into the Canyon ISD Athletics Hall of Fame. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kayla, and they have two children, Carder and Paityn. Dr. Maxwell is honored to serve on this board and excited to bring joy to those in need across the community.

A native of Perryton, Texas, and a graduate of Perryton High School. He earned his Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Amarillo College and has been serving families in the funeral profession since 1995. Brad joined Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors in August of 2000. In January 2016, he had the opportunity to purchase the firm from the Carmichael family, continuing its long tradition of service to the Pampa community. Later that same year, in July 2016, he expanded by purchasing the funeral home in Canadian, Texas. Brad currently serves on the board of directors of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Brad married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne, in July of 1993. They have two daughters, Lauren and Jodi and her husband Tyler, and one granddaughter, Charlie Jo. They are members of Briarwood Church in Pampa, and Brad is also an active member of the Pampa Lions Club. Brad has been deeply involved in public service throughout his career. He served as a City Commissioner for the City of Pampa from 2005 to 2011 and later as Mayor from 2011 to 2021. In addition, he founded Wheel Times, Inc., serving as its president from 2011 until 2025. Brad has a passion for helping others. Brad and Suzanne are also entrepreneurs in their community, owning The Harbor Community Event Center in Pampa and The Fountain of Sunshine Soda Trailer. In his spare time, Brad enjoys CrossFit, staying active, and spending time with his family.

I am the Owner/Operator of Chick‑fil‑A South Coulter Street, where I have spent the last 3 years developing leaders, serving the Amarillo community, and creating a culture where people are challenged and encouraged to become their best. I am originally from the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I graduated from University of Houston with a degree in Hospitality and have a background in food safety. I moved to Amarillo three years ago to take over our Chick-fil-A and have loved building both a team and a life in this community. Since moving to Amarillo, Clayton and I have welcomed two daughters, Nora and Reese, who keep our life joyful and busy. When I’m not at the restaurant, I enjoy investing in people, supporting local initiatives, and spending time with my family and our two dogs. I’m passionate about leadership, personal growth, and creating opportunities for people to discover what they’re capable of. I believe the best businesses are built by investing deeply in people.

Charla Shults is a proud Texas Panhandle native with deep roots in the communities she has served and loved for a lifetime. With over 21 years as a volunteer sports photographer, Charla has faithfully captured memories and milestones for athletes and families across Pampa, White Deer, Panhandle, McLean, and Lefors—preserving moments that matter most. She is the owner of Charla Shults Photography, a business she has passionately led since 2000, and the co-owner of Delete Dents Auto Body and Paintless Dent Repair, where she has dedicated over 25 years alongside her husband, Wendell. Together, they have built not only successful businesses but a legacy grounded in hard work, integrity, and community. Charla and Wendell have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of two daughters: Madi Thompson (and her husband Schrade) of Pampa, Texas, and Jana Villarreal (and her husband Waldo) of Waco, Texas. Having lived all but four years of her life in the Texas Panhandle, Charla’s heart has always been rooted in her hometown of White Deer, where lifelong friendships began—including one with founder Jodi Cox and her husband Jeff. Later in life, Charla was blessed with a special bond with Rae, who came into her life through her friendship with her daughter Jana. Rae’s profound impact and meaningful relationship with Charla inspired her to establish the first Rae of Sunshine Scholarship at Pampa High School. Charla describes this mission best: “It’s loving her from here to heaven and continuing her ministry.” Through her work, her relationships, and her giving spirit, Charla continues to shine light, preserve memories, and pour love back into the communities that shaped her.

Jeremy Gossett is the owner of Gossett Garage in Amarillo, Texas. As a local business owner, Jeremy is committed to serving his community with integrity, hard work, and a strong focus on building lasting relationships. Through his business and personal involvement, he takes pride in contributing to the growth and success of the Amarillo community. Jeremy also serves as a board member for Rae of Sunshine, where he supports the organization’s mission through active community involvement and practical, results-driven leadership. He values opportunities to give back and help make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Jeremy is married to his wife, Savannah, and together they have two children, Blaire and Isaac. Outside of work and community involvement, he enjoys staying active and spending quality time with his family.

DeLynn Gordzelik serves as Practice Manager at Gray County Veterinary Clinic in Pampa, Texas, where she brings over three decades of operational leadership and management experience to support high-quality veterinary care in the Texas Panhandle. A lifelong Pampa resident and graduate of Pampa High School, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Food Science & Technology from Texas A&M University. DeLynn has a deep passion for serving children and families in her community. She currently serves as President of CASA of the High Plains, a role she has held for the past two years, and sits on the Board of the Pregnancy Support Center of Pampa. Her newest commitment is to the Rae of Sunshine Christian Foundation, where she is honored to join the board. DeLynn knew Rae personally through her own children and through many years of volunteering with choir musicals, where she made countless costumes for sweet Rae. She is drawn to the foundation’s mission of showing Christ’s love in Rae’s memory by serving children with physical and mental disabilities—those who are too often overlooked or forgotten within the healthcare system. DeLynn and her husband, Dr. Brian Gordzelik, have been married for 39 years. They have two children, Sarah and Kyle. Together they have raised their family with strong values of faith, compassion, education, and community service. A proud Aggie—WHOOP!—DeLynn is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families across the Texas Panhandle.

Susie Heinrich is a seasoned healthcare and business professional with over 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and leader in health and wellness. She brings a rare combination of deep clinical expertise, operational leadership, and business acumen to every role she undertakes. Susie began her academic journey at Texas Tech University, where she studied Pre–Physical Therapy from August 1987 to May 1990. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in December 1991. Since that time, she has dedicated her career to improving patient outcomes, promoting lifelong wellness, and advancing evidence-based movement and rehabilitation. Throughout her professional career, Susie has developed extensive knowledge across health, fitness, rehabilitation, and wellness programming, informed by decades of hands-on clinical practice and leadership involvement. From February 2022 through 2024, she served as the General Manager of a health club, where she oversaw operations, staff leadership, program development, and member experience—successfully bridging clinical insight with business strategy. In August 2025, Susie further expanded her leadership credentials by earning her Professional MBA (PMBA) from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. This achievement reflects her commitment to continuous growth and her ability to lead effectively at the intersection of healthcare, operations, and organizational management. Outside of her professional pursuits, Susie has been happily married to her husband, Brian, since August 1992, and they are proud parents of three children. She enjoys gardening, playing golf, and teaching cycling, passions that reflect her belief in active living and holistic well-being. Susie’s career is defined by integrity, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to helping individuals and organizations thrive through health, movement, and strong leadership.

Jona Little serves on the board of the Rae of Sunshine Foundation, an organization that holds deep personal meaning to her and her family. Rae, the best friend of Jona’s daughter Adeline, left a lasting impact through her joy filled spirit, kindness, faith, and love for others. Jona is honored to help carry on Rae’s legacy by supporting the foundation’s efforts to serve families in need, give back to the community, and share the love of the Lord. Jona lives in Pampa, Texas, where she works alongside her family at W&W Tank, helping support the operations of their family-owned business. She has been married to her husband, Todd, for 32 years, and together they have raised two daughters, Grace and Adeline. Their family also includes their two dogs, Bud and Stella. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Jona brings a heart for service, compassion for others, and a deep commitment to her community to her role on the board. She considers serving the Rae of Sunshine Foundation one of the greatest blessings in her life, as it allows her to honor Rae’s memory by giving to others in need and living out a life of faith, generosity, and purpose.

Matt Johnson is the founding and lead pastor of The Loft Church and has served in full-time ministry for 16 years. He is married to his wife, Elisa, and is passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus.

David is a partner at the law firm of Smithee & Russell, where he focuses his practice on civil litigation and mediation. With years of experience and a steady, solutions-driven approach, he is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence. Beyond his professional work, David is deeply involved in his community and faith. He is an active member of First Baptist Church, where he has faithfully taught a Men’s Bible Study class for more than 30 years. He also serves on the Board of Life Challenge of Amarillo, where he leads weekly New Testament classes, investing his time in mentorship and spiritual growth. David has been married to his wife, Belinda, for 40 years. Together, they have two daughters and three grandchildren who bring joy and keep them happily busy in their free time.