Board of Directors

While Chairs come and go, one steady presence has guided us nearly four decades: Henry Bell, our Chamber President for 37 years.

Through Henry’s leadership this Chamber hasn’t just endured — it has thrived. Today it is more relevant than ever: the place where people show up to celebrate wins, wrestle with challenges, and collaborate on the future. We thank Henry for his faithful and extraordinary commitment to Tyler.

Grounding in Gratitude

Psalm 118:24 tells us: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

I try to begin each day with gratitude. My list always starts with: Thank you, Lord, that I get to live in Tyler, Texas.

But today is special. Today, I get to publicly thank the people who make Tyler one of the very best places to live.

Gratitude & Recognition

• My family. Thank you for your love and support.
• Leadership Team: Tom Trimble, Nicole Cox, Pat Stacey, Peter Sheele, Anthony Brooks, and Jeff Johnston.
• 2025–2026 Board of Directors.
• Scott Martinez and the TEDC.
• Our Chamber staff.

I am grateful today — because of you.

Honoring the Legacy

One of my favorite rituals is arriving early to the Genecov Room before Board or Executive Committee meetings. I stand before the wall of pictures of past Chairs.

I’m awestruck by the 99 men and women who have faithfully served this community for 125 years. Many of their names now live on in our streets, parks, and buildings.

In particular, I want to recognize leaders like Herb Buie, Barbara Bass, and Walter Wilhelmi.

Community stalwarts such as Randy Roberts, Bill Martin, Charles Hill, Claude Henry, and Jim Lambeth.

And Chairs who have personally invested in me: Roy Martinez, Lee Browning, Pat Stacey, Shannon Dacus, and James Sheridan.

We also pause to remember leaders no longer with us — Aubrey Sharpe and Jerry Woolverton. Their legacy continues to ripple through Tyler.

I am grateful today — because of you.

Looking Forward

We’ve seen the wall of past leaders who brought us here. But there’s another section of that wall — one that’s mostly blank.

That blank space is not just empty. It’s an invitation — a challenge to the next generation of servant leaders to step up, to choose to add to this legacy of selfless service.

And that’s really what my theme for this year is all about: Show Up & Choose.

Theme: Show Up & Choose

For years I’ve said: “There’s only one rule — show up.”

But I’ve learned that just showing up isn’t enough.

• You can show up and sit on your hands.
• You can show up and stay silent.
• You can show up and let others do the heavy lifting.

But real progress happens when people show up and choose.

• Choose to engage.
• Choose to lead.
• Choose to invest in something bigger than themselves.

So my challenge to you is simple:

• Show up - not just physically, but with ideas and energy.
• Choose - to lead, to collaborate, to help us move forward.

Closing Story

As I close, I want to share a brief story about my most enduring personal value.

It was the summer of 1981. I was at a Royal Ambassador Jamboree in Waco. After three days of rain, we were breaking down camp.

Our RA leader, a man of few words, gave us one simple instruction:

“Let’s leave it better than we found it.”

Eight words. Spoken once. Yet they’ve stayed with me for over 40 years. That phrase has guided my actions and decisions ever since.

Call to Action & Blessing

Together, let’s make this a year we’ll always remember —

• A year that inspires gratitude.
• A year that honors those who came before us.
• A year of planting trees under whose shade we may never rest.

Let’s show up.
Let’s choose boldly.
Let’s leave it better than we found it.

I am deeply honored to serve as your Chair. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to Tyler.

May God continue to bless you, your families, and this community.

Thank you.

Tom Perkins  |  2026 Board Chair