Chamber bestows Outstanding Achievement award to Asst. Sup
The Mont Belvieu Area Chamber of Commerce bestowed its highest award – the Holly Jackson Outstanding Achievement Award — to Barbara Ponder, Barbers Hill assistant superintendent of human resources, at the chamber gala in Baytown.
Chamber President and CEO Macie Schubert noted that this was not an annual award, but one reserved for the most deserving individuals who have made a lifetime commitment and contribution to the community.
“This award has only been given out on two other occasions, and there is no one more deserving of receiving this recognition on the Chamber’s 40th anniversary celebration,” Schubert said.
“Barbara is an extraordinary leader with a vision and passion to make everyone and everything around her better.”
Ponder has served on many Chamber committees throughout the years, and served as a board of director from 2014 to 2017.
“Barbara Ponder has helped lead Barbers Hill Fall Fest since its inception in 1992. Fall Fest not only serves as the only fundraiser for BHISD, but also the largest fundraiser for the Mont Belvieu Area Chamber of Commerce. Simply put – without Fall Fest our Chamber would not be the success it is today,” Schubert said.
Ponder has been employed by Barbers Hill ISD for 33 years, serving as the head of the human resources department for the past 17 years. She has previously worked as a Barbers Hill teacher, coach, assistant principal and intermediate school principal for eight years, earning principal of the year honors in 2007 and 2008.
She and her husband, Johnnie, have three adult children, all graduates of Barbers Hill High School, and six grandchildren currently attending Barbers Hill schools.
“I cannot imagine a person that more exemplifies the ‘We can, We Will’ spirit of Barbers Hill,” said Superintendent Dr. Greg Poole. “The fact that this is a recognition involving Holly Jackson is so fitting because both of these ladies love our school district and have done much to make it the finest in the state.”