Convention Committee
The Cen-Tex Division, LSR NMRA is proud to be hosting Connections, the 2026 Lone Star Region NMRA Convention. Led by Division Director Doug Taylor, there are more than 20 volunteers who are working to deliver an excellent event for your enjoyment. Committee chairpersons and other volunteers are listed below. If you need anything from us at all, please ask.
Just a few of the convention committee members, including Tom Weaver, Peter Kazmir, Mike Barrett, Joe Dumas, Doug Taylor, Michael Strittmatter, and Jack Merkel, MMR.
We strive to make our website accessible; please contact us if you experience issues.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate chairperson directly (click the title to send an email), send us a note on Facebook or Instagram, or stop by the registration table at the convention.
- Convention Chair – Doug Taylor
- Banquet & Special Guests – Vic Di Bacco
- Clinics – John Larson
- Company Store – Wayne Jones
- Contest (local chair) – Jack Merkel, MMR
- Layout Tour – George Zapalac
- Non-Rail (local chair) – Chris Chany
- Operating Sessions – Gert “Speed” Muller and George Zapalac
- Photographers (local) – John Ames, Joel Davidson, Lou Adler, MMR, and Peter Kazmir
- Silent Auction – Brian Helms
- Sponsorship, Raffle & Door Prizes – Mike Barrett
- Timetable & Handouts – Cliff Sherer and Peter Kazmir
- Transportation – Chris Chany
- Prototype Tours – Michael Strittmatter
- Treasurer & Registrar – Tom Weaver
- Assistant Registrar – Andrew Molnau
- Volunteer Coordinator – Joe Dumas
- Website & Publicity – Peter Kazmir
Multiple LSR officers and chairs are also active on the committee, especially Joe Leising, Ray Byer, and Jeff Palmer, MMR.
LSR Officers and Chairs
- President – Bob Barnett, MMR
- Vice-President – Ray Byer
- Secretary – Peter Kazmir
- Treasurer – Steve Sandifer, MMR
- Board Advisor / Past President – Donna Orr
Division Directors
- Cowcatcher Division 1 – Dick Brannan
- Bayou Division 2 – Rod Fredericks
- Trinity River Division 3 – Jeff Rykel
- Cen-Tex Division 4 – Doug Taylor
- West Text Division 5 – Brooks Willig
- South Texas Division 6 – Roy Kaiser
- North Louisiana Division 7 – Don P. Kimmell
- Texas Gulf Division 8 – Phil Stewart
At-Large Directors
- At-Large Director 1 – Deborah Gifford
- At-Large Director 2 – Michael Harang
- At-Large Director 3 – Don Winn, MMR
Department Chairs
- Achievement Chair – Duane Richardson, MMR
- Contest Co-Chair – Ray Byer
- Contest Co-Chair – Jeff Palmer, MMR
- Convention Chair – Joe Leising
- Education Chair – Robert Mangrum, MMR
- Elections Chair – Deborah Gifford
- Events Chair – Bill Dryden
- Historian – Bob Barnett, MMR
- Membership Chair – Jared Roberts
- Non-Rail Chair – Divina Gato-Hogno
- Parliamentarian – Ray Byer
- Photographer – Michael Harang
- Publications Chair – Peter Kazmir
- Publicity Chair – Riley Triggs
- Web Chair – Gert “Speed” Muller
- Youth Chair – Don Winn, MMR