News Releases

Interfaith of The Woodlands is proud to announce the distinguished honorees to be recognized as the 2025 Hometown Heroes. This cherished tradition, which began in 1999 to celebrate The Woodlands' 25th anniversary, continues to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose contributions have significantly impacted our community. The 2025 Hometown Heroes include four exceptional individuals, one nonprofit and one corporate honoree, each selected for their lasting contributions to The Woodlands.

THE 2025 HOMETOWN HEROES ARE:

• Cathy Brady
• Jim Rapp
• Jim Wendt
• Nick Wolda
• Truluck’s The Woodlands
• YES to YOUTH

These honorees will officially join 170 other distinguished individuals, businesses, and organizations as part of this prestigious legacy. They will be celebrated at the 2025 Celebration of Excellence Gala, presented by Woodforest National Bank, on Friday, February 28, 2025.  The event is co-chaired by long-time supporters, Julie Lile and Jen McDonald. Throughout the coming months, Interfaith will highlight each Hero’s invaluable contributions and commitment to preserving Mr. George P. Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands community. Mary Anne and Mark Whitney have also been selected as Honorary Chairs for their steadfast dedication and support of Interfaith. Mary Anne has served on the Interfaith of The Woodlands Board of Directors for the last eight years, served as Board Chair for the past two years, and will continue her leadership as the organization’s Ex-Officio for 2025. 

Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, shared, “Our community is filled with remarkable individuals who, through their selfless service, make The Woodlands a better place to live, work, play, and pray. These Heroes, nominated by our neighbors, have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and dedication to our community. We are thrilled to celebrate them at the Gala in February, where each will receive their official Hometown Hero Medallion.”

The honorees were revealed at a special gathering on November 6th at The Woodlands Towers, surrounded by family, friends, and Hometown Heroes alumni. The event was graciously hosted by Howard Hughes and underwritten by Truluck’s The Woodlands. The Woodlands Towers was transformed by Premiere Events and Piney Rose, who generously donated all of the florals.

The criteria for selecting Hometown Heroes include demonstrating exceptional leadership, serving as a positive role model, and dedicating time and energy to volunteerism. These individuals and organizations have also shown a willingness to sacrifice personal gain in pursuit of noble goals. They exhibit courage, and embody the core values of The Woodlands community. Nominations were accepted from the public this summer and reviewed by a selection committee made up of past Hometown Heroes.

The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala is the largest annual fundraiser for Interfaith of The Woodlands. Generously supported by local businesses and organizations, the event’s proceeds directly benefit Interfaith’s essential community Programs and Services providing basic needs assistance for families and Seniors in need in South Montgomery County.  

NICK WOLDA

Many of his colleagues will say, you can’t spell The Woodlands without a “w-o-l-d-a.”

So, it seems destiny that Nick Wolda came to The Woodlands in 1999 after the start of his career where he represented companies in the medical, grocery, telecommunications and forestry fields.

Starting November 16, 1999 with Town Center Improvement District, Nick has worked on project teams which included the development and launch of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, the expansion of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and the developments of Market Street, Town Green Park and Waterway Square. He successfully launched The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, an organization that promotes economic development through tourism and meetings. Today, he oversees the implementation of marketing and public relations programs to bring meetings and tourism dollars to The Woodlands. Nick has successfully generated articles on The Woodlands in media outlets such as USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Southern Living Magazine, Corporate & Incentive Travel, Golf Digest, Zagat’s and numerous radio and television programs. Prior to his current role, Nick directed the production of The Red, Hot & Blue Festival, The Ice Rink and Lighting of the Doves, among others, for 16 years. He was a founding member of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival which is now ranked in the Top 10 of all arts festivals in the country. His marketing programs have won numerous awards from the International Festivals & Events Association, International Economic Development Council and several state-wide organizations.

As a Christian believer, Nick has a strong passion in supporting mission groups and has been an active member of The Woodlands Methodist Church. He was on the founding team of the creation of The Loft at The Woodlands Methodist Church.

Nick has a strong passion for youth sports, coaching several YMCA soccer teams, ORWALL baseball teams and SCFL football teams. He is widely known as “The Voice of The Woodlands” with The Woodlands Highlanders Football Radio Network, which broadcasts The Woodlands High School football games around the world.

He has served two, three-year terms, on The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as Education for Tomorrow’s Alliance, and the Cottage Green Homeowners Association.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Mr. Wolda began his career as a writer for The Lufkin Daily News and the Houston Chronicle. In his 38 years of marketing, Nick has provided sales, marketing, public relations and advertising guidance to a variety of corporations, companies, state associations and governmental entities.

Nick is a resident of the Village of Alden Bridge and dad of two graduates of The Woodlands High school (Hylaree and Hudson,) “Bocci” for two grandchildren (Jubilee and Windsor) and caretaker of one mini Goldendoodle (Graham).

2025 HOMETOWN HEROES & GALA

Read the complete press release announcing all of the 2025 Hometown Heroes here. 

For more information about the 2025 Celebration of Exellence Gala, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit hometownheroesgala.org or contact Amanda Poole, Director of Development at development@woodlandsinterfaith.org or 832-615-8225.