Eugene Newsom
PRESIDENT
Term ends: May 2026
Eugene has been a licensed Texas attorney since 2002, beginning his career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County DA’s Office before establishing his own practice. A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Eugene is a former legislative intern with the Tennessee General Assembly.
Tommie Ruth Allen
VICE PRESIDENT
Term ends: May 2028
Tommie Ruth Allen serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Ms. Allen became interested in serving on the MUD Board after attending homeowners association meetings and becoming interested in serving the District. Ms. Allen was subsequently elected to the Board on May 7, 2016. She greatly enjoys her work with the District.
She moved to the Woodland Pines subdivision in December of 2007 after retiring from the Houston Police Department where she served as a civilian manager. She has served her community other ways, including as the public relations manager for the New Life Tabernacle Church. She has also worked in a variety of public affairs roles with organizations such as the Houston Eye Clinic and Houston Lighting & Power. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a degree in journalism and a minor in public relations.
Ms. Allen has one adult son, Herbert Emerson Jr., who lives in Humble. She has one granddaughter and one great-grandson.
Gwen Thornburg
SECRETARY
Term ends: May 2026
Gwen Thornburg was elected to the Board of Directors for Harris County MUD 278 in 2020. She has over 15 years of combined experience administratively, and as an Assistant Property Manager in the Retail, Warehouse, Commercial, and Office Building industries.
As a Real Estate Professional, she is committed to providing the absolute best service to her clients. She feels that by educating her clients and managing important details, she enables her clients to make informed decisions, and assists them in experiencing smooth transactions. By doing so, she offers her clients the best personal representation, technology, and advertising clout available to professionals in her industry.
She prides herself on her ability to listen to her clients’ needs and plan effective strategies for home ownership. With her proven track record and commitment to providing excellent services to her clients, she brings a valuable community-first strength to her role as a Director for this District.
Shantai Magee
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Term ends: May 2026
Shantai Magee has been a dedicated member of the Harris County MUD No. 278 community since moving to the District in 2013. She was appointed to the Board of Directors on March 3, 2017, and subsequently earned the trust of the community by being elected to the Board in 2018.
Mrs. Magee is a proud alumna of Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts, and Houston Baptist University, where she completed her Master’s degree. Her strong educational foundation, combined with her passion for community service, has driven her commitment to fostering growth and excellence within the district.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Magee is a devoted mother to her son and remains actively engaged in initiatives that promote the well-being and development of her community. Her leadership reflects her dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact for all residents.