Board of Directors

Eugene Newsom

PRESIDENT

Term ends: May 2030

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 2030

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 Municipal Utility District No. 278 community since 2013. Her commitment to public service and community advancement led to her appointment to the Board of Directors on March 3, 2017. In 2018, she was elected by district residents to continue serving on the Board, reflecting her longstanding dedication to the community.

With nearly a decade of board service, Mrs. Magee brings a strong foundation in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and human resources management. Her professional experience includes more than 17 years in talent acquisition, workforce development, and business operations, where she has worked closely with organizational leaders to support strategic initiatives, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

Mrs. Magee earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Texas Southern University and her Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian University). Her academic achievements, combined with her extensive professional experience, have strengthened her ability to approach leadership responsibilities with sound judgment, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Throughout her board service, Mrs. Magee has remained committed to responsible governance, community engagement, and supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for district residents. She recognizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning in maintaining a strong and thriving community.

Beyond her professional and civic responsibilities, Mrs. Magee is a devoted wife and mother who values family, education, and giving back to her community. She takes great pride in serving the district where she has established roots and continues to support its future growth and development.

Guided by integrity, accountability, and a genuine passion for service, Mrs. Magee remains dedicated to representing the interests of Harris County MUD No. 278 residents and contributing to a positive, sustainable future for the community.