Katy Area Economic Development Council announced Dan Boggio and Leonard Merrell as the winners of this year’s Stan Stanley Awards at its August 20 General Assembly meeting held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, 16435 Katy Freeway in Houston.

Both men have been pillars of the Katy area, contributing immensely to the success and growth of the community over the years, said a spokesperson for the organization.

Boggio, Executive Chairman of PBK, co-founded the architectural firm to provide innovative design solutions for educational facilities. Under his leadership, PBK has grown into one of the largest and most awarded multi-discipline design firms. He is also well-known for his work in the local community, including serving as a Katy Area Board of Governors member for many years.

Merrell is a longtime educator who served as Katy ISD Superintendent from 1995 to 2007. When he arrived in Katy, the district had 24,000 students, and after his twelve years of service Katy ISD had grown to over 51,000 students. During his tenure, he oversaw tremendous growth while maintaining Katy ISD’s status as one of the premier public-school districts in Texas. Today, Katy ISD is recognized as one of the top districts in the state and is a big reason families choose to call the Katy area home.

The Stanley Awards were created to recognize individuals that have made contributions in leadership and economic development. Selections were made by a committee of Katy area leaders. Award winners were selected based on criteria including but not limited to, years of service, leadership skills demonstrated, special achievements, and qualities Stan Stanley so greatly exhibited such as being faithful, conscientious, unselfish and committed to the Katy area community.

“It is our honor to recognize the exceptional contributions of Dan and Dr. Merrell,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Angie Thomason. “Both men exemplify a passion for serving the Katy area much like Stan.”

Along with Dan and Merrell, Stan Stanley’s wife, Patsy, was recognized with an honorary Stan Stanley Award. Patsy dedicated 31 years of her life to public education, impacting countless students. In years past, she was an active member of the Katy area community who was passionate about supporting all things children, especially at Stanley Elementary (SSE), named
for her and her devoted husband of 33 years. The campus is located at 26633 Cinco Terrace Drive in Katy.

“Pasty was an integral part of the community just as Stan was,” said Thomason. “It was our absolute privilege to recognize Patsy with the award named for her husband.” For more information on Katy Area EDC, please contact Angie Thomason, athomason@katyedc.org or visit katyedc.org.