New Cy-Fair chairman brings experience

Mark Sappington, the chairman of the board at Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce, also works at the civil e

By VALERIE SWEETEN
CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT:
Mark Sappington deepened his commitment to the community with his newest position at the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce.
Sappington, a Cy-Fair area resident, was named the 2010 chairman of the board for the chamber. He has previously served as board member, board secretary and member of the finance, governmental affairs and education committees.
Sappington is vice president of Cobb, Fendley and Associates Inc., a civil engineering and surveying company on the Northwest Freeway.
Mary Evans, chamber president, said Sappington's professional background adds to his expertise in dealing with various levels of government.
I think he's going to bring a lot of experience," Evens said. "He's a good listener and methodical in his thinking. I think that is one of his biggest strengths. I appreciate him being well prepared for this role."
Evans said Sappington will handle major issues facing the community such as the mobility of the Northwest Freeway and Cy-Fair ISD's budget concerns.
We really expect a lot. We're ready for him to roll up his sleeves and get the work done. I know Mark is very dedicated and has high ethics," said Evans.
Sappington is also a member of the CFISD's Leadership Committee and speaks more than five languages including Spanish, French, German, Russian and Italian.
Reginald Lillie, immediate past Chairman of the Board, has known Sappington since 1997. Lillie said Sappington has several assets that will be beneficial to the Chamber.
He's a focused individual that has a good sense of the issues," Lillie said. He's detail-oriented and a planner. He's going to bring just what we need with what we're facing.
He understands how these issues impact our community short and long term."
Sappington, a 1981 graduate of North Carolina State University, also received his masters of science degree in 1984 from the same college.
The Fayetteville, North Carolina native embraced foreign languages and enjoyed learning their traditions and culture.
He moved to Houston in 1984, where he began his civil engineering career. Sappington joined Cobb, Fendley and Associates in 1997 as a senior project manager and climbed the ranks to become vice president.
He became a member of the chamber in 2000 to serve the needs of the community and build business relationships.
When the chance to become chairman was available, Sappington couldn't say no.
When doors open, you walk through and take that opportunity," Sappington said. I wanted to serve."
This is an excellent way to do that because there are so many issues at a crossroads. There are a lot of hard decisions that will have to be made."
In his free time, Sappington enjoys playing his guitar, composing music and spending time with his wife, Martha Rupp Sappington and their children, James and Erin.
For Chamber information, go to www.cyfairhouston.com.
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