George R. Brown Convention Center • Exhibit Hall E • 1001 Avenida de las Americas • Houston, TX 77010

October 6 - 7, 2010

EXPO Corporate Chair

David M. McClanahan, CenterPoint Energy

David M. McClanahan is the President and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.  He began his career with the company in 1972 and held a variety of positions in information systems, accounting, and treasury before being named assistant secretary and assistant treasurer in 1983.  In 1986, he was named vice president and comptroller of Houston Industries, Inc., predecessor to CenterPoint Energy. In 1990, he was named senior vice president and chief financial officer of KBL.COM, the company’s previously owned cable

television subsidiary. He held the position until 1993, when he was named group vice president of finance and regulatory relations, and later executive vice president of energy delivery and customer service for Houston Lighting & Power Company (HL&P), the electric utility predecessor of CenterPoint Energy’s Houston area operations.  He was named president and chief operating officer of HL&P in 1997.  In 1999, he became president and chief operating officer of Reliant Energy Regulated Group and served as vice chairman of Reliant Energy, positions he held until assuming his current role.

McClanahan is a native of Victoria, Texas.  He is married and has two daughters.

EXPO MBE Chair

Richard T. Thomas, Turko Corporation

Richard T.Thomas is the President of Turkco Corporation based in Houston Texas. Richard started Turkco as subcontractor providing Damage Prevention services in 1990 to then Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.  In 2000 Turkco Corporation was given an opportunity to provide Damage Prevention Services in a pilot program by then Reliant Energy

now CenterPoint Energy. Since being given this opportunity CenterPoint Energy has chosen to grow and develop Richard’s company into their Core Business of Gas and Electric.

Turkco Corporation has been recognized by the SBA as an outstanding Small Business Enterprise in 2005 and 2006. In 2006 Turkco Corporation was honored by CenterPoint Energy as a MBE of the year for their service and partnership.  In 2007 the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council honored Turkco Corporation as a MBE of the year. Richard Thomas is proud of these awards because CenterPoint Energy and the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council are the Gold Standards of Diversity Development.

Richard has been married for 29 years to his wife Gloria.  My awakening quote is. “I think. Therefore I am” –Rene Descartes.

Daniel Grissom, Step-It Up Presenter and
Early Energizer Keynote Speaker

With deep knowledge and experience in the sciences of sales and business manage­ment, Daniel has the talent to pinpoint problems, create solutions and get results. He is a world-class communicator, able to connect with professionals at all levels – from rookies to veterans –and teach them how to step up!

Daniel has already helped many of the world’s top firms increase their results including: Google, IBM, Bloomberg, Walgreens, NASDAQ, Eli Lilly and UPS. He has coached these companies in Asia, Africa, Europe and the USA. He has earned an MBA, an honorary PhD and CSP – a designation held which symbolizes excellence in speaking, which is held by less than 7% of presenters worldwide!