NewSpring Board of Directors
Madonna Barfoot
Board Chair
Madonna Barfoot is a Vice President for PNC. She brings more than 20 years of banking and 15 years of treasury management experience. In addition to her background in Treasury Management, Madonna has served her entire career in banking and held various sales and operations management positions. Madonna is a graduate of Auburn University and is a Certified Treasury Professional and Project Management Professional. Madonna is active in the city as a volunteer with the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, a docent for Museum of Fine Arts Houston/Rienzi, Greater Houston Auburn Club alumni association, and Dress for Success. She is a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Kathleen Bowen
Board Member
Kathy has over thirty years of experience in Energy Banking. She has been with PNC and its predecessors for 27 years and is currently a Managing Director and Head of the Upstream Team in the Energy Group with commitments of approximately $4 Billion. She began her career as a credit analyst for MBank where she worked in the Energy Group prior to joining PNC. Kathy received her BBA from the University of Illinois and her MBA from the University of Texas in Austin. She is a member of the Houston Producers’ Forum and the IPAA. Kathy and her husband Greg are members of Foundry United Methodist and volunteer with Cy Hope. They have two sons, Christopher and Connor. Connor is currently a senior at Baylor University.Carolyn Casey-Figueroa
Board Member
Carolyn is a native Houstonian, with over ten years of experience as a project manager in the arts. She obtained a Master of Arts degree from the University of Houston (UH) in Arts Leadership. Carolyn works as an artist advocate and community engagement coordinator in the arts. With a passion and appreciation for the value of arts in the community, Carolyn contributes as a skilled arts management leader who is values-driven. She has provided leadership and support to artists and arts organizations in multiple areas, including project documentation, administrative support, marketing, art direction, research, public relations, communications, conflict resolution, and contract management for several high-profile creative projects. She is the lead arts administrator and manager at GONZO247 Art Studios, achieving successful brand growth, providing strategic planning, and supporting community outreach efforts. Awards include “Houston Mujer Poderosa” (2018). Presentations include IUPLR Sixth Latino Art Now! (2019) Conference Sight Lines & Time Frames: ‘Artefacto: Preserving An Artist Legacy’ as chair and moderator. Carolyn is also mom to her adult child living in Tucson, AZ, wife to her full-time artist husband, GONZO247, dog mom to her studio pup, Max, and house pups, Moxie, RJ, and Ace, plus (currently) foster dog mom to Duckie and Momo.
Patricia Garcia
Board Treasurer
With over 17 years' experience, Patricia is a hands-on CPA in audit, accounting and assurance. She enjoys working with mid-size companies in a variety of industries, including energy, distribution, manufacturing, healthcare and nonprofit organizations. She volunteers with several organizations including Latin Women's Initiative, serving as VP of Finance Chair, Unity Opera Board Member and Texas Society of CPAs member. Patricia is a resident of the Spring Branch/Memorial area.Deborah Grabien
Board Member
Deborah is a seasoned strategic marketing, communications and business development executive. With 30+ years of experience, she has earned a reputation as a go-to leader in the legal field for her industry knowledge, aptitude for strategic thinking, client development initiatives, and successful employee development. Deborah is a Senior Fellow, American Leadership Forum Class of XLVII and currently serves on the Board of Family Houston and on the Advisory Committee of Girls Empowerment Network.Walter Mata
Board Member
Walter Mata was born and raised in Houston, TX, specifically in the Spring Branch community. He attended Spring Woods HS and participated in the NewSpring Art Auction in 2010 and 2011. After high school, he attended The University of Houston where he received his BS in Civil Engineering. During college, Walter interned with NewSpring as an Art Instructor and worked during college as an engineering teacher's assistant. Professionally, Walter gained his civil design experience in the Oil, Gas, and Chemicals industry working for Houston's second largest civil engineering company. Walter has previously served as a communications instructor, helping engineers with their presentation and soft skills. Walter is currently a licensed civil engineer in Houston and serves on the safety committee for the world's largest chemical company.
Nelson Ocampo
Board Member
Nelson Ocampo has practiced law since 2009, specializing in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, cross border transactions and environmental law. In 2023 he started as the Director of Compliance for Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4. He received his undergraduate degree from The University of Houston and his law degree from Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law.