Rooted in the Panhandle: Doug Loomis on Leadership, Family & Education
Release Date: 06/22/2025
The Next Chapter at Amarillo Area Foundation with Keralee Clay
This is the Panhandle
In this special edition of This Is the Panhandle, Broc Carter sits down with Amarillo Area Foundation CEO Keralee Clay for a wide-ranging conversation about her “long and windy road” back to the Texas Panhandle—and the leadership journey that brought her to the Foundation’s top role. Keralee shares her deep Panhandle roots, her unexpected pivot into vocal performance and opera, and the steep learning curves that shaped her: managing the Amarillo Civic Center at a young age, moving to New York City with everything she owned in a Ryder truck, and building a career that blended...
info_outline
From Florida to the Panhandle: Getting to Know Dr. Jamelle Connor
This is the Panhandle
Guest: Dr. Jamelle Connor, President of Amarillo College Host: Kimberly Anderson, Amarillo Area Foundation Episode summary: Kimberly sits down with Dr. Jamelle Connor to meet the person behind the title. Jamelle shares her Florida upbringing (yes, baton twirling and boat days!), how high-school band shaped her life, and the long-story-short of finally dating and marrying her husband, Martin. She introduces us to their three very different (and very close) daughters, talks about falling in love with Amarillo’s hidden-gem culture—from Comic Con to the symphony—and dishes restaurant...
info_outline
Adoption, Accounting, and Amarillo: A Conversation with Laura Storrs
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Laura Storrs, CFO of the City of Amarillo, to uncover the person behind the title. Born and raised in Amarillo, Laura shares stories of her childhood, the influence of her parents, and how she discovered her passion for accounting. She opens up about her journey into motherhood through adoption, the blessings and challenges of raising a blended family, and the unique connection her husband—also adopted—brings to their home. Laura also reflects on her deep ties to community, from Rotary traditions to her new...
info_outline
Opportunity Youth: Building Pathways in the Panhandle
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This is the Panhandle, Broc sits down with colleague Beth Gunn, Grant Program Officer at the Amarillo Area Foundation. Beth shares her personal journey—from starting with the foundation through CYD, to leading scholarship programs, and now focusing on education grants. Together, they explore the concept of Opportunity Youth—young people ages 16–24 who are disconnected from education or the workforce—and why addressing their needs is critical for the future of the Texas Panhandle. Beth unpacks local research, the challenges of tracking this population, and the...
info_outline
More Than a Superintendent: The Life and Leadership of Dr. Deidre Parish
This is the Panhandle
In this inspiring episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Dr. Deidre Parish, the new superintendent of Amarillo ISD. While many know her for her impressive career in education—including two doctorates and leadership roles from rural districts to large urban schools—this conversation goes deeper, uncovering the personal side of Dr. Parish. From her Lubbock roots to her early teaching days, Dr. Parish shares the winding path that led her from biology research labs to public school classrooms, and eventually to district leadership. Along the way, she opens up...
info_outline
Mother-Daughter Strength: Amy & MK Lovell’s Story
This is the Panhandle
🎙️ This is the Panhandle — In this very special episode, host Broc Carter sits down with Amy Lovell and her daughter Mattie Kate (MK) Lovell for the first-ever mother-daughter conversation on This is the Panhandle. Amy and MK share a deeply personal story about facing Amy’s unexpected breast cancer diagnosis and the journey that followed — one marked by early detection, tough choices, family support, and hard-won hope. Amy, a longtime advocate for nonprofits and co-founder of The Panhandle Gives, opens up about her life in the Panhandle, her work, and how a routine mammogram...
info_outline
From Spearman to Spain: A Fulbright Story with Filiberto “Fili” Avila
This is the Panhandle
In this inspiring episode, Broc Carter sits down with Filiberto Avila—known to many as Fili—a Spearman, Texas native currently wrapping up a Fulbright fellowship in Madrid, Spain. Fili shares his incredible journey from growing up in a rural Panhandle town to becoming student body president at West Texas A&M University, participating in the Rogers LEAD program, and ultimately teaching university-level students in Spain. Fili reflects on: His academic and leadership experiences at WTAMU The impact of the Rogers LEAD program and student government Helping launch the Market on...
info_outline
From Wheat Fields to Community Impact: John Wittler of Ogallala
This is the Panhandle
📍 Brought to you by the Amarillo Area Foundation.
info_outline
Everybody Has Value: A Conversation with Don Powell
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Don Powell to explore the person behind his prominent titles and accomplishments. While Don’s résumé includes leadership roles such as President & CEO of First National Bank of Amarillo, FDIC Chairman, and federal coordinator for Gulf Coast recovery efforts, the conversation focuses on his personal journey, values, and lessons learned along the way.
info_outline
Rooted in the Panhandle: Doug Loomis on Leadership, Family & Education
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This Is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Doug Loomis—recently retired superintendent of Amarillo ISD—to explore his journey from growing up in Dalhart to leading one of the region’s largest school districts. Doug shares personal stories about his upbringing, football days, and family life; reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and advocacy for public education; and offers insights on community collaboration. Midway through, Vice President of Community Investment Laura Escobar joins to outline grant opportunities through the Amarillo...
info_outlineIn this episode of This Is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Doug Loomis—recently retired superintendent of Amarillo ISD—to explore his journey from growing up in Dalhart to leading one of the region’s largest school districts. Doug shares personal stories about his upbringing, football days, and family life; reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and advocacy for public education; and offers insights on community collaboration. Midway through, Vice President of Community Investment Laura Escobar joins to outline grant opportunities through the Amarillo Area Foundation. Listeners will come away with inspiration on building win-win relationships, supporting local nonprofits, and sustaining a thriving Panhandle community.
About the Guest
Doug Loomis recently retired after 39 years with Amarillo ISD, having served at every level from teacher to superintendent. A Dalhart native, he deeply appreciates small-town roots, has a passion for public education as a leveling force, and is committed to empathy-driven leadership. Doug is joined in life by his wife, Gisele, and their children, Jordan and Braydan , all of whom feature in heartfelt anecdotes throughout this conversation.