After 17 years of corporate engineering successes, Gene Birdwell founded and ran some highly profitable companies, most notably in the industrial civil construction industry. He served as Area Engineer for E.I. Dupont (1962-1965), Project Engineer for Chicago Bridge & Iron (1965-1969), Chief Engineer for Trinity Industries (1969-1976), then Shop Manager for Allied Industries (1976-1979).
In 1977, Birdwell founded S&B Construction, then changed its name in 1983 to GR Birdwell Construction where he continues as CEO. He also formed RECON in 1988 and sold it successfully 20 years later in 2008. Branching out his focuses, Birdwell founded Essentium LP in 2009 and Dr. J’s Naturals in 2019; he serves as CEO of both. Appalled at the plight of many Veterans in America today, in 2008 the former Air Force Civil Engineer (1959-1962) set out to help stem the tide of destroyed lives and suicides among the vast number of Veterans with PTSD. That year he founded IMPACT 21, then changed its name to PTSD Foundation of America in 2010 where he served as CEO until 2018. Birdwell also opened CAMP HOPE in 2012, serving as CEO until 2018 when he founded the Birdwell Foundation for PTSD.
A native of Longview, Texas, in 1959 Birdwell received his BS degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A & M University, then an MBS from the University of Dallas in 1978. After much travel, in 1978 the devout Christian joined Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston where he continues as a member today. Birdwell was ordained Deacon in 1980. He married Anne Rush Birdwell in 1960. After many job relocations, the couple settled down in Houston, TX (Spring area) in 1978, then three homes later in NW Houston. They have two sons, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom live in the Houston area. Both sons joined Birdwell in his businesses.
Gary Greer – Board Member
With more than 34 years of energy industry experience, mostly as an entrepreneur, Gary Greer developed many relationships with oil and gas industry entities and developed those relationships into several highly profitable companies. Presently owner of Concept Petroleum Marketing, LLC, which focuses on leveraging logistical challenges between market areas with imbalanced economics, Greer has helped many smaller companies profit from previously untouchable opportunities. With a partner, he developed a similar opportunity for many of the same customers to participate in downstream shipping of petroleum products through PetroSP, LP. From 2013-2018, Greer served as an enlisted member of the Texas State Guard, rising from E3 to E5 in the Texas Maritime Brigade. He put his talents to use leading search and recovery teams and improving radio communications between troops in the field and their commanders back at garrison. He is an Amateur Extra class ham radio operator specializing in setting up back-country communications for various overland racing events. Greer serves on the College of Business Advisory Board for Oral Roberts University College of Business, where he is also on the President’s Council. He previously served on the Houston board with Free Wheelchair Mission and as Treasurer of the Tomball Pachyderm Club. His passions are generosity, mentoring, and college baseball. He also serves as an usher at Champion Forest Baptist Church where he has attended since moving to Houston in 1995. Greer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Oral Roberts University in 1983. He then earned a Master of Business Administration degree with a finance emphasis from Oral Roberts University in 1986. He resides in the Houston area and has two children.
BG(Retired) Richard B. Dix – Board Member
In July of 2017, BG Dix retired with more than 30 years of service in the Armed Forces as a leader at every level. He graduated from Armor Officer Basic Course in 1987. After graduation, he served as Tank Platoon Leader, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, 24th Infantry Division. He later served as the Executive Officer for A Company, Headquarters Command, 224th Forward Support Battalion during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. BG Dix deployed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he served as the BDE S-4 FWD during Operation Desert Defiance.
Upon redeployment, he served as the Chief of Supply and Services 32nd ADCOM G 4. BG Dix later served in Germany in the 21st Theater Support Command (TSC). He also served as the Deputy Chief of Plans and Exercises G-3, 21st TSC, Group S-3, 29th Support Group (SG), Support Operations Officer 200th Material Management Center, Brigade Executive Officer 29th SG. He also served in Germany as the 29th SG Rear Group Commander during the unit’s successful deployment as the Joint Logistics Command (JLC) for Combined Joint Task Force-76 (CJTF-76), Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF VI). BG Dix served as the 3-401st Army Field Support Battalion Commander from Feb 06 to Jun 07, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF VII).
From July 2007 to June 2008, BG Dix served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, Army Material Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. From July 2009 to July 2010, BG Dix commanded the 401st Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) in Bagram, Afghanistan. From July 2010 to July 2012, he served as the Chief of Staff for the Army Sustainment Command. BG Dix served as the Executive Officer and the Director of Strategy and Integration G-45/7 for the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-4, from July 2012 to May 2014. BG Dix served as Commanding General for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution responsible for Dept. of Defense's Global Storage and Distribution, from June 2014 to June 2016. BG Dix closed out his career as the Joint Munitions Command, Rock Island, IL, Commanding General June 2016 to July 2017.
BG Dix graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he also received a Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisition Management from Webster University. He is a 2009 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. In 1987, he graduated from South Carolina State University’s Army ROTC Program (Distinguished Military Graduate) with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, BG Dix is married to the former Cynthia Diane Fields of Jacksonville, Florida. The couple has two children and two grandchildren.
Solange Warner – Board Member
The Chairman and Founder of the World Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, she is President of World CC Television Channel, broadcasting on Amazon Fire TV and Roku Networks. Moreover, Solange is the CEO of Ashton International Consulting Firm.
Solange Warner founded the World Chamber of Commerce in February, 2008. She developed the organization from the ground up, establishing the entire organizational structure, including the Board of Directors. Important members of the community support the WCC as board members, including U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young; President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe; U.S. Ambassador Charles Shapiro; U.S. Ambassador Mark Lagoon, Ambassador of Germany, Lutz Gorgens, Ambassador of France, Philippe Ardanaz, among other Ambassadors, Consuls, Senators, Representatives of the House, and Mayors of Cities.
Solange Warner has developed many initiatives benefiting businesses at a global level, including business and educational television shows, through Amazon and Roku television networks, accessing 80 million television viewers. Additional initiatives include the WCC International Trade Seminar Series, where leaders and experts educate companies on how to penetrate foreign markets. The WCC International Trade Seminars have taken place at important venues, such as the Georgia Capitol, UPS Headquarters, the Four Seasons, and Ritz Carlton, among others. Keynote speakers include President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe; U.N. Ambassador, Andrew Young; U.S. Ambassador Mark Lagoon; U.S. Ambassador Charles Shapiro; Ambassador of Israel, Reda Mansour; Senator Donzella James; Representative of the House, Pete Marin; Mayor of Auburn, Linda Blechinger, among many other dignitaries and leaders of the community. The WCC Events average 400 attendees and are a very successful form of networking for businesses to interact with global leaders and develop excellent business connections as well.
Moreover, Solange Warner has organized initiatives for the WCC such as the World Chamber of Commerce Trade Mission to Saint Lucia. The purpose of the WCC Trade Mission was to create business exchange between St Lucia and U.S. businesses. Participants of the Mission were Ambassador of France, Philippe Ardanaz, Ambassador of Germany, Lutz Gorgens; Consul of Liechtenstein, Bruce Allen, among others. Solange Warner was able to obtain a complimentary scholarship from Brandon Hall School for a child in St. Lucia.
Furthermore, Solange Warner has developed the World CC television channel, with film and television productions from several countries such as Latvia, China, Ecuador, Chile, Italy and others. Additional programming includes documentaries regarding relevant social subjects, including doctors discussing Covid 19 and health in general. Other programs and documentaries are dedicated to promote awareness in regards to human trafficking and how the community can become involved to stop this devastating crime for our society.
Solange Warner created the humanitarian campaign, “Human Trafficking Awareness to Keep Our Children Safe” in 2009. Since then, she has organized WCC Events, in the Georgia Capitol, the Atlanta Airport and other venues, to create awareness about Human Trafficking. Additionally, Solange has created television shows on Amazon Fire TV, Roku Network, Channel 25, and others, promoting awareness regarding Human Trafficking as well.
Solange Warner developed the humanitarian initiative “Haiti Relief Effort” sending two airplanes to Haiti volunteers and humanitarian aid for the earthquake victims. Then, she developed the humanitarian initiative to aid Chilean Earthquake victims as well. The WCC donated funds to “Maria Ayuda”, Chilean organization assisting victims of the earthquake.
Solange Warner developed the prestigious WCC Global Heroes Award, which prominent leaders of the community have received, including President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe, Ambassador Andrew Young, U.S. Ambassador Mark Lagoon, U.S. Ambassador Charles Shapiro, Senator Donzella James, Mayor of Auburn, Linda Blechinger, among other leaders. One of the WCC Global Heroes Award ceremony was at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, a two day, successful event with 500 attendees. Guests were Ambassador Lutz Gorgens, President of Invest France, Philippe Yvergniaux, Consul of Italy, Angela Della Contanza, Ambassador of Brazil Adalnio Senna Ganesh, Ambassador Red Mansour, U.S. Ambassador Charles Shapiro, Consul of Denmark, Chris Smith, Consul of Liechtenstein, Bruce Allen, Charles Green, President of Sunrise Bank, Michael Bryan, Senior Economist at Federal Reserve Bank. Ambassador Andrew Young received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the WCC Event.
Solange Warner organizes the WCC Event Programs, including leaders and experts providing information and training for the business community. In addition, Solange Warner creates programs that include entertainment as well, such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performances, Tango dancers from Argentina, Classical dance from Russia, and Brazilian music performance. Attendees for the WCC events include Ambassadors, Senators, Consuls, among other leaders.
Solange Warner is the CEO of Ashton International, a prominent firm that provides in-depth international trade consulting, including market and feasibility studies, international lead generation, product implementation, and international representation. The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Ashton International for “Export Achievement, Associated with Accomplishments in the Global Market Place.”
Solange Warner has three television shows, one is “Global Matters with Solange Warner”. She has interviewed many global leaders and experts of the business community, including Ambassador Lutz Gorgens, Consul of Denmark, Chris Smith, Consul of the United Kingdom, Annabelle Malins, and other leaders. Solange Warner created the “Inspirational Heroes” television to recognize remarkable people that inspire the community.
Solange Warner has over 20 years experience in international markets, working previously as a senior manager for multinational accounts at America Express for seven years. She managed Fortune 500 Multinational corporations, such as Microsoft, AT&T, and others. Solange Warner lived in Europe and previously she lived in Miami, where she owned and directed S&S Travel, a successful travel company, located in Coral Gables, Florida.
Solange Warner obtained her International Business Degree at American Intercontinental University with Summa Cum Laude accolades. She speaks Spanish, Portuguese and English fluently and has knowledge of French, German and Italian. Solange Warner is originally from Chile and has traveled extensively throughout fifty-six countries. Furthermore, Solange Warner is a member of the National Scholars Honor Society and has received several awards as WCC Chairman and Founder.
Peter Schorr - Board Member
Retreat Behavioral Health 2011 – present President/CEO
Retreat Behavioral Health was conceived on pursuing a goal of providing the highest standard of service for its patients, both in terms of clinical services and property. Both facilities have been designed to provide clinical staff the proper space and layout, almost in a zen-like atmosphere, to be able to better “reach” the patients in their journey to sobriety and achieving recovery.
After a 4 month complete renovation, Retreat at Lancaster County opened on Aug. 15, 2011. The property, which houses a Facility of approximately 100,000 square feet over 24 acres provides state-of-the-art facilities and amenities necessary to operate a high-end, inpatient Drug and Alcohol detox and rehab center. The buildings include patient rooms and common areas, a dining room and full kitchen, a treatment center, administrative offices and a gymnasium/fitness center. Each room features locally handmade furniture, full size beds, granite counters and ceramic tile showers.
Retreat at Palm Beach, a 120 bed facility on 4 acres is conveniently located in Palm Springs, FL. A ground up build, the construction was completed and opened in June 2016. As with Retreat at Lancaster County, all amenities and space to operate a Retreat facility have been incorporated into the facility. Retreat at Palm Beach incorporates its innovative treatment model in a traditional, self-contained inpatient facility that was welcomed by both the industry and payors.
Retreat at South Connecticut, awarded the first new Certificate of Need in the state in over 20 years, opened in February 2020. The facility of 80 beds has been an overwhelming success in its first year – becoming cash flow positive in just its 6th month.
Both current and future locations have been designed to create a peaceful and serene experience for the patients. Denial and resistance are 2 common “road blocks” to treatment. The facility helps to allow the patient to not only feel comfortable but also deserving of treatment.
Additionally, Retreat’s approach is to create a peaceful setting both affordable and available to those with commercial insurance. Retreat continues to pursue relationships with third party payors, including insurance companies, EAP’s and TPAs, continually expanding the availability of treatment.
To differentiate Retreat from other facilities, Retreat has earned its license from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to treat mental health disorders and dual-diagnosis patients. Success has been shown in treating the whole person, which is more effective than just looking at one presenting issue. Additionally, Retreat’s understanding of the family disease concept, led us to develop a Family Education program. This program consists of an initial family therapy group, followed by subsequent individual family therapy session with the patient, their family and primary therapist.
Retreat has developed an innovative approach to treating substance use and mental health disorders. Retreat’s program focuses around the differing needs of various patient populations across the entire continuum of care: Detoxification, Inpatient Mental Health, Rehabilitation, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and General Outpatient. This full scope of treatment that Retreat offers, allows the patient to learn the skills necessary for long-term sobriety and a stabilized life. By treating the whole person and teaching the necessary skills, the likelihood increases that they may maintain long term sobriety and stable mental health and in turn help others through various support groups, and other fellowships, and become positive members of their community.
Highlights:
- Consistently achieved greater than 96% collection rates. - Over 35,000 admissions since opening. - Retreat at South Connecticut, opened Feb 2020 was awarded first Certificate of Need for a new facility in Connecticut in over 20 years. - Earned Aetna’s Institute of Quality designation at all facilities. - Recognized as a Blue Distinctions Center by the Blue Cross Association - Achieved status as a Center of Excellence by Magellan Behavioral Health. - Recognized as an innovator and leader in the treatment industry.
DRPS Management LLC, Miami Beach, FL 2008 – present Managing Director
DRPS managed the day to day operations of Malvern Institute located at 940 West King Road, Malvern, PA 19355, an 80-bed inpatient addictions detoxification and rehabilitation facility in Malvern, PA from July 2008 through June 2010. Responsibilities included all facets of operations including marketing, admissions, clinical and medical oversight, billing and collections. DRPS’ tenure created tremendous growth at Malvern, both in terms of patient days and financial performance while instituting a comprehensive continuum of care model. Highlights include census increase of 30%, revenue increase of 86% ($4.7MM to $8.8MM), and expense increase of less than 20%. In addition, the outpatient facilities were expanded to not only enhance the existing programs, but to include additional treatment (Partial Hospitalization) at 2 locations, which added almost $100,000 per month to Malvern’s revenue with a nominal increase in expense.
The Schorr Organization, New York, NY 1995 – present Founding Member/President
Responsible for all financial and administrative decisions for the company.
West Midtown Medical Group Inc, New York, NY 1997 – present President/C.E.O./C.F.O.
Oversee all administrative and financial services for management of West Midtown Medical group, a Primary Healthcare Center, located at 311 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10018, specializing in drug, alcohol and infectious diseases. West Midtown treats over 800 methadone and 235 alcohol and substance abuse patients per day. These patients use West Midtown’s ambulatory clinic for their primary health care. Liaison between State, City, and Federal agencies. Involved in all aspects of negotiating for acquisitions for the company.
East Harlem Management Group, Inc., New York, NY 1991 - 1999 President/C.E.O./C.F.O.
Created and established management company for primary care and HIV medical facility serving over 1400 patients annually in the East Harlem area. Responsible for all financial aspects for the facility. Liaison between community and local agencies.
Middle Eastern Textiles, New York, NY , Baku, Azerbaijan 1998 - 2003 Founding Member/President
Negotiated with Azeri government for purchase of LVS cotton, the largest ginning operation in Barda, Azerbaijan.
The Luxor Group, New York, NY 1994 - 2002 Founding Member/Vice President/C.F.O.
Responsible for all financial and administrative decisions for company. Involved in the negotiations with the Egyptian Government in purchasing largest beverage and brewery in Egypt. Responsible for family portfolio. The Luxor Group was the largest shareholder of publicly traded company that was sold in 2002 to Heineken for $258,000,000.
STH Management Group, Inc. New York, NY 1991 - present General Manager/C.F.O.
Helped create computer service corporation that specializes in data processing for the health field industry specifically the Methadone Maintenance field. Responsible for all financial and administrative aspects of operations including the main liaison between the computer company and the health facilities.
Richard Koeppel MMTP, New York, NY 1988 -1990 Administrator
Oversee all administrative services for 1,000 patient Methadone Maintenance program.
Richard Koeppel MMTP, New York, NY 1985 -1988 Addiction Counselor Supervisor
Responsible for the supervision of 10 addiction counselors and 500 Methadone patients. Coordinated all Federal, state, and city inspections
Richard Koeppel MMTP, New York 1980 - 1985 Addictions Counselor
Addictions counselor, responsible for 50 patient caseload.
Education
University Of Utah, Salt Lake City., Utah 1976-1979 Queens College, Queens, NY 1974-1976
Associations
Licensed Private Pilot, PPA Certified HIV Counselor, January, 1991 Notary Public, September 1980
