HAL MOORMAN, SHARON BRASS NAMED WASHINGTON CO. MAN & WOMAN OF YEAR

  

Washington County’s extraordinary individuals, businesses and organizations were honored Thursday night at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce/Brenham Economic Development Foundation Banquet.

Hal Moorman and Sharon Brass were named the 2024 Man and Woman of the Year.

Moorman, a well-respected attorney who has received numerous recognitions on the Texas Super Lawyers list, has contributed to numerous organizations in Washington County, including the Chamber, Main Street Brenham, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Baylor Scott & White and many others.  He was also instrumental in the effort to preserve and restore the Historic Simon Theater.  J.D. Young, 2023’s Man of the Year, called Moorman a true philanthropist and the epitome of what a Man of the Year should be.

Moorman invited those in attendance to keep striving to make Washington County a great place to be.

Brass has engaged with countless community groups, like the Rotary Club of Washington County, Main Street Brenham, Chappell Hill Historical Society and Independence Historical Society.  She has also been very involved in education on Brenham’s history, authoring “The Burning of Brenham” and coordinating the Local History Day event.  In addition, she has served as the producer and booking agent for shows at The Barnhill Center and helped plan the “Century of Simon” exhibit shown along with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.  Carol Hutchens, 2023’s Woman of the Year, said words used to describe Brass include dedicated, creative and passionate.

Brass said it has been a compelling experience delving into the stories of this community and that she and her husband, Barry, are thankful for Brenham welcoming them with open arms.

The winners of Business of the Year were also announced.  The recipient of the award for 1-25 employees was Plinkers Ammo, while the winner for over 25 employees was Blue Bell Creameries.  New Business of the Year was View Brenham.  The Nonprofit of the Year Award went to Hope Gathering.

Genna Lechler won the Chamber’s Blue Blazer of the Year Award.  Justin Colley was the Chamber Board Member of the Year.

The featured speaker at the banquet was Tieman H. “Skipper” Dippel Jr., former president of Brenham National Bank and a civic leader, attorney and author.  Dippel talked about the culture of Washington County, how society and people’s way of life has evolved, and the importance of living a life of conscience versus one of convenience.  Dippel’s full speech can be heard below.