Editor’s Note: Movers and shakers are people who make things happen, influencers whose energy creates positive change. They’re always busy and often pioneers in their respective fields. In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine , we highlight an individual, couple or group of people who we feel fits this definition. If you would like to nominate a mover and shaker to be celebrated in the pages of the magazine, email pmotte@hylogroup.com

 

Gerald Bright

 An Inspiration for Those Seeking to Serve Their Community

By Patti Otte

Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Beloved community leader Gerald Bright has been quietly serving throughout Richardson for years and was recently bestowed the honor of being named Richardson’s 2023 Citizen of the Year. However, Bright prefers to serve in the community outside the glare of the spotlight. In spite of his preference for privacy, Bright believes in being a beacon for others who might also consider giving of their time and talents in a volunteer capacity

EARLY YEARS

The youngest of five children, Bright was born and raised in the Hamilton Park Community of north Dallas. States Bright, “I was blessed to grow up in a wonderful home with a close family and was also fortunate to live in a tight knit community, where you knew your neighbors and their families, and they knew you as well. I can certainly say I was a product of my home and community, both of which I appreciate.”

All of Bright’s early education occurred in Richardson; he attended Hamilton Park Elementary, Richardson Junior High, Northwood Junior High and then Berkner High School, from which he graduated in 1981. He credits his parents and older siblings for being incredible role models, along with “really dedicated teachers, counselors, principals, coaches and even close friends who had high expectations…and did their best to hold me to those standards,” Bright reminisces. A humble man, Bright is quick to point to teachers and coaches who encouraged him and even pushed him toward leadership roles while making sure he was fully prepared for the tasks ahead of him.

 

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

After attending college in Missouri and Richland College, Bright transferred to UT Austin, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an Accounting Major. While at UT, Bright pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. In a moment of reflection, Bright recalls, “I was able to build relationships with members who also became lifelong friends. In addition, I learned a lot about service, giving back to the community and leadership in my time as an undergraduate in the fraternity.” After college, Bright graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and became a licensed attorney in 1988. Walker Bright PC practices primarily in civil defense litigation with an office in Richardson’s Chase Bank Building

LOVE OVER CHEESEBURGERS

Gerald and Janice Bright met thanks to a chance meeting at a McDonald’s drive-thru, where Janice was working. Bright recalls, “I spent a lot of money on Quarter Pounders with Cheese before she went out on a date with me and it took another ten years to convince her to marry me.” The couple has been happily married for 34 years.

The Brights have two children: Christina (32), a biomedical engineering graduate from Georgia Tech who now works at Abbott, and Jonathan (30), who received undergraduate and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and now works at Raytheon.

 

 

 

A LIFE DEDICATED TO CIVIC SERVICE

As he looked for ways to serve in Richardson, Bright was first invited to join the RISD Foundation board. He says, “I was encouraged to join by longtime community leader Dave Peters. I have continued to learn from fellow board members and the leaders and staff of the various boards on which I have served. There are a lot of dedicated volunteers in Richardson who do much more than I do and it is good to recognize them and show our appreciation when we can.”

A graduate of Leadership Richardson Class XXVI, Bright has dedicated his time and energy to several boards and commissions in the city since 2011. He’s a member of the City of Richardson Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Board, where he has served since 2017 and is their current Chair. Bright is also currently serving on the Methodist Health System Board of Directors (2018-Present).

He has also been involved with several other organizations: the RISD Foundation Board (Chair 2012-2014); the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Advisory Board (since 2011 – Chair from 2018 to 2021); the City of Richardson Planning Commission (Vice Chair and Chair); and the City of Richardson Parks & Recreation Commission. He also chaired the City of Richardson Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and served on the Richardson Adult Literacy Center and The Counseling Place boards. States Mary Bedosky, Richardson’s 2022 Citizen of the Year, “I’ve served on several boards with Gerald. He is a dream to work with – a solid leader and a great friend.”

 

 

 

IN THE FUTURE

When asked to identify where he chooses to spend his time and energy charitably and how he makes decisions about which organizations to serve, Bright replies, “That is a difficult question as I would like to do more; however, I still work full-time and have family obligations as well. I look at the impact the organization or entity makes in the community and consider whether I can possibly add some value, either because of their need or a particular interest or skill set I might have.”

Bright doesn’t have a bucket list per se, but he has future plans. He states, “Personally, professionally, I enjoy doing good work with good people and I am looking forward to travelling, volunteering and spending time with family. I also look forward to doing more of the work our law firm does for our clients and continuing to grow those relationships.” Luckily, Bright plans to continue being an active part of Richardson, a commitment guaranteed to make a long-lasting, positive impact.

In His Own Words…why Gerald Bright Serves

It is important to see the really good work being done by good people. I enjoy seeing the impact the nonprofit organizations, hospitals, leaders and City staff have on the people in our community. That is where the real work is done by dedicated, hardworking people who make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of others.

I want to support them in any way I can because I see the difference they make. It is important to me to see their work and I also think it is important for those affected by the work being done and others to see someone like me involved, and in a leadership role. On each board and committee on which I have had the pleasure of working, the City of Richardson, hospitals and other entities have shown a genuine interest in hearing, understanding and taking diverse perspectives into account in their decisions.”

I love the fact that the City has had great leadership for a long time and I believe the current leaders are continuing this by making sound, fiscally responsible decisions for the citizens, while balancing the social needs of the residents. I also have a lot of respect for those who run for and are elected to local office. In addition, with each board I have worked with, I am continually impressed by the quality of the staff of these governmental and nonprofit entities. I hope we do not take the quality of leadership we have for granted.

 “I’ve served on several boards with Gerald. He is a dream to work with – a solid leader and a great friend.” – Mary Bedosky, Richardson’s 2022 Citizen of the Year