2026 Board Nominees
Sam Gonzalez
Sam Gonzalez was born and raised in Odessa. Sam has studied at Texas A&M University and St. Mary’s University before returning home to take over the family restaurant, Manuel’s, and become an account executive for WOAI TV. Sam has shown his love for the Odessa community by serving on several boards throughout his career, including Odessa Regional Medical Center for 22 years, where he was Board Chair for 14. He was also the founder of popular nonprofit events such as Mudbug for Meals on Wheels and Shimpfest for the Ellen Noel Art Institute. Sam has been a member of the First Basin Board of Directors since 1996, he has proudly served as the Board Chair for 10 years. Sam and his wife Jill have three children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Gary Windham
Gary Windham is a lifelong resident of the Permian Basin. He has owned Howell & Windham Advertising for more than 30 years, a company that has been in Odessa since 1952 and serves a wide range of businesses, from oil companies to churches. Gary has proudly served on the Board of First Basin Credit Union since 1995. He has been a member of Crestview Church for over 10 years, where he has served in various capacities. Gary has been married to his wife Sharon for nearly 20 Years and they have 3 grown kids, Brighton, Reece & Gannon.
Nominations will not be taken from the floor.
If you are interested in submitting an additional name for consideration, you must (1.) Request a formal petition (2.) Collect 287 signatures from eligible voters and (3.) Submit the petition request along with signatures to First Basin Credit Union by Thursday, February 5, 2026. The election will not be conducted by ballot when there is only one nominee for each position to be filled. For additional information or to receive a petition, please contact Karina Morales at (432) 333-5600 ext.1101.
