Executive Director Biography ...

        Thomas M. " Mike " Buzbee has worked with adjudicated youth for the past 30 years. He has served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Gulf Coast Trades Center since the early 1970 ’ s. Mr. Buzbee holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Houston and a M.A. in Criminology from Sam Houston State University. He has previously sat on the Board of the National Youth Employment Coalition and currently serves as the chairman of the Texas Youthbuild/Youth Works Coalition.

        Mr. Buzbee has been recognized as a leader in the field by the Texas Legislature as an " Outstanding Innovator of Youth Services " and by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency . Most recently Mr. Buzbee was recognized by the National Child Labor Committee when he was awarded the Lewis Hine Award, which recognizes outstanding service on behalf of youth. Upon his acceptance of the award in January of 2005 he joined the ranks of such notable citizens as Hilary Rodham Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Charles Schultz.