OUR STAFF
Mark Palmer
Chief Executive Officer
Mark is the Abell-Hanger Foundation’s, Chief Executive Officer. He has been with the foundation since 2011. He served as the Special Projects Manager until July of 2016 and during that time was responsible for the community collaboration that yielded Midland Shared Spaces.
Mark is a Texas Tech University graduate with a B.A. in Psychology and a Teaching Certificate. Mark is married to Susan and resides in Midland. They have two sons, Preston and Samuel.
Mark Palmer
Chief Executive Officer
Mark is the Abell-Hanger Foundation’s, Chief Executive Officer. He has been with the foundation since 2011. He served as the Special Projects Manager until July of 2016 and during that time was responsible for the community collaboration that yielded Midland Shared Spaces.
Mark is a Texas Tech University graduate with a B.A. in Psychology and a Teaching Certificate. Mark is married to Susan and resides in Midland. They have two sons, Preston and Samuel.
"Without a doubt, I have the best job in Midland and get to work with the finest people. I’m grateful to be a steward of the gifts given by George and Gladys Abell so many years ago."
Wade Kuehler
Chief Financial Officer
Wade began working for the Abell-Hanger Foundation in 2016 and is currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He has over 30 years of management experience, primarily in financial services.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from Texas Tech University and a Masters in Banking from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
Additionally, Wade is a Certified Information Systems Auditor and has completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certification program.
"Midland is an extraordinary community due largely to innovative, entrepreneurial, and generous people, like the Abells, that have called Midland home. The Abells' tirelessly pursued the American Dream and achieved many successes. One of their greatest successes was the formation of the Abell-Hanger Foundation, which has blessed and continues to bless many individuals and families. It is an honor and a joy to be part of the team that facilitates the continuation of George and Gladys's philanthropy."
Bobbie Chappell
Assistant Treasurer and Office Manager
Bobbie is the Assistant Treasurer and Office Manager of the Abell-Hanger Foundation. She has been with the foundation since August 1989.
Bobbie is married to David and resides in Midland. They have three children and six grandchildren.
Bobbie Chappell
Assistant Treasurer and Office Manager
Bobbie is the Assistant Treasurer and Office Manager of the Abell-Hanger Foundation. She has been with the foundation since August 1989.
Bobbie is married to David and resides in Midland. They have three children and six grandchildren.
"I have been blessed beyond measure to have the privilege to work for such a wonderful organization. Even though I play a very small part, I am humbled at the opportunity to be instrumental in carrying on the vision and passion of Mr. and Mrs. Abell. I have also been so blessed to serve their vision with the most professional, caring, compassionate, genuine people in all the world."
Helga Hoban
Grants Officer
Helga’s tenure with the Abell-Hanger Foundation began in April 2018, and she has served as the Foundation’s Grants Officer since January 2019.
Helga is the central point of contact for grant applicants and supports all aspects of the grantmaking function (pre-application, applications, analysis, funding, monitoring outcomes, etc.). Her responsibilities include managing the Foundation’s extensive database and overseeing the foundation’s available grant funds.
Before working for the Foundation, Helga worked in banking. She served as the Assistant Vice President/Risk Officer for Community National Bank (2014-2018) and Assistant Vice President of Information Technology for Western National Bank (2003-2014).
Helga holds an Associate of Science in General Studies from Midland College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from UTPB. She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Nonprofit Management Executive Leadership Certification (NELC) program.
"Life has come full circle for me. As a lifetime Midlander, I attended Midland College with financial assistance from the Abell-Hanger Foundation. I am blessed beyond measure and deeply honored to be part of Mr. and Mrs. Abell's vision and love for our community so many years ago. I am just one of thousands that the philanthropy of Mr. and Mrs. Abell has personally impacted, leaving only the best to come for the community we love and call home."
Julia Vickery
Program Manager
Julia joined the Abell-Hanger Foundation’s staff in July 2022 as our program manager. She brings 25 years of experience in higher education with her. Her responsibilities include managing the Students and Philanthropy program and our Leadership Acceleration Program.
Julia holds a bachelor’s degree from Graceland University, where she concentrated in Biology, Business, and Communications. Her master’s in microbiology (molecular genetics emphasis) was earned at the University of Kansas, and a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University.
Julia has completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certification program and holds certificates from IU Lilly School of Philanthropy (Fundraising Leadership) and Korn Ferry (ESCI 360). She is completing the Level One International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited program at Rice University’s Doerr Institute.
Julia Vickery
Program Manager
Julia joined the Abell-Hanger Foundation’s staff in July 2022 as our program manager. She brings 25 years of experience in higher education with her. Her responsibilities include managing the Students and Philanthropy program and our Leadership Acceleration Program.
Julia holds a bachelor’s degree from Graceland University, where she concentrated in Biology, Business, and Communications. Her master’s in microbiology (molecular genetics emphasis) was earned at the University of Kansas, and a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University.
Julia has completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certification program and holds certificates from IU Lilly School of Philanthropy (Fundraising Leadership) and Korn Ferry (ESCI 360). She is completing the Level One International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited program at Rice University’s Doerr Institute.
"I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity George and Gladys Abell provided in allowing me to pursue my passions for leadership, education, and philanthropy. Even better is getting to work alongside the amazing individuals collectively pursuing the mission of improving the lives of those in the Permian Basin."
Cindy Lauderdale-Wiederstein
Office Manager
Cindy joined the Abell-Hanger Foundation in 2024 as the Office Manager.
Cindy has previously worked in the oil and gas industry for 15 years and is a native West Texan, growing up in Pecos. Cindy holds an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Odessa College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Texas Permian Basin.
"As a native west Texan, I am passionate about Midland and the Permian Basin. Being part of Mr. & Mrs. Abell’s unwavering commitment to serving local families and nonprofits in and around Midland is a privilege and honor. I have seen firsthand how the Abell-Hanger Foundation has generously blessed our community while volunteering as a Fun Club mentor for a local nonprofit for the past six years."