Executive Director: Connie Bridges
Since 1995, Bluebonnet Girls State has been under the direction of Connie Bridges. A citizen in 1974, Connie was elected Girls State Governor. From 1988 to 1996 Connie was the Chairman of the Girls State committee. She is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 345. Connie earned her Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She, her husband Lee, and their daughter Katie reside in San Antonio where Connie is Academic Dean at Sandra Day O’Connor High School.
Co-Director: Mary Ellen Trahan
A Houston resident and a citizen in 1958, Mary Ellen was elected mayor and represented Texas at Girls Nation. Trahan received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of St. Thomas, her Masters of Art and Masters in Mid-Management from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. She taught at Clear Creek and Clear Lake high schools, and retired from CCISD in 1997.
Associate Director of Administration: Ann Doan
Ann was elected Federal Party Whip when she came to Girls State from Tyler in 1966. A member of ALA Unit 569, she serves as the Chairman of the Girls State Committee. Ann earned a Bachelors degree in Education and Mathematics from Texas Tech University and received her Masters degree in Education at Texas Wesleyan University. She is a retired math teacher.
Associate Director of Education: Lori Swann
Lori was elected Chief Justice of the Supreme Court when she was a citizen in 1980. She is a graduate of Rice University and The University of Texas School of Law. Lori was an assistant District Attorney in Harris County before joining Cunningham Law Group in Houston.
Associate Director of Personnel: Karen Miller Rodriguez
Girls State’s 1981 Secretary of State, Karen received a Bachelor of Science degree from Lamar University and works as a software training consultant as well as a math lab coordinator. Karen is a member of ALA Unit 594 and resides in Friendswood with her husband, Albert, and their children Gabriella and Matthew.
Associate Director of Education: Stephanie McDonald
Stephanie McDonald was a girl’s state citizen in 1992. She is a graduate of Austin College and completed graduate coursework at The University of Texas College of Communication. In 2011 Stephanie received the Heywood C. Clemons Volunteer Service Award. She is the executive director of the Waller Creek Conservancy and serves on the Girl’s State Committee.