Bios
©Al Torres Photography
Ellie Francisco founded francisco+co sixteen years ago to provide strategic community positioning for corporations and non-profits as well as event consulting and management. Ellie has over 25 years of non-profit expertise in fundraising, development and event solutions, and corporate experience in strategic planning, finance and communications with Fortune 200 companies, including Halliburton and Union Texas Petroleum. She has produced a variety of programs including multi-day Super Bowl events, team leadership conferences in Houston, London and other international locations, multi-media presentations, galas, luncheons and receptions for various non-profits. Ellie has been recognized with distinguished awards for her volunteer efforts. She has spoken at national, state and local conferences about successful event production.
As a volunteer, Ellie has chaired many prominent philanthropic galas, including the first ever $1 million dollar gala for the Ronald McDonald House of Houston, with over 1,300 attendees on the floor of the world famous Astrodome. She chaired the 2001 Heart Ball, benefiting the American Heart Association, which netted $1.1 million, the most money ever raised in the U.S.
Ellie currently serves on the Boards of Friends of Nursing for St. Luke’s Hospital and the advisory Board of Dress for Success, Child Advocates, Houston Center for Literacy, Hermann Park Conservancy and on committees for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Gayle Hoffer, Houston Associate, has volunteered extensively for a broad range of organizations for the past thirty years, and has developed a unique set of skills through these experiences as an event organizer, fundraiser and logistics manager. She is committed to working towards the betterment of our community in her professional position at francisco+co by continuing to help make a difference in Houston and beyond. Gayle graduated with a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and has prior work experience in accounting and retail sales and management. She chose to leave the corporate world and concentrate on raising her four children and volunteering her time.
Throughout the years, Gayle has held leadership and board positions with The Kinkaid School, William S. Malev Schools, Anti-Defamation League, March of Dimes, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Girls Cotillion, West University Little League, West University Soccer, and Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at The University of Texas at Austin. She served in numerous capacities as either a chairperson or committee member within these organizations – planning, promoting and executing events within budgeted amounts and exceeding projected goals. Gayle’s creativity, organizational skills and attention to detail have all contributed to her success as a team player and leader – her work ethic and passion to please are evident in all that she does.
On a personal note, Gayle treasures spending time with her family, friends and dogs. She enjoys traveling, dancing, attending the theater, arts, concerts and sporting events, entertaining, beautifying her home, walking anywhere outdoors, exploring and sharing her positive energy with others.