Keith Honey

Secretary

Gregg County

            
Experience
Mr. Honey, a native of Butte, Montana, has lived in Longview since 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering from Montana Tech in 1975. In 1991, Mr. Honey received an MBA Degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas and Illinois and member of the National and Texas Societies of Professional Engineers. He is a 30-year member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, a Paul Harris Fellow and an Eagle Scout.

Keith Honey has served as the External Affairs Manager for AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company since July 2004. Prior to this appointment, he was General Manager of Community Affairs and Division Manager, Texas Division. Mr. Honey represents Gregg County on the Board of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA).

Among other community activities, Mr. Honey has served as chairman of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Longview Economic Development Corporation, campaign chairman and president of the Greater Longview United Way, president of the LeTourneau University President’s Advisory Council and was a founding Board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Gregg County and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg and Harrison Counties. He received the Longview Partnership’s Chairman’s Award in 2003, and was named the first ever Boys and Girls Club of Gregg County Champion for Youth in 2010. In 2013 Mr. Honey received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award.

He currently serves as president of the Longview Economic Development Corporation, chairman-elect of Junior Achievement of East Texas, director of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, vice-chairman of The Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg and Harrison Counties, secretary of the Texas State Technical College Foundation, chairman of the Good Shepherd Medical Center Foundation and is the Leadership Division Chairman of the Greater Longview United Way. Mr. Honey also serves on the Longview University Center Development Council, the LeTourneau University President’s Advisory Council, and the Pine Tree Independent School District Education Foundation Board.

Mr. Honey and his wife, Diane, have three children, Megan, Robbie and Leslie, and are members of First Lutheran Church.

Board Member Spotlight

What’s your favorite mode of transportation, and why?

Given enough time, my favorite way to travel is by automobile. I really enjoy seeing different parts of the country by road, and particularly taking time to experience the many spectacular and unusual sights and interesting cultures along America’s highways. Being a NETRMA board member, I am also interested in seeing what other parts of Texas and the United States are doing to address transportation infrastructure needs and improvements.

Are there any transportation projects that you’re particularly proud of?

I am most proud of the construction and operation of that portion of Toll 49 completed to date. Toll 49 has greatly improved mobility and reduced traffic congestion for a large portion of Tyler, Smith County and several other adjoining NETRMA member counties. As we continue to make safety and traffic flow improvements to Toll 49, it will even further enhance economic vitality and mobility.

Is there an upcoming project that you’re especially excited for?

I’m really excited about continuing the development of Toll 49 around the eastern side of Tyler and the subsequent further extension of it to reach areas of Upshur, Gregg and Harrison Counties – ultimately connecting to future Interstate 69 near Marshall. I am also excited to see the NETRMA assisting member counties with transportation priority projects that offer significant improvements in safety and mobility on a more local level.

What do you enjoy most about being a board member?

I really have enjoyed working with the staff and members of the board to improve transportation in Northeast Texas. All of the folks involved in the NETRMA organization have been dedicated to making the dream of improved mobility a reality for our area. This organization is a true example of a successful regional collaboration, resulting in measurable enhanced economic vitality and growth.

What is one of your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy a wide range of hobbies and outdoor activities – from golf to travel to scuba diving, but perhaps my favorite is wild bird hunting. Every season I enjoy dove, pheasant, quail and duck hunting. My favorite part of it is the fellowship and camaraderie that comes from being engaged in this outdoor sport with good friends.