The Woodlands Township Board of Directors proclaimed June 21, 2010 Joel Deretchin for his many years of service, dedication and leadership to The Woodlands. The Woodlands Township’s Board of Directors gave honor to Joel Deretchin with a special Proclamation.

“The Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township commends Joel L. Deretchin for his countless contributions to the creation of a lasting foundation for The Woodlands community, thereby making The Woodlands one of the most emulated planned communities in the world,” said Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board, The Woodlands Township.

During Mr. Deretchin’s more than 33 years of service to The Woodlands community, he worked for The Woodlands Development Company and its predecessors, and was involved in every aspect of community development in The Woodlands, from governance, education, social and religious services to non-profit and philanthropic organizations and economic development.

For many years, Mr. Deretchin led the Community Associations, having served as president of The Woodlands Community Association, The Woodlands Association, The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation and The Woodlands Fire Department. During this time, he also oversaw the development of the award-winning parks and recreation system in The Woodlands.

In addition, Mr. Deretchin helped found 18 of the 19 Conroe ISD schools in the Woodlands, The University Center, The John Cooper School and the Villager newspaper. He also chaired many not-for-profit boards, including Interfaith of The Woodlands and Montgomery County Youth Services. He was the founding president of Congregation Beth Shalom.

He has been named Citizen of the Year, a Hometown Hero and a Paul Harris Fellow, and CISD named the Joel L. Deretchin Elementary School in his honor.

“His leadership and dedication to The Woodlands has truly been outstanding,” Chairman Tough said. “The Woodlands is a world-class community and much of this can be attributed to his vision, his leadership, his commitment, and his love of The Woodlands.”
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