EXPLORE GALVESTON'S STORIES WITH THE 1839
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The 1839
The people becoming Galveston's next chapter

Meet the 39ers

A growing public record of builders, artists, organizers, leaders and neighbors whose work is changing the island.

Worth knowing. Worth remembering.

People rooted in useful work

Some lead organizations. Others create quietly, preserve history, solve practical problems or make it easier for the next person to contribute. Published profiles are linked below; more are in development.

Joe Jaworski
Former mayor, attorney and civic voice

Joe Jaworski

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Joe is a former Galveston mayor, attorney and longtime civic leader with experience in statewide politics and local community work. He has also brought political commentary to public radio and offers a seasoned perspective on public life and island culture.

Teresa Wagonseller
Finance contributor and HigherUp founder

Teresa Wagonseller

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Teresa is founder of HigherUp CFO Services and a finance professional with more than 30 years of experience spanning public accounting, tax, audit, corporate finance and entrepreneurship. She contributes practical guidance for owner-led businesses.

Christy Landriault
Co-founder and assistant editor

Christy Landriault

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Christy is co-founder and assistant editor of The 1839. She is also co-founder and creative director of Falcontail Marketing & Design, where her work spans design, photography and marketing. Her 1839 contributions focus on Galveston wildlife, coastal systems and sense of place.

Victoria Saracco
Environmental-design graduate and contributor

Victoria Saracco

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Victoria is a Galveston native and contributor whose work focuses on community, mentorship and the island's future. She earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architectural Studies from Texas A&M University in 2021 and was profiled in The Daily News's 2025 40 Under 40 section.

Josh Owens
Economic development leader

Josh Owens

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Josh brings economic-development experience informed by work with the Galveston Economic Development Partnership. He has connected businesses, developers and civic leaders with planning and funding resources while helping regional stakeholders understand resilience, grants and job creation.

Lisa Blair
Restaurateur and community voice

Lisa Blair

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Lisa helped build Sunflower Bakery & Café into a beloved Galveston institution and also served on the city's Planning Commission. Her perspective on food, hospitality and civic life reflects decades spent creating community around the island table.

Jeff Antonelli
Restaurateur and community advocate

Jeff Antonelli

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Jeff's work with Shrimp 'N Stuff has helped carry forward a local seafood tradition with deep Galveston roots. His support for the Galveston County Food Bank and other local causes informs stories about hospitality, service and everyday island life.

Craig Brown
Former mayor and civic leader

Craig Brown

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Craig is a former Galveston mayor, council member and longtime civic leader whose service also included planning, preservation and community boards. A retired pediatric dentist, he brings practical insight into local government, infrastructure, resilience and listening before leading.

David Finklea
Civil engineer by background and former council member

David Finklea

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David is a civil engineer by background, founder and president of Faust Haus, and former Galveston District 2 council member. He served on council from 2023 to 2026. His Texas professional-engineer license (no. 89276) is currently inactive and is not valid for active engineering practice.

David Landriault
Founder, editor and 39er

David Landriault

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David is co-founder and publisher of The 1839 and principal of Falcontail Marketing & Design, which he built with Christy Landriault around storytelling, strategy and community. Through The 1839, he works to make complicated ideas clear and elevate Galveston's people and civic conversation.

Dzago Chatsama
Singer, songwriter and producer

Dzago Chatsama

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Dzago is a Zimbabwe-born singer, songwriter and producer whose work brings together faith, soul and storytelling. Through music, mentorship and community service, he uses creative expression to connect and uplift people across Galveston.

Bob Brown
Architect and District 3 council member

Bob Brown

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Bob is a registered architect, retired UTMB facilities-planning director and Galveston District 3 council member. His four decades of planning and infrastructure experience include service on the Landmark and Planning commissions and leadership during the city's recovery after Hurricane Ike.

Who should we meet next?

Send a name, their work and why their story matters to Galveston.

Nominate a 39er