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FINIS WELCH FOUNDATION
Lara Anderson
Lara Anderson was named Executive Director and President of the Finis Welch Foundation in March 2022. As an original board member, she worked closely with the Foundation’s founder, Finis Welch, to help establish and guide the organization from its inception in 2011.
Lacey Junek
Lacey was named the Finis Welch Foundation’s Scholarship Program & Communications Director in March of 2022.
Crystal Dupre’
Crystal began working with the Finis Welch Foundation January 2023. Prior to that she worked for a newspaper company, serving in the role as Publisher for numerous properties, including The Bryan-College Station Eagle.
Lara Anderson
President and Executive Director
Lara Anderson was named Executive Director and President of the Finis Welch Foundation in March 2022. As an original board member, she worked closely with the Foundation’s founder, Finis Welch, to help establish and guide the organization from its inception in 2011.
Lara first met Finis Welch in 2000 and worked with him for more than two decades until his passing. Finis held a deep belief in the transformative power of education, recognizing its ability to change lives, open doors, and create opportunities that might otherwise never exist. Inspired by that vision, Lara is committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission of empowering exceptional Texas students to pursue their educational and professional aspirations.
Prior to joining the Foundation full-time, Lara served as Chief Financial Officer of Welch Consulting, an economic consulting firm. Today, rather than managing the daily operations of a multimillion-dollar business, she focuses on ensuring that the Finis Welch Foundation remains true to its founder’s vision while continuing to adapt to the evolving needs of Welch Scholars.
Lara earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University. She and her husband, David, reside in College Station, Texas, and are proud parents of two grown children.
Lacey Junek
Scholarship Program Director
Lacey was named the Finis Welch Foundation’s Scholarship Program & Communications Director in March of 2022.
Prior to that she was hired by Welch Consulting in 2005 and continued to work there as the Texas Office Manager and Finis’ Executive Assistant up until his passing.
Lacey is a graduate of Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness.
Lacey and her husband, Danny, reside in College Station and have two children.
Crystal Dupre’
Development Director
A firm believer in community involvement, she has served on numerous boards including Chairman of the BCS Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary club, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the CHI St. Joseph Healthcare Council, Baylor Scott and White ambassador council and many others.
Crystal is a graduate of Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration degree.
Crystal and her husband, Ken, reside in College Station and have three grown children.