Our Backstory
Heights Ironworks complex has been restored over nearly a decade by L.A. Bezanis and Dr. Maria Gomez, who live in and have raised their four children in the Heights. As a family, they are committed to preserving and repurposing iconic local structures.
On the journey, they worked with many people committed to preserving the integrity of the Houston Heights, including the late Bart Truxillo, Jonathan Smulian, Steph McDougal, the Texas Historical Commission, and the City of Houston Department of Planning and Development.
Meet Our Team
Melina
Director of Marketing and Communications
Melina has been part of the Heights Ironworks’ team since its founding in 2019. She manages all of our communications and online presence, including our social media platforms, event promotions, and magazine features. Melina is a Houston native and resided there until attending Fordham University where she received her B.A. and B.F.A. Melina was previously part of the marketing teams at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Barcelona Home. Melina continues to apply her passion for design, content creation, and event management at Heights Ironworks.
Terri
Events Director
Our Events Manager, Terri Bachand is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and has 20 years experience in Corporate, Individual and Group party and celebration experiences. She is a proud native Houstonian and loves all things Houston. She has extensive experience in conference planning, board meetings and can help your group make the most out of strategic retreats; and has worked with many clients visiting the Houston community on tours and events. She has previously worked in the corporate sector providing community events, working with non-profits and advisory. She holds her Bachelors of Business Administration from LeTourneau University and is ready to help you plan your next memorable moment.
McKenzie
Event Sales Manager
McKenzie joined our team in February 2022. She is ready to take care of client’s needs from creative beginnings through event execution. McKenzie has extensive experience in hospitality, beginning from the country club sector, to event sales and operations, and later corporate event planning. She is most passionate about connecting with those she crosses paths with. She enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures and food, loving her pup of 11 years, and bringing plants back to life.
