When Ann Snyder moved to The Woodlands with her husband, Jerry, in 1989, the community had about 30,000 residents. The first visitors the Snyders received at their new home on a Sunday afternoon were representatives from Interfaith.

Now, 25 years later, Snyder is serving her ninth year as president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, the same organization that first welcomed her family to the community and one that provides more than a dozen services to residents of The Woodlands and surrounding communities. Leading the faith-based organization is the latest endeavor in Snyder's career of giving back to her community.

"I have always volunteered, and I grew up in a family where that was very important," Snyder said. "My parents were very much believers that it was our responsibility to be involved."

Snyder was born and raised in Nebraska and received a degree in education from Colorado State University. Her graduate studies focused on reading diagnostics, and Snyder received her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Baylor University.

Snyder has made a career out of helping and educating others.

"I have always been a believer of 'all means all,'" she said. "All students, regardless of where they are in ability, they all deserve the same opportunity."

Snyder's career in education includes teaching at virtually every level, from preschool through college, including at Oklahoma City University and the University of Houston. In 1998, she was elected to the Conroe ISD board of trustees.

After 15 years on the Conroe ISD board, she retired in 2013.

"All the things I hoped the district would accomplish, we accomplished," she said.

Before being chosen by the Interfaith board of directors as its president, Snyder and her family were volunteers at the organization and adopted needy families during the holidays.

"I've always felt that what makes The Woodlands different is the generosity of spirit and the inclusion of all," Snyder said. "What's exciting is to see what a difference this organization makes in so many lives. It's what makes The Woodlands different, I think."

A typical day for Snyder begins at around 6 a.m., when she arrives at her desk at the Interfaith office.

Snyder spends her days visiting local schools, Interfaith's congregational leadership, local businesses looking to volunteer or donate to Interfaith, and a variety of civic and faith-based communities. She attends a wide array of receptions, luncheons, fundraising events and youth group meetings.

"I want to ensure the sustainability of Interfaith for future generations," she said.

Career highlights

• In September, Ann K. Snyder Elementary School opened on Birnham Woods Drive in Conroe ISD
• In 2000, Snyder was recognized as a Woodlands Hometown Hero
• Snyder has twice won the Montgomery County Woman of Distinction
• Snyder has twice won the award for Montgomery County People of the Year
• In 2007, Snyder was named the South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year
• Snyder served as president of the Conroe ISD board of trustees for two years during her 15-year term