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Margaret Lindsey and Sam Dowdy honored for decades of community leadership, workforce innovation and creating opportunities for others.

Behind every strong community are people who show up, give back and keep finding ways to make a difference.

At Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA), we're fortunate to work alongside leaders who believe that helping others succeed is one of the best ways to build a stronger Central Texas.

Two of those leaders, Margaret Lindsey and Sam Dowdy, were recently recognized with our 2026 Above & Beyond Awards, celebrating their decades of community leadership, workforce innovation and commitment to creating opportunities for others.

Their journeys may be different, but they share something special: a lifelong commitment to opening doors for others.

Both have spent decades making a difference in their communities. And both continue to bring their experience, leadership and passion to our volunteer Board of Directors.

Margaret Lindsey: A Lifetime of Opening Doors

For Margaret Lindsey, connecting people with opportunity has never been just a job. It's been a lifelong mission.

Her career began in education, helping students explore careers and discover possibilities beyond the classroom. She went on to serve at the Texas Education Agency, becoming the state's first Coordinator for Equal Access, before spending years developing vocational education and school-to-work programs.

In 1995, Margaret returned to San Marcos to lead Career and Technology Education for San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District.

But her impact didn't stop at the classroom door.

Through her leadership with the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, the San Marcos Education Foundation and numerous community organizations, Margaret has spent decades strengthening the connections between education, employers and the community.

Her contributions earned her induction into the San Marcos Women's Hall of Fame in 2011 and recognition as the San Marcos Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International's Woman of the Year in 2019.

For WSRCA, Margaret's leadership has been especially meaningful.

She served as Chair of our Board of Directors for more than 15 years, helping guide workforce strategies across our nine-county region.

During her tenure, WSRCA strengthened partnerships between education and industry and advanced initiatives such as the Teacher Externship Program, Summer Earn and Learn, and Hiring Red, White & You!

When Margaret stepped down as Board Chair in 2019, she didn't step away from the mission.

She continues serving as an Ex Officio Board Member and Former Board Chair, sharing her experience and helping shape the future of workforce development across Central Texas.

Margaret's legacy isn't measured simply by the positions she's held. It's reflected in the students, businesses, families and communities that have benefited from her willingness to serve.

Sam Dowdy: Building Careers From the Ground Up

Sam Dowdy knows firsthand how one opportunity can change a life.

His journey in the skilled trades began as a teenager, working for a plumber while attending high school.

That early experience helped launch a career that would eventually span more than four decades and grow into a successful Central Texas business.

As President and Owner of S&D Plumbing, now Beyond Wow Plumbing, Sam helped build more than a company. He helped create opportunities for others to learn, earn and build rewarding careers.

Throughout his career, Sam has championed apprenticeships, employee development, work-based learning and partnerships with local schools.

His commitment to developing skilled workers also helped inspire the Craftsman Center, providing opportunities for individuals to gain practical experience and prepare for careers in the trades.

And he's brought that same perspective to the WSRCA Board of Directors.

As a business leader and Board member, Sam understands the challenges employers face when searching for skilled talent.

But rather than simply talking about workforce shortages, he's invested time, resources and energy into helping solve them.

His philosophy is simple: Teach one young person a trade, and you can change the future of an entire family for generations.

It's a powerful reminder that workforce development isn't just about filling today's job openings. It's about helping people build futures they might never have imagined.

Two Leaders. One Shared Commitment.

Margaret and Sam represent two essential sides of workforce development.

Margaret has spent her career helping connect education, business and community resources so people can discover new possibilities.

Sam has demonstrated how employers can turn those possibilities into real careers through training, mentorship and hands-on experience.

Together, their leadership reflects what makes our regional workforce system special.

WSRCA is guided by a volunteer, employer-led Board of Directors that brings together leaders from business, education, economic development and community organizations.

These individuals give their time and expertise because they believe strong communities and a strong workforce go hand in hand.

Margaret and Sam have helped turn that belief into action.

And their contributions continue today.

Celebrating the People Behind 40 Years of Opportunity

As WSRCA prepares to celebrate 40 years of connecting businesses and careers in 2027, we're reflecting on the people who have helped shape our organization and the communities we serve.

Our workforce has changed dramatically over the decades. Industries have evolved, technology has transformed how we work, and entirely new career pathways have emerged.

But one thing hasn't changed.

Our greatest strength has always been the people willing to help others succeed.

Margaret Lindsey and Sam Dowdy are wonderful examples of that commitment.

Their decades of service have helped create opportunities for students, job seekers, businesses and families throughout Central Texas. And their continued leadership will help guide the next generation of workforce solutions.

Please join us in congratulating Margaret and Sam on their 2026 Above & Beyond Awards.

Thank you both for your leadership, friendship and extraordinary service. We're grateful for everything you've helped build and look forward to continuing our work together.

Forty years of opportunity. Countless lives changed. And leaders like Margaret and Sam helping make it all possible.