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Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Board of Directors

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area is led by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of recognized community leaders across many areas of expertise including, business; community-based organizations; economic development; education; government; literacy; labor; and vocational rehabilitation.

Our Board of Directors contribute significant amounts of time, talent, and energy to further our organizational mission of empowering the workforce of our 9-county Rural Capital Area.

Frank Leonardis

Frank Leonardis

Board Chair - Hays County

Alfonso Sifuentes

Alfonso Sifuentes

Vice Chair - Caldwell County

Rene Flores

Rene Flores

Board Treasurer - Williamson County

Leslie Abbott

Leslie Abbott

Board Member - Williamson County

Butch Aggen

Butch Aggen

Board Member - Williamson County

Jennifer Carter

Jennifer Carter

Board Member - Williamson County

Camille Clay

Camille Clay

Board Member - Williamson County

Marco Cruz

Marco Cruz

Board Member - Williamson County

Sam Dowdy

Sam Dowdy

Board Member - Williamson County

Woody Engebretson

Woody Engebretson

Board Member - Williamson County

Rhonda Estelle

Rhonda Estelle

Board Member - Williamson County

Christian Fletcher

Christian Fletcher

Board Member – Burnet County

Megan Gandy

Megan Gandy

Board Member - Bastrop County

Becky Garlick

Becky Garlick

Board Member - Fayette County

Mike Grant

Mike Grant

Board Member - Williamson County

Denice Harlan

Denice Harlan

Board Member - Lee County

Susan Kimball

Susan Kimball

Board Member - Hays County

Jeff Light

Jeff Light

Board Member - Hays County

Margaret Lindsey

Margaret Lindsey

Board Member - Hays County

Laura Lucas

Laura Lucas

Board Member - Williamson County

Doug Mudd

Doug Mudd

Board Member - Hays County

Tim Ols

Tim Ols

Board Member - Burnet County

Joshua Paselk

Joshua Paselk

Board Member - Hays County

Eben Riggs

Eben Riggs

Board Member - Williamson County

Hatch Smith

Hatch Smith

Board Member - Llano County

Nikki Stallings

Nikki Stallings

Board Member - Williamson County

Lisa Stewart

Lisa Stewart

Board Member - Williamson County

Kyle Swartz

Kyle Swartz

Board Member - Williamson County

Kwee Lan Teo

Kwee Lan Teo

Board Member - Williamson County

Heather Wagner

Heather Wagner

Board Member - Blanco County

Elva Zdeb

Elva Zdeb

Board Member - Hays County

Llano County, City of Llano Burnet County, City of Burnet Williamson County, City of Georgetown Lee County, city of Giddings Fayette County, city of LaGrange Bastrop County, city of Bastrop Caldwell County, city of Lockhart Hays County, City of San Marcos Blanco County, City of Johnson City

Where We Work

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area serves 9 counties around the Austin, TX capital area:

Burnet Community Center, Taylor - Temple College (WSRCA Mobile Outreach Satellite Office), Bartlett - Teinert Memorial Public Library (WSRCA Mobile Outreach Satellite Office), Bastrop County, Hays County, Blanco County - CRC (WSRCA Mobile Outreach Satellite Office), Burnet County, Caldwell County, Fayette County, Lee County, Llano County, Williamson County, and Marble Falls - CRC (WSRCA Mobile Outreach Satellite Office)

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Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities Relay TX: 711 or 1-800-735-2988 (Voice) or 1-800-735-2989 (TDD)

Frank Leonardis

Sector: Private Sector

Frank Leonardis

Board Chair - Hays County

Frank T. Leonardis is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in operations, management, and leadership. He began his career as a Section 125 Auditor with White & Zesch Administrators from 1994 to 1996. He then transitioned to GTE, where he served as a Facilities Assignment specialist from 1997 to 1999 before being promoted to Facilities Assignment Supervisor in 2000.

In 2001, as GTE transitioned to Verizon, Frank took on the role of Network Operations Manager, where he oversaw critical operations until 2006. His expertise in managing large-scale operations led him to join Ember Industries in 2007 as a Production Manager. His leadership and operational acumen earned him a promotion to Vice President in 2011, a role he continues to excel in today.

Throughout his career, Frank has been recognized for his ability to streamline processes, lead diverse teams, and drive organizational success. His deep understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of his roles has made him a valuable asset in every position he has held.

Private Sector: Ember Industries

Alfonso Sifuentes

Sector: Private Sector

Alfonso Sifuentes

Vice Chair - Caldwell County

Private Sector: Central Texas Refuse, Inc.

Rene Flores

Sector: Private Sector

Rene Flores

Board Treasurer - Williamson County

Private Sector: Amplify Credit Union

Leslie Abbott

Sector: Public Sector

Leslie Abbott

Board Member - Williamson County

Leslie Abbott is the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manager for the Rural Capitol/Brazos Valley Management Unit. Originally from New Mexico, she holds a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of North Texas and has served in the State of Texas Vocational Rehabilitation program for over 25 years.

Throughout her career, Leslie has led initiatives expanding VR services in rural communities. She played a key role in launching Project Search in Brenham, partnering with Baylor Scott & White Hospital, Brenham ISD, and the Project Search National Office to provide job training for students with severe disabilities. She also worked with Texas A&M AgrAbility to help a rural farmer with paraplegia continue operating his farm through adaptive equipment. Additionally, she co-developed the iGROW Program, bringing career exploration and job training to rural youth in partnership with Texas A&M and local schools.

Leslie is passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring they have access to meaningful employment opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys researching family history in old country cemeteries and creating decorative wreaths and garlands.

Butch Aggen

Sector: Public Sector

Butch Aggen

Board Member - Williamson County

Butch Aggen was raised in the Pittsburgh area and is the oldest of five children. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania on a football scholarship and served as a graduate assistant coach while completing his MA in Student Personnel Services at IUP (1978). 

Upon graduation, he worked as a college administrator (SUNY-Oswego, NY, and Curry College, MA) and continued coaching football. While living in Boston, he developed a passion for skiing, leading to a move to Salt Lake City in 1983. While there, he transitioned out of education and into the telecom field with MCI. Various opportunities with MCI included stints in Spokane, Seattle, and Raleigh. 

Butch married Maria (a Texas gal) in 2001 and they settled in Austin. Their daughter is a sophomore at Lehigh University and their son is a senior at Cedar Park High School. His oldest son from a previous marriage lives in Pittsburgh. Fortunately, all in the family are avid Steeler fans! 

He is a member of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce and a past board member. Maria and Butch are both involved with the daily operations of The Goddard School. They support local PTA’s financially as major sponsors and Butch is a graduate of the Leadership Leander ISD program. He enjoys skiing, cycling, sports, hacking his way on a golf course occasionally, and despite being a northerner, cooks a great Texas-style brisket!

Jennifer Carter

Sector: Public Sector

Jennifer Carter

Board Member - Williamson County

Community-Based Organization: Goodwill Central Texas

Jennifer Carter serves as the Chief Mission Officer for Goodwill Central Texas. Prior to Goodwill Central Texas, she spent 13 years as a member of the Goodwill family in both Michigan and Georgia before moving to Austin. Tucker believes that work can be a vehicle for living your life’s purpose, and thrives on seeing people realize their full potential. As Vice President, Workforce Advancement, Tucker is responsible for developing and implementing workforce programming to empower people to find, keep, and advance in their careers.

Ms. Tucker is a 2015 graduate of Goodwill Industries International Executive Development Program where she discovered her passion for leadership development and organizational development and design. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Western Michigan University with a concentration in Policy, Planning, and Administration.

Jennifer loves to read, watch indie films, listen to alt rock music, and go to the park with her daughter, Lucy.

Camille Clay

Sector: Public Sector

Camille Clay

Board Member - Williamson County

Camille Clay is a seasoned educational leader with a robust background in mathematics and educational leadership. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a second major in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southwest Texas State University. Holding multiple credentials, including Superintendent and Mid-Management Administrator, Camille has dedicated her career to enhancing educational programs and student success.

Currently, Camille serves as the Senior Director of College and Career Transition Programs in the Leander Independent School District. She oversees all aspects of Career and Technical Education programs, manages the Austin Community College Dual Credit Program, and develops comprehensive high school planning guides. Camille is also actively involved in various professional and community organizations, including the University of Texas' We Teach CS Advisory Committee and the Rural Capital Area Workforce Development Board. Her extensive experience and dedication continue to make significant contributions to the field of education and the community.

Education: Leander Independent School District

Marco Cruz

Sector: Public Sector

Marco Cruz

Board Member - Williamson County

Community-Based Organization: Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties

Sam Dowdy

Sector: Private Sector

Sam Dowdy

Board Member - Williamson County

Sam Dowdy is a master plumber, entrepreneur, founder and visionary with more than 47 years of experience in the plumbing trade.

Sam completed his apprenticeship training through the Plumber’s Local 68 in Houston, Texas and earned his journeyman’s license at the age of 20. He continued to work diligently and acquired his master license in 1981, starting a sole proprietorship shortly thereafter. Working alongside his wife, Rhonda, Sam launched S&D Plumbing and grew it into a shining beacon in Central Texas.

S&D Plumbing currently employs more than 40 talented men and women who deliver exceptional residential service with a specialization in leak detection and repair.

Sam has won numerous awards for his work at S&D Plumbing including “Employer of Excellence” by the Texas Workforce Commission and “Plumber of the Year” from Plumbing and Mechanical Magazine.

Private Industry: S & D Plumbing

Woody Engebretson

Sector: Public Sector

Woody Engebretson

Board Member - Williamson County

Community Based Organization/Veteran: Rotary Club of Cedar Park-Leander

Elwood (Woody) Engebretson was born and raised in Pelican Rapids Minnesota, the fourth of eight children. After graduating from high school in 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and retired after more than 20 years as a MSgt E-7. While in the Air Force he was stationed at numerous sites; Easter Island for one year, Tehran Iran for 2 years, near Oxford England for 4 years and several stateside bases; Lackland AFB TX, Greenville AFB MS, Offutt AFB NE, McClellan AFB CA, and Grand Forks AFB ND. His Air Force career field was Personnel Manager.

He graduated from Southwest Texas State Univ (now Texas State Univ) in San Marcos TX with a Bachelors Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences.

His ‘civilian’ work assignments: Travis County Juvenile Court as a Legal Assistant; Texas Incentive and Productivity Commission, Office Manager; Texas Workforce Commission, various duties such as Work Opportunity Tax Credit office, Contract Manager, RFP Development and Contract Manager with Child Care Services. He then was employed with Workforce Solutions Rural Capital as the Child Care Contract Manager.

He is single, and currently resides with his best friend, Becky Dement. He has five children; two sons and three daughters. His 10 grandchildren range in age from 35 to 9, with a 4 year old great-granddaughter. One daughter resides in Minnesota, and the remaining children live in the Central Texas area.

He is active in the Cedar Park community. He has been a member of the Cedar Park-Leander Rotary Club for over 14 years, is currently serving as the Club’s Sergeant at Arms and is also is the Youth Director. He has been a member of the Cedar Park City Library Foundation for 12 years, serving in several officer capacities. He is a member of the Cedar Park American Legion Post 911 and the VFW Post 8787. He enjoys reading, particularly historical fiction, playing golf, watching sports and spending quality time with friends and family.

Rhonda Estelle

Sector: Public Sector

Rhonda Estelle

Board Member - Williamson County

Rhonda Estelle has over 26 years of experience in Health and Human Services and government operations, specializing in social services programs, policy, design, and operations. She currently serves as a Program Manager for Health and Human Services, Eligibility Operations, Access & Eligibility, overseeing five supervisors and approximately 70 staff.

Throughout her career, Rhonda has played a key role in modernizing the Texas Eligibility system, improving access to benefits, and driving operational enhancements statewide. She has developed performance-related job aids, conducted policy refresher trainings, and coordinated regional conferences for staff at various levels. A graduate of the 2018 AES QUEST Leadership Academy, she is dedicated to mentoring and professional development.

Rhonda holds a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, shopping, and traveling. She is actively involved in her church as an Administrative Assistant to the Pastor and has a deep passion for service and mentorship. Rhonda is a proud mother of two and grandmother to her 13-year-old grandson.

Christian Fletcher

Sector: Public Sector

Christian Fletcher

Board Member – Burnet County

Christian Fletcher has been the Executive Director of the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation since September 2011. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce for 5 and a half years. 

Christian has degrees from Duke and Yale in academic disciplines only divinely connected to economic development. He and his wife, Kathy, are both natives of Marble Falls, and they have two sons—one a recent graduate of the University of Texas and the other a senior at Texas State University.

Megan Gandy

Sector: Private Sector

Megan Gandy

Board Member - Bastrop County

Megan Gandy was born and raised in Brenham, TX. She has a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Houston Baptist University, specializing in Wellness Management. Megan moved to Bastrop in 2020 when she began working for the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. This job provided her with priceless community connections and professional resources where she fell in love with the community. She is currently the Executive Assistant for TCS Mechanical. TCS Mechanical is a commercial mechanical contractor specializing in plumbing, process piping, pipe fabrication and mechanical services. 

Megan has a passion for serving her community whenever she can and enjoys growing the community and educational development role within her company. Megan and her fiancé, Bradley, recently welcomed a new baby girl, Ellie Ray, this February (2024)!

Becky Garlick

Sector: Public Sector

Becky Garlick

Board Member - Fayette County

Education: Blinn College Schulenburg Campus

With more than 25 years in higher education, Dr. Becky Garlick serves as Executive Dean for the Blinn College Schulenburg Campus. Dr. Garlick has a broad range of experience working with students who pursue academic degrees as well as workforce education programs. She works tirelessly with local business owners and community leaders to assist in connecting them to resources that they need to hire employees, obtain grant resources, or other necessary services.

Dr. Garlick graduated from Tarleton State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Education. She earned her doctoral degree from Texas Tech University in Higher Education Administration.

Mike Grant

Sector: Public Sector

Mike Grant

Board Member - Williamson County

Denice Harlan

Sector: Private Sector

Denice Harlan

Board Member - Lee County

Private Sector: Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce

Elizabeth Denice Harlan

Raised in Houston, Texas. Attended Galena Park High School, graduated in 1978. Moved to Giddings, Texas in 1983 for my husband's work. Worked at Giddings Convalescent Center for two years as activity director and assistant administrator in charge of volunteers and activities. My spouse and I owned Harlan’s Restaurant for nine years. I worked in the public schools as a substitute teacher for eight years. I attended Blinn College for two years to work on a teaching certificate in science. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Societies. I have been employed at the Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce since February 2006. I have two adult daughters

Clubs and organizations

I am a thirty-six year member of the Giddings New Horizons Lions Club. I have served as president, program director, chairman of numerous fundraising, administrative or activities committees. I served as a Leo Club advisor at Giddings High School for ten years.

I received the Lion of the Year Award, Melvin Jones Fellow, and a Jack Wiech Fellow.

I served as president of the local American Cancer Society from 1991-1994. We raised over $45,000 for ACS.

I have served on the GISD facility planning committee for the new high school.

I served on the Giddings Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as a board member and

as the first woman president of the Chamber. I also served on several committees including the Retail Merchants committee.

I served as president of Economic Development during my tenure as Chamber Chairman.

I served as director of the Lehman Animal Shelter for two years under the guidance of the Lehman Animal Shelter Trustees.

Awards and Recognition

Community Builders Award from the J. D. Giddings Masonic Lodge in Giddings in April 2009.

Outstanding Citizen of the Year in August 2009 by the Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce.

Community Leadership

Served on the St. Marks Medical Center board of trustees.

Served as an advisor on the Giddings Economic Development Corporations board.

Currently a board member of the Lee County Fair Association.

Served on the advisory board for LCRA from 2012-2016.

Served as a board member on the Lee County Youth Center from 2012-2020.

Served as a board member on the Association of Rural Communities in Texas from 2016-2022.

Certifications

Certificate in Nonprofit Organization Management.

Certificate as a Professional Community and Economic Developer from Community Development Council.

Susan Kimball

Sector: Private Sector

Susan Kimball

Board Member - Hays County

Susan P. Kimball is an accomplished project management executive with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. Currently serving as the President/CEO of the Dripping Springs Area Chamber of Commerce in Dripping Springs, TX, Susan oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations and management. Her role involves implementing and enhancing internal systems to better support Chamber members, handling financial responsibilities such as budgeting and membership dues, and spearheading initiatives to increase non-dues revenue. Under her leadership, the Chamber has developed new programs to engage its members and maintained its brand identity to foster continued prosperity.

Before her current position, Susan was the Vice President of Membership at the Dripping Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, where she successfully recruited members and served as a key point of contact for businesses. Her career also includes significant roles such as Operations Manager in the Real Estate Division of the State of Florida’s Department of Management Services and Senior Operations Manager for Seagate Software in Boston. Susan’s academic credentials include a B.A. in English/Writing from Michigan State University and the I.O.M. certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply involved in community service, holding leadership positions in various local organizations and committees

Private Industry: Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce

Jeff Light

Sector: Private Sector

Jeff Light

Board Member - Hays County

With 20 years in the construction industry, Jeff has broad range of experience managing both commercial and institutional projects. As the Vice President & Division Head for the Hoar Construction Austin office, Jeff oversees all project and field staff and holds all team members accountable to meet and exceed the commitment to the client.

Jeff is a certified LEED Accredited Professional, ASHE Healthcare Construction Certified and an Associate Constructor from the American Institute of Constructors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Texas A&M University.

Private Sector: Hoar Construction

Margaret Lindsey

Sector: Private Sector

Margaret Lindsey

Board Member - Hays County

Ex Officio Board Member - Former Board Chair

Laura Lucas

Sector: Public Sector

Laura Lucas

Board Member - Williamson County

Laura Lucas currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Chancellor’s Office at Austin Community College District (ACC). In this role, she provides leadership and implementation support for key college initiatives and maintains strategic partnerships that bring mutual benefit to the region and to ACC students. She is currently leading the college’s efforts to implement innovative new models in workforce education aligned to high-growth, high-demand industries such as semiconductor, mobility and infrastructure, and product management/user experience. Her previous experience includes extensive work in instructional design, curriculum development, and the intentional integration of instructional technologies to create engaging and effective learning experiences. 

She has also served as adjunct faculty at ACC, St. Edward’s University, and the University of Texas at Austin, teaching courses in Sociology, Mexican American Studies, Learning Frameworks, and Cultural Foundations. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Rice University, a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin, and she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Higher Education from St. Edward’s University.

Doug Mudd

Sector: Public Sector

Doug Mudd

Board Member - Hays County

Doug Mudd is a dedicated leader with extensive experience in community action and adult education. Since 2004, he has held various roles at Community Action Inc. of Central Texas, including Executive Director, Adult Education Director, and Adult Education Area Coordinator. In his current role as Executive Director, Doug provides strategic leadership, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and maintaining strong community relationships.

Before becoming Executive Director, Doug served as Adult Education Director, where he oversaw program development, compliance, and fiscal accountability. He played a key role in creating career pathways programs with local education and training providers. Doug's earlier roles included supervising and coordinating adult education services and providing instruction in literacy, ESL, and GED preparation.

Doug holds an M.A. in Communication Studies and a B.A. in Communication & Spanish from Texas State University. His academic background and research in instructional communication, conflict resolution, and multicultural relations have equipped him with the skills to effectively serve the community.

Doug's dedication to community service and his comprehensive experience make him an invaluable asset to our board.

Community-Based Organization: Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas

Tim Ols

Sector: Private Sector

Tim Ols

Board Member - Burnet County

Tim Ols currently serves as the President for Baylor Scott & White Health Hill Country Region. Prior to his current role, Tim served as president and CEO of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System, a not-for-profit health care system in Mattoon, Ill., where he led the growth and development of the system to a regional referral center. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President and COO of Greene Memorial Hospital, and then President of Southview Hospital, both in the Kettering Health Network in Kettering, Ohio. Ols has also served in leadership positions at Carle Foundation Hospital and Mercy Health Partners. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social work and a master’s degree in business administration, both from Cleveland State University.

Tim is committed to his community and has volunteered for many different organizations. He has serves on the Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador and on the Education Committee and is a member of the Passport Rotary Club. He led as the Heart Walk Campaign Chair for the American Heart Association in 2014 and 2015, raising money to fight heart disease and stroke. Ols was a board member for the Mattoon Area Family YMCA and executive board member and district chair for the Lincoln Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America

Private Sector - Baylor Scott & White Health - Hill Country Region

Joshua Paselk

Sector: Private Sector

Joshua Paselk

Board Member - Hays County

Josh is an accomplished business owner and industry leader with extensive experience in landscaping, construction, and general management. With a proven track record of building and growing successful businesses, Joshua excels in client relations, project management, and strategic leadership. His dedication to service excellence and commitment to continuous professional growth have positioned him as a respected leader in his community. Joshua remains dedicated to leveraging his extensive expertise in business management, landscaping, and real estate to drive service excellence and foster team growth. He is passionate about contributing to his community while pursuing both personal and professional growth. Joshua strives to lead by example, providing outstanding service and inspiring others through his commitment to integrity and leadership.

As the owner of Corridor Home & Commercial and Sagebrush Landscaping, Joshua oversees all aspects of operations, delivering customized outdoor solutions and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. His passion for creating beautiful and functional landscapes has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Best in Hays County award multiple times.

Joshua also brings a wealth of experience in real estate as a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams San Marcos, where he expertly guides clients through buying, selling, and investment processes. His deep knowledge of the local market and dedication to customer service make him a trusted advisor in the real estate industry.

Eben Riggs

Sector: Public Sector

Eben Riggs

Board Member - Williamson County

Public Employment: Texas Workforce Commission

Hatch Smith

Sector: Private Sector

Hatch Smith

Board Member - Llano County

Hatch Cummings Smith Jr. is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in healthcare administration, business management, and agricultural operations. As the CEO and Administrator of Mid Coast Central in Llano, Texas, he led the transformation of Baylor Scott & White Llano into a Critical Access Hospital and established the Mid Coast Well Care Clinic. In addition to his healthcare leadership, Hatch is the owner of RedSmith Genetics Corp, where he has converted his family's stockyard facilities into a premier bovine and equine reproductive center, managing a substantial herd of cattle.

His diverse professional background includes founding and leading RedSmith Graphic Solutions, a major graphics manufacturer in Central and South Texas, and serving as Vice President at Commerce Street Capital LLC, where he managed institutional sales and M&A activities. Hatch's early career included roles at JPMorgan Chase and Mineral Financial Services, where he honed his skills in capital markets and lending.

Hatch holds an MBA in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University. His commitment to community and industry is evident through his involvement with various boards and organizations, including the Governor’s Broadband Council, American Brahman Breeders Association, and Llano Economic Development Council. Hatch is also an active participant in charitable causes, including the Damon P. Smith III Scholarship Fund and the Alzheimer's Association of Dallas.

With a strong track record of leadership, innovation, and community service, Hatch Cummings Smith Jr. brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board.

Private Sector: MidCoast Central Medical Center

Nikki Stallings

Sector: Private Sector

Nikki Stallings

Board Member - Williamson County

Private Sector: NOV Wellbore Technologies

Lisa Stewart

Sector: Public Sector

Lisa Stewart

Board Member - Williamson County

Lisa M. Stewart, MBA, CAE is the Chief Executive Officer at the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, an organization that brings adult, family, and career education to Central Texas. She grew up outside Houston and moved to Central Texas in 2018 after working thirteen years in Washington, DC. As a life longer learner and avid reader, Stewart is passionate about literacy and education and believes that access and opportunity is essential for everyone.

Stewart’s role today elevates her passion for literacy and education by helping the Central Texas community grow, thrive, and achieve livable employment. Leading the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, Stewart develops services and programing around school readiness, adult basic education, high school equivalency certification, career readiness, and job training. As an additional support to students, the organization also provides wraparound Social Service support for students.

Before taking on the role of CEO, Stewart served as the Chief Financial officer at Literacy Coalition, Connections Family and Individual Services, and the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Institute for Higher Education Policy in Washington, DC. Her work has earned her recognition as a Non-Profit Finance Leader and was awarded the title of CFO of the Year.

In addition to being a CEO, Stewart also performs with the Designed to Dance company, volunteers at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theater, and is an active member of the International Thriller Writers Association.

Kyle Swartz

Sector: Private Sector

Kyle Swartz

Board Member - Williamson County

An accomplished leader in human resources with a track record of success, Kyle Swartz, SPHR, SHRM-SCP has led a broad array of human resources activities among employees in several states in the United States and Canada. Starting in July 2022, Kyle has served as Sr. US HR Manager for Toppan Photomasks Round Rock, Inc. (TPRR) leading human resources activities and creating, delivering, and overseeing initiatives to rebuild the human resources team strengthening department output to support site key performance indicators. The Austin Regional Manufacturers Associated recognized these results, awarding TPRR as its Company of the Year (Medium Size) for 2023.

Previously, Kyle was HR Director of North America for Ferrovial Construction for 10 years, the civil engineering design consulting and construction division of Ferrovial S.A., headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Before starting with Ferrovial, Kyle spent a decade in key human resources leadership positions in the professional services and business-to-consumer space after serving in a variety of other professional roles in public relations, marketing, and business development capacities.

Kyle volunteered for two years to teach 4th grade students in Chicago, Illinois in the early 1990s, led Extol Stake Jam for three years starting in 2015, supported the Youth Ministry program at St. William Catholic Church, served in a parent committee for the Round Rock Independent School District and taught US History to 8th grade students while on a recent sabbatical in a public charter school, where his wife of 24 years and his daughters now teach. Kyle and his wife have four children and have lived in Round Rock, Texas since 2006.

Kwee Lan Teo

Sector: Public Sector

Kwee Lan Teo

Board Member - Williamson County

Kwee Lan Teo heads workforce development for Samsung Austin Semiconductor in Austin, as well as the Taylor site that is slated to be ready in 2024. Kwee Lan was the VP of Talent and Workforce Development for the Austin Chamber of Commerce’s Opportunity Austin for about a decade before joining Samsung Austin Semiconductor to lead the company’s workforce development efforts in the Central Texas region. 

Since 2013, Kwee Lan had served as an Advisory Board member and panel picker judge for the SXSW EDU Conference. She is also a board member on the Texas Workforce Development Board of Capital Area since 2014, which the Board created its first Master Community Workforce Plan. As part of the Governor Abbott’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, Kwee Lan has volunteered on the Texas Industry Clusters & Careers Task Force to help establish Texas as a leader in accelerated retraining programs and is on the Governor’s Workforce Policy Workgroup. 

She is a member on the Austin Community College’s Progress Report Task Force, and a Central Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) Member to address workforce and master facility needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped led efforts in workforce and childcare for the Opening Central Texas

Heather Wagner

Sector: Public Sector

Heather Wagner

Board Member - Blanco County

Private Sector: H-E-B

Elva Zdeb

Sector: Public Sector

Elva Zdeb

Board Member - Hays County

Elva M. Zdeb SHRM-SCP is a seasoned HR professional with a deep passion for giving back to her community through volunteerism. A San Marcos resident since 1997, she has raised a family in San Marcos and is committed to bettering the lives of those around her. With over 20 years in human resources, she has honed in her skills in talent acquisition, employee relations and organizational development.

She works for the student and staff at Gary Corps, the largest job corps in the nation, providing educations and skills attainment for students aged 16 to 24 years old.

She dedicates her time to causes that are close to her heart, such as supporting underprivileged youth and advocating for workplace diversity and inclusion. Committed to making a difference in the world, both through professional work and her volunteer work, she also leads a non-profit, the Sights and Sounds of Christmas, San Marcos.

She serves on the board of the San Marcos Chamber and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board for Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.

Educational Agencies: Gary Job Corps Center