JL POWERS & ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Consultant
- Organizational Leader
Al Bennett is an accomplished organizational leader with a background in both public sector operations and private sector business development. He spent almost 20 years at the Alamo County Community College, which included more than a decade of service as Dean of Continuing Education, Workforce Development and Evening and Weekend Operations
Bennett also worked for several years as Panel Chair of the Appraisal Review Board for the Bexar Appraisal District. He most recently held the role of Vice President for Business Development at Carta Blanche Business Investments, a transportation, multimodal and freight logistics company. He has been successful in bringing together CEOS, executives and business owners purposed to improve performance outcomes, actionable recommendations, and most importantly, results.
Bennett has served on numerous boards and held memberships with a variety of organizations, including the Council of Military Education in South Texas, the State Bar Grievance Committee, the Goodyear Fleet Management Advisory Board and as a contributor to the community - a Certified State Long-term Care (LTC) Ombudsman.
He holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University in St., Louis, Mo., and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
Allen Kaplan is a 40-year veteran of Public Affairs, Marketing and Business Development consulting and has specialized in public/private ventures while representing both public and private clients.
Prior to affiliating with JL Powers & Associates, LLC, Kaplan was Managing Principal/CEO of Allen Kaplan Consulting and Regional Collaborative Consulting, Inc., a full service public affairs and marketing consulting firm representing public, private and non-profit clients.
Kaplan was elected to the Austin Community College (ACC) Board of Trustees in 1994, and re-elected in 2000, 2006 and 2012. He served three terms as Vice Chair of the Board and previously served two years as Secretary of the Board. He also served on the ACC Foundation Board of Directors. He is a founder of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT) where he served a Chair and served for 14 years as the Texas State Coordinator for the national Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), having previously served on the ACCT Nominations and Awards Committees. He was honored to be awarded a lifetime membership in ACCT. Through his work as Trustee on the Austin Community College Board and as State Coordinator, Kaplan is well versed in planning issues, state demographics, growth profiles and the role of education in moving forward economic development agendas for both rural and urban areas.
Kaplan has served on numerous community and professional boards including, among others, serving as Chair of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Cap Metro) in the Austin, Texas region, Chair of the Cedar Park Community Foundation and as a founding Director of the Downtown Austin Alliance.
Kaplan is the creator of the Center for Public Policy and Political Studies at ACC, the only center of its kind at a community college in the country. The Center for Public Policy & Political Studies is an innovative program created to enable ACC students to gain practical experience in learning how government policies are created and executed, and to improve communications between public entities and the people they serve. The Center for Public Policy & Political Studies (CPPPS) is a non-partisan, non-profit center dedicated to expanding knowledge of, and participation in political processes and public policy for ACC students and their communities.
Kaplan has made numerous presentations to community groups including various Rotary and Lions clubs, Central Texas Chambers of Commerce and various Real Estate and Development Associations. As a founder of the political action group, Friends of ACC, he presented numerous times during the election campaigns that successfully added seven jurisdictions to the ACC taxing district almost doubling the ACC tax base and more the doubling the College taxing district's geographic size. Kaplan also has authored columns for local magazines on ACC and community college issues and as a statewide Trustee officer he authored several statewide guest editorials on community college financial and budget challenges.
Allen and his wife Maxine are very active members of the Austin Jewish Community and he has served on the Boards of Congregation Beth Israel and the Austin Jewish Day School as well as the Jewish Community Association's Strategic Planning Committee. Allen and Maxine are founders and active members in Congregation Shir Ami in Cedar Park where he has served twice as President and for 16 years on the Board of Trustees of the congregation. Allen and Maxine are also founders of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF), which supports the students and faculty of the Leander Independent School District (LISD), one of the fastest growing school districts in the nation. They have two adult children Ileene, a Pre-K teacher, and Scott, an Executive Chef, and two grandchildren Rachel, a graduate of the University of Oregon and Candace, a Senior at Glenn HS in the Leander District, and a Terrier Chloe.
Kaplan received his BA in Political Science with minors in History and Theater from the Brooklyn College, City University of New York and attended American University, Washington College of Law.
Brady Hester is a successful business development professional based in San Antonio, Texas. He has more than 35 years of experience in business development, marketing and sales in the Architectural, Engineering & Construction industry. He possesses extensive relationships in the development community across Texas.
Brady is driven to assist the business goals of his clients at J.L. Powers & Associates by utilizing his strong network of relationships to facilitate new opportunities. He is able to analyze sales goals and implement innovative strategies for his clients' success and growth.
Brady has been an active member in many organizations in the San Antonio area, including the Association of General Contractors, San Antonio Downtown Alliance, San Antonio Economic Development Foundation and the Society for Marketing Professional Services. He and his wife Teri attend Community Bible Church. They have been married for 38 years, and have one adult daughter, Ashley.
Corinne French brings her clients at J.L. Powers & Associates a deep understanding of the power of collaboration, integrity, and a robust array of experience in the k-12 and higher education sectors. She is an educational leader who specializes in leadership development and creating lasting partnerships that improve the lives of students and the stakeholders that support schools. She co-created the Women in Leadership workshop for educational leaders and elected school board leaders in Texas and is the co-host of the Educational Leadership Podcast.
Her elected public service includes ten years on the Valley View ISD, five years on the board of directors for the Texas Association of School Board Members, and as the vice president for the North Texas Association of School Board members. French combines her higher education background and research as a mother scholar to bring a balanced perspective to public school-advocacy and encourages leaders to be equitable so that all students have access to a strong public-school education. She has six biological children, four bonus children, and four grandchildren. She enjoys thrift shopping, gardening, and her rescue dachshunds.
Ms. French received a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from Texas Woman's University and a master's degree in Higher Education from the University of North Texas. She is currently attending Southern Methodist University to pursue a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Consultant
- Managing Director of DB Ventures LLC
With over 40 years technology experience, David Boikess is an accomplished results-driven executive with a track record of driving revenue growth in start-ups, small, medium and large cap semiconductor companies. A passionate and creative sales and marketing leader, David is known for building and re-building worldwide sales organizations, cross-functional team building, driving International marketing and channel programs, and expanding the customer base through proven demand creation programs.
During his tenure at such public and private companies as AMD, Legerity, Zarlink, Golden Gate Capital, and most recently Lantiq-GmbH and Intel, David has worked extensively with major worldwide OEMs and Contract Manufacturers with a very strong expertise in the Asia-Pac markets. David has also been involved in numerous M&A activities leading to extremely positive outcomes.
Currently, Boikess is Managing Director of DB Ventures LLC, as an Executive Advisor and Business Consultant for small technology start-ups.
David is also working as a mentor, advisor, coach, and investment evaluator for International Accelerator, a fast-growing Austin-based "accelerator" company dedicated to helping non-U.S. citizen entrepreneurs set up their U.S. company, provide it an "American look and feel," and a sturdy foundation to build a global business.
Douglas Gibbins is adept at connecting professionals and institutions, expressing complex issues in meaningful terms, and negotiating large business deals. In his 25-year career he worked as a top tier management consultant and Wall Street investment banker providing counsel and advice on matters of strategy and operations to some of the world's largest corporations. He successfully led teams with hundreds of senior level professionals dispersed around the globe tasked with mergers and acquisitions. His services ranged from start to finish - initial analysis to deal consummation to post merger rationalization and integration of divisions, plants, property, and human capital.
Stepping back from this high intensity and travel saturated professional life to reconnect with Central Texas, friends, and family, Douglas deployed his deal making and finance talents as a commercial real estate broker for more than a decade. Additionally Douglas was appointed by Secretary of the State of Texas to be an arbitrator for property appraisal appeals.
He is active in the community serving as Chair of Austin Community College Highland Campus Advisory Committee, is a graduate of Leadership Austin class of 2002, and served on the board of Texas Alpha Education Foundation of Phi Kappa Psi for eight years including as Vice President. Additionally he was honored as volunteer of the year for Launch Leadership, a prominent leadership training organization for youth. Douglas is an Eagle Scout and is an active member of the Austin Symphony BATS. He is happily married to Paulette Gibbins who is a rising civic figure in her own right. They are raising three school age children. Their hobbies and free time are fond memories.
Douglas is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Science in Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.
Dr. Amber Thompson-Adams has a wealth of experience in customer success and implementation, learning and development, and enterprise-level sales. She has spent all of her professional career working with English Learners from PreK to adults. Amber has been a classroom teacher, a corporate trainer, a district-level central office administrator, and a project manager in the education technology arena.
Job Titles:
- Member of the JL POWERS SENIOR CONSULTANTS & LEADERSHIP TEAM
- Senior Consultant
Dr. Guerrero previously served as the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Development and Leadership Programs and taught Global Business and Leadership as an adjunct professor at Texas State University. Daniel is now the MBA Program Chair and an Assistant Professor of Business at Concordia University - Texas.
Dr. Guerrero previously served the City of San Marcos as a city council member and then as Mayor from 2004 - 2010. He is currently a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and serves on numerous boards of directors throughout Texas.
Job Titles:
- Member of the JL POWERS SENIOR CONSULTANTS & LEADERSHIP TEAM
- Senior Consultant
- Trustee of the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees
Hon. Rev. Dr. Jayme Mathias brings to his clients at J.L. Powers & Associates a deep knowledge of business development, an extensive education, an array of experiences in the public & non-profit sectors, and insight into various governmental entities in Central Texas.
Mathias is an Eagle Scout and graduated as valedictorian of his high school class. He subsequently earned two bachelor degrees summa cum laude, four graduate degrees, and his Doctor of Philosophy in leadership studies. His curriculum vitae contains a Master of Arts in Philanthropy & Development, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Ethics.
Mathias' areas of expertise include leadership & management, strategy development & implementation, and business development. He has shared much of his life with the non-profit sector. He founded three learning centers in East Austin, he served as president of a college-preparatory school that placed minority & low-income students in private-sector internships, and he led Austin's largest Spanish-speaking faith community.
Mathias currently serves as District 2 Trustee of the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees. Because of his service to the Board's Joint Subcommittees with the City of Austin & Travis County, and his service to the Board's Intergovernmental Relations Committee, he brings to his clients an extensive network of elected officials, policy makers and business leaders, as well as an understanding of the inner workings of governmental entities at the city, county, state and federal levels.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Professor of Practice With the University of Texas
Dr. Paul Cruz serves as a professor of practice with the University of Texas at Austin and as co-director of the Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP), which prepares future superintendents and executive school leaders to serve in leadership roles to meet the ever-changing needs in the public education system.
Prior to joining the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Cruz served as the superintendent of schools for the Austin Independent School District from 2014 to 2020, overseeing a district of 80,000 students and 11,000 employees in 130 schools. In this capacity, he regularly met with C-level decisionmakers throughout Texas and the nation. Under Dr. Cruz's leadership, the Austin ISD graduation rate reached an all-time high, outperforming the state and nation, with two-thirds of graduates enrolling directly into college. Under his leadership, the district passed more than $1.5 billion of bonds to build additional schools and to provide needed improvements to all facilities.
Dr. Cruz developed, implemented and expanded a number of district initiatives, including the Creative Learning Initiative; dual-language programs in Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese; Early College High Schools; Family Resource Centers; Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds; Social and Emotional Learning; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math); Career Launch (Technology and Health Science); Montessori school; and a Facility Master Plan.
Dr. Cruz chaired the Texas Urban Council, comprised of the state's major urban districts, and he served on the Executive Board of the Council of Great City Schools, a coalition of the largest urban districts in the nation. He served as a board member for the Austin Area Research Organization, Austin Ed Fund, and Austin Partners in Education.
Dr. Cruz began his career in education in 1987 ,working as a teacher, campus administrator, central office administrator and superintendent in Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Laredo. He also served as deputy commissioner for Dropout Prevention at the Texas Education Agency. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin, his master of science in Educational Administration from Corpus Christi State University, and his Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Cruz brings a wealth of experiences and relationships to his client, helping to position them for success in the PK-12, higher education and municipal sectors.
Garza has served over 20 years as an elected public official in San Antonio. In 2001 at the age of 32, he became San Antonio's youngest mayor in the city's history. He served two terms as Mayor, and had previously served two terms as the District 7 City Council representative. In May of 2009 Garza was elected to the San Antonio Independent School District Board of Trustees, and served as the board's President from 2012-2015.
Garza's intuitive depth in human relations and built environments has translated into a legacy of achieving results in the areas of community regeneration, strategic partnerships, public education advancement, public-private investments, public policy, vision implementation and economic development in Texas and throughout the world.
He has over two decades of experience working for private planning, design, and development firms as well as local, state and national government entities. He is currently a Managing Partner at Chile Media in San Antonio, and previously served as Principal for the Texas Region at engineering firm AECOM. In addition, Garza has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio and at St. Mary's University.
Garza has an extensive speaking portfolio in the United States and around the world, and has served on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards in San Antonio and nationally. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture and a Master's in Land & Real Estate Development.
J. Bedford Holmes is an experienced former CEO with a successful history of working in the conference center, camp and education world. He is a strong business development professional with a Master of Education degree focused in Higher Ed Administration from George Fox University with over 35 years of proficiency in leading nonprofit organizations. He has accumulated much experience in guiding, enhancing and improving the institutions that he has led including organizing and directing programs, projects, maintenance, guest services, public relations, budgets and administration.
He is skilled in determining corporate objectives, philosophy, and policies as well as planning and implementing resourcing efforts. Bedford knows how to build consensus, coordinate, strategize, broker resources, build vision and lubricate the organization with lots of encouragement. He is committed to making coalitions to amplify your organization's capacity and potential success. His chosen emblem is a magnifying glass, and his invitation is, "Let's investigate and take a close look at your organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; then craft a bridge to a new vision and destination."
Bedford and his wife Sara live in Tyler, Texas and have been married over 40 years. They have three grown daughters, three sons in law and seven grandchildren.
Best known to fans of the "sweet science," James Leija's exceptional talent in the ring resulted in some of the best boxing matches in recent history. In a sport that has its share of controversial personas, Leija always maintained a dignity and respect for his opponent, his sport and his fans.
Most professional fighters will take on a nickname that is meant to promote themselves or a specific boxing style. A testament to his character, Leija took the name "Jesse" in order to honor someone else instead of himself, his father and trainer Jesse Leija. His boxing career included a myriad of accomplishments, including the WBC Featherweight and the IBA Lightweight titles. Leija's final record stands at 47 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws.
After retiring, Leija's second chapter has focused on helping the less fortunate in his hometown of San Antonio. He established the "Jesse" James Leija Youth Foundation, and is a major supporter of the Miracle League of San Antonio, which provides children with mental and physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball. In 2012, the National Council of La Raza awarded Leija its Roberto Clemente Award for Sports Excellence, presented annually to an athlete that is committed to the advancement of Hispanic Americans.
Leija has experienced tremendous business success through his ChampionFit Gym in San Antonio. Now with two locations, his gyms don't just focus on boxing technique, but provide members with a pathway to a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, Leija leads a boxing promotion company that arranges matches in arenas and venues across the country, and secures distribution agreements with major media companies including HBO, Showtime and Fox.
Through his many accomplishments and work in the community, Leija has built strong relationships with business leaders and public officials not just in San Antonio, but across the United States. In his role with J.L. Powers & Associates, Leija will utilize his experience and connections to help clients grow their business.
Job Titles:
- Member of the JL POWERS SENIOR CONSULTANTS & LEADERSHIP TEAM
- Senior Consultant
Jeffrey Richard has more than 25 years of professional experience in high-level interaction with senior policy makers, business executives and elected officials at the local state and federal levels. He has advised clients in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Cleveland and Reno, and in every major city in Texas, including Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.
Jeffrey has met every President of the United States since the late Ronald Reagan, including President Barack Obama; and he has developed strong friendships with several members of Congress.
Jeffrey has attracted support from internationally-recognized foundations for implementing plans to leverage both technology and culture. With substantial experience in media relations, Jeffrey is at ease with public speaking. He is also very well-versed in public policy, writing op-ed pieces and serving on various editorial boards. Additionally, he is a frequent presenter at higher education policy conferences and serves on the board of directors of the statewide Community College Association of Texas Trustees, known as CCATT.
Jeffrey is the former president and CEO of the Austin Area Urban League. Prior to that, he was vice president of education and workforce development for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, where he studied policy and monitored outcomes in K-12 and higher education academic achievement and student success. Prior to that, Jeffrey worked in Washington, DC as a staff member in the U.S. Congress - both in the House and the Senate - and also with the United States Conference of Mayors, where he helped to create the innovative Mayors Business Council, to coordinate the resources of business and government to address large and complex public policy challenges. He has served as a Trustee of the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees for nearly a dozen years, having been elected to every officer position, including two terms as Chair of the Board.
Jeffrey earned a B.S. degree, in economics and political science, with Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude honors from TCU; and a Master's in Public Policy in urban economic development from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Jeffrey is also a licensed Christian Minister. He and his bride of more than 21 years, Naomi, have an adult daughter, Rebecca, in college.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Land Commissioner
After a career of outstanding military and public service, including twelve years as Texas Land Commissioner, Jerry Patterson joined J.L. Powers & Associates in 2015. Patterson is a Marine Vietnam veteran with 24 years of active and reserve service, retiring as a reserve Lieutenant Colonel in 1993. He was elected to the Texas Senate in 1992, and 27th Land Commissioner of Texas in 2002, serving in that office through 2014.
As Land Commissioner, Patterson headed the state agency responsible for managing the state lands and mineral resources constitutionally dedicated to public and higher education. Under his leadership, the Texas General Land Office set historical records for real estate and oil and gas income, and maintained a double-digit rate of return on its multibillion-dollar portfolio. As chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, he presided over the greatest expansion of state veterans benefits in the history of the TVLB.
Patterson was responsible for balancing the public access v. private property interests along 367 miles of Texas coast, as well as managing disaster recovery operations after Hurricane Ike. He was president of the Western States Land Commissioners Association and selected as the 2007 Texan of the Year for his efforts to preserve and promote Texas history. Now, as a consultant with J.L. Powers & Associates, Patterson is bringing his knowledge and experience to the private sector.
Job Titles:
- Board Chair of the CleanTX
- Board President of the Center for Austin 's Future
- Director of Corporate Relations for Energy and Technology at the University of Texas
Jose Beceiro is the Director of Corporate Relations for Energy and Technology at the University of Texas at Austin. Jose's role within the UT Central Development Office will be to engage energy and tech companies in major interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the Planet Texas 2050 grand challenge and other Bridging Barriers programs.
Most recently, Jose served as the Director of Strategic Corporate Partnerships at Texas State University, and the Associate Director for Research Relations for the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Jose's professional background also includes serving as the Director of Clean Energy Economic Development at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and as an economic development consultant for Austin-based AngelouEconomics.
Additionally, Jose was a founding board member of the Pecan Street, Inc. organization. Pecan Street is the nation's most advanced smart grid research consortium initiative focused on energy usage data collection, energy data analytics, and smart grid research trials.
Jose has served as the Board President of the Center for Austin's Future (CAF - www.centerforaustinfuture.org). CAF produces the annual ATXelerator program, which aims to recruit, train, and promote new future-focused candidates for City of Austin City Council elections, boards, and commissions.
Jose has served as the Board Chair of the CleanTX organization (www.cleantx.org). CleanTX is an Austin regional clean energy ecosystem development and trade organization that produces over 30 clean energy networking events, educational forums, and conferences annually.
Jose is a native Texan from Lubbock, Texas, has resided in Austin, Texas for 20 years, and also has family roots in Spain.
Jose has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and a Master's Degree in Energy and Earth Resources from the University of Texas at Austin.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Co - Founder
- Judge
- President
- President of J.L. Powers & Associates
Judge Jim Powers founded the firm to help his clients develop the relationships required to help them accomplish their business objectives. Since 2006, he has continued to build a team of consultant experts who carefully listen and help forge those critical connections.
Judge Jim Powers, President of J.L. Powers & Associates, has a distinguished background, with experience in both the public and private sectors. The goal of his company is to bring people and businesses together to maximize the potential for his clients' success.
Jim has always understood the power of relationships and their central role in business and politics. Building relationships with the right people can make the difference in cost, speed, and quality.
Judge Powers applies the business acumen he has cultivated over 40 years as a thriving entrepreneur to J.L. Powers & Associates. Jim started his business enterprise with one store in Dripping Springs and within three years, grew it into a diversified food corporation which generated annual revenues of as much as $20 million dollars.
During this time, he began to feel the need to contribute more to his community and decided to run for public office. He was elected to serve two terms as Hays County Judge.
Judge Powers' ability to develop relationships with various groups and organizations has made him an effective and influential leader.
Some of his many accomplishments as Hays County Judge include the increase in county budget reserves from $3 million to $14 million, procuring the second largest grant in the nation to create the Habitat Conservation Plan, and spearheading the communications system upgrade for Hays County Emergency Services. He also created a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and implemented aggressive economic development policies.
In his eight years as County Judge, Jim developed strong relationships with officials in the Governor's Office, The Executive Branch of Texas Government and key leaders in many state and local government agencies across Texas. In 2008, he was appointed by Governor Perry to serve on the Board of Directors for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.
In 2019, Powers was re-elected to the Board of Directors for the Pedernales Electric Cooperative, the largest electric distribution co-op in the United States.
Judge Powers is uniquely positioned to help his clients develop new business strategies and partnerships. He has successfully positioned many of his clients to procure both public and private projects. In addition, he gives ongoing support to his clients to facilitate the success of their projects.
Jim and his wife, Maripat, live in Dripping Springs and have been married since 1977. They have four grown children, five grandsons and one granddaughter. Together, they are co-founders and investors in a thriving, popular restaurant group in Austin known as Jack Allen's Kitchen and Salt Traders Seafood.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Co - Founder of J.L. Powers & Associates
- Principal and Founder of Eastcreek Designs
As the co-founder of J.L. Powers & Associates, Maripat played an important role in the early development of the company. Today, she contributes through her writing and editing skills, helping ensure that what goes into print accurately represents the mind and heart of the leadership team.
Maripat is also the principal and founder of Eastcreek Designs, LLC, a custom window treatment company that began in November, 2000. Her goal for the company has always been to provide products for their clients that consistently exceed expectations for quality and style. Today, working alongside son and Co-Owner, Joshua Powers, Eastcreek Designs has both Residential and Commercial Divisions, with a dedicated team of professionals who have helped them become a successful, thriving enterprise.
Mark Gonzales was born and raised in the Central Texas area, specifically in the town of Lockhart, known for its first class Bar B-Q. Mark attended Texas State University in San Marcos, where he graduated with a BA degree in Political Science. After spending some time in Austin working in the legal field, Mark moved to San Marcos, where he spent 12 years working in politics serving two United States Congressmen.
Currently, Mark works in the real estate industry with McNabb & Co. Real Estate Services in San Marcos and is a team owner/Sr. Marketer for the Tri-City All Stars Professional Basketball Team (affiliated with the American Basketball Association) located in Schertz. Because of the nature of his work, Mark has developed extensive experience in public relations and traveled extensively throughout Central Texas.
Community involvement has always been a passion for Mark. He serves on the Texas State University Alumni Association - San Marcos - Board of Directors, Texas State University Bobcat Club - San Marcos - Leadership Council, and has served on the Emergency Food and Shelter Program - Seguin - Board of Directors, Seguin-Guadalupe County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Seguin - Board of Directors, Texas State University Alumni Association - Hispanic Chapter - San Marcos - Executive Committee, and on the Main Street Program - San Marcos - Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Consultant
- Member of the JL POWERS SENIOR CONSULTANTS & LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mark Roberts has 30 years of experience in public and private sector revenue planning, management and accounting functions. His skills include federal revenue maximization and grants management, project management, state development, negotiations and contract administration. Mark has served as chief financial officer in the staffing industry for over a decade, overseeing both financial and operational duties. He is a graduate of the University of Texas with a B.B.A. in accounting.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Member of the JL POWERS SENIOR CONSULTANTS & LEADERSHIP TEAM
A San Antonio Native, Mike Pompa is an accomplished business development professional. He has more than 30 years of experience in professional services sales, marketing, project management and business development strategic planning in the Architectural, Engineering & Construction industry. Mike possesses extensive relationships in the development community. He has a successful track record directing the business development efforts of an international engineering firm & regional and local general contractors in the public and private sectors. Mike is driven to assist the business development goals of the client's he serves by utilizing his established network of relationships to facilitate business opportunities. He has strong organizational skills to identify sales targets and has a natural ability to reach out and cultivate new relationships to generate sales growth. Mike resides in San Antonio with his wife and enjoys spending time with his three adult children.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Senior Consultant for J.L. Powers
- Vice Chairman of the Leander Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Mitch currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Leander Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and represents Williamson County as an Ambassador for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Former Governor Rick Perry appointed Mitch to the Commission on State Emergency Communications (commonly known as the 9-1-1 Commission) on December 21, 2010. The Texas Senate confirmed this appointment on February 16, 2011, and he served as a Commissioner until August 2016. In 2012, the LCRA Board of Directors appointed Mitch to its Central Basin Regional Council, which consists of Blanco, Burnet, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. Mitch served as Chairman of the 30-member Central Basin Regional Council from January 30, 2013-January 29, 2014. The readers of the Hill Country News selected Mitch as the "Best Elected Official" in its western Williamson County circulation area for 2010 and 2011.
Mitch Fuller served on the Cedar Park City Council from August 2007-May 2014. During his time on the Cedar Park City Council, he served as Mayor Pro Tem twice: from December 2012-June 2013 and from May 2010-May 2011. He was heavily involved in water and transportation policy and projects while serving as a City Councilmember. He also represented the City of Cedar Park on the Board of Directors of the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA), a regional governmental body created to acquire water from Lake Travis for the cities of Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock. He served as President of the BCRUA twice, from June 2013-May 2014 and from March 2009-June 2011. He represented Cedar Park on the BCRUA Board of Directors from July 2008-May 2014.
Mitch's other community and volunteer service includes the Board of Directors of the Cedar Park Community Foundation from July 2009-July 2010; the Board of Directors of Cedar Park Economic Development Corporation (4A) from December 2006-August 2007; the Board of Directors of the National Guard Association of Texas from March 2007-March 2010; the Board of Directors of Heroes Night Out, an advocacy organization for Veterans, from 2011-2015; and the Board of Directors of Honor Flight Austin from 2014-2015. Mitch is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post # 10427, Leander, TX; the Reserve Officers Association, and is also a Charter Member of the Hunter-Morris American Legion Post #911 in Cedar Park and a member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Mitch is also a Mason and is a graduate of Leadership Leander, Class of 2016 and Leadership Cedar Park, Class of 2007.
Mitch has more than 17 years of enlisted and commissioned service in the Army Reserves and Texas Army National Guard, including 10 years of active duty service. He is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (January 2005-January 2006). His military decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
Prior to his military and public service, Mitch was a college professor. He taught political science at Ottawa University and Johnson County Community College in Kansas and at the University of Oklahoma. Mitch earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and completed his Ph.D. coursework (ABD) in Political Science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. During his time in graduate school at the University of Oklahoma from 1997 to 2000, Mitch served as the Special Assistant to former United States Ambassador Edward Perkins, who was appointed to five Ambassadorial posts by Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
Mitch works as a Senior Consultant for J.L. Powers and Associates, advising clients on gaining access to public sector projects, strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and military and veterans' issues. He has two children: daughter Madison, age 17, and son Braxton, age 15.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- President and CEO of the Huntsville - Walker County Chamber of Commerce
Ray currently serves as the president and CEO of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce just north of Houston.
He served in the US Army in defense of our country as his dad before him and his eldest son after him. Ray is a graduate with honors from Southwest Texas State University. He received his Economic Development training from Texas A&M-College Station, is a graduate with honors (Innovation 88) at University of Texas-Austin LBJ of Public Affairs.
He has served as a board regent and advisor for the US Chamber of Commerce's four-year leadership program, a vice president of communications for the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives, board member for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and currently serves as a board member of the Center for Community Engagement at Sam Houston State University and serves as chairman of the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.
He has been married to his college sweetheart, Belinda and they have four children, Michael, Jennifer, Maya and Joaquin and their rescue named Willow.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Executive
- Consultant
As a business development executive in the technology sector, Ron Jones has consulted with state and local governments, K-12 schools and higher education organizations for over 20 years. He has been recognized professionally for superior revenue achievement using consultative methodologies for organizations like Plato Learning, The Princeton Review, George Washington University and Carnegie Learning. Ron has led training sessions and has been invited to speak at regional and national conferences including TASA/TASB, AASA, ERDI, TASBO, League for Innovation and APQC's Process Improvement in Education.
Ron has a proven record of developing strategic collaborations between state and local governments, corporations and communities. He has driven millions of dollars in revenue to his clients by successfully managing requests for proposals in government and education sectors. Ron is considered a trusted advisor and a tenacious partner to his valued clients.
A twelve-year member and past president of the Dripping Springs ISD Education Foundation and an advisor to his local water utility, Ron is committed to giving back. He is a mentor for The Burke Foundation, a treatment facility for abused and neglected youth, and has chaired his community's most successful fundraising campaigns. He was elected to the Dripping Springs ISD School Board in May 2014.
Steven Rivas is an Austin-based consultant specializing in digital media, policy, and crisis communications.
With more than 20 years of experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, Rivas has a unique perspective on what it takes to affect change at all levels by developing forward-looking strategies, building consensus and partnerships, or mobilizing grassroots outreach.
Rivas jump started his career as a municipal government intern. After college, he served in his local police department before earning a medic certification and transferring to the fire department. Rivas held key roles in emergency management and a new combined 9-1-1 center. Technical by nature, he helped with the design and construction phase of a new Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) alongside deployment of a new trunked Motorola radio system, an enterprise Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) program. He is credited with implementing one of Texas' first so-called "Reverse 911" public alerting systems. Rivas became a frequent speaker at state and national public safety-oriented conferences. He was recruited away from public service by a vendor to join a systems integration project management team. His first private sector project was the ambitious City & County of San Francisco's new 9-1-1 Center. From there, Rivas' career took him into project management and consulting throughout the U.S. & Canada.
Rivas briefly left consulting to join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate in the President George W. Bush administration. At the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Rivas fostered relationships with public officials in Texas to disseminate $103.6 million in federal disaster aid along Gulf Coast areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Rivas has advised numerous political candidates and organizations with big picture initiatives, crafting policy and strategies, messaging and media relations. He has served as a consultant for numerous local, state, congressional, issue-based political campaigns, and winning bond elections. Rivas has held senior strategy roles in nine highly competitive Texas statewide campaigns - including two gubernatorial and two presidential primary campaigns.
Rivas has served on numerous national and international accreditation boards and advisory councils focused on public safety, emergency management, and homeland security policies. He has previously served as a technical committee member on two National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committees including NFPA 1061: Standard for Public Safety Telecommunications Personnel Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1221: Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems. His role at the Partnership for Public Warning (PPW) helped lead the way for mobile phone emergency alerting.
An avid Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs fan, Rivas is known for shaking paradigms and achieving winning results.
Sylvia Muzzy has over a decade of private sector business experience and over nine years of experience working in the public sector for Hays County. She is a native of San Marcos, Texas, and holds a degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Texas State University.
Sylvia has extensive experience overseeing marketing strategies, managing budgets, planning events and managing a variety of business development initiatives. As a community leader, Sylvia holds several board positions in local non-profits. She is a member of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, and is currently President of a local women's political organization. She has also been sought out to serve in several San Marcos CISD committees that directly impact teachers, parents, and administration.
Sylvia has built many relationships with public officials and private business leaders across a variety of industries. She was a nominee for Hays County Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace during the 2016 election cycle, broadening her sphere of influence to include a diverse group of individuals and companies throughout Hays County and the surrounding regions. Sylvia is also a Licensed Realtor®.
Vanessa Nichole Hernandez, often goes by "Nikki", was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American College of Arts and Humanities with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. Her hometown is known for its agriculture, ranch lands and urban communities that surround the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is the county seat of Hidalgo County.
She plans on expanding in the disciplines of connecting new business endeavors to assist South Texas advance into a robust atmosphere for millions of people. Hernandez has over 17 years of experience in business communications, legal and political affairs, media, and public relations. Especially knowledgeable in the subjects of animal care, business, advocacy for education, brokering energy resources, civic canvasser, legal research, political science, media production, logistics management, project coordination, leadership building.
In 2012, Nikki began working with the U.S. House of Representatives as a Constituent Services Representative and Outreach Coordinator for a South Texas Congressional Member. There she gained knowledge on issues that required bureaucratic processes to accomplish favorable outcomes for many local, state, and federal projects. Through strong connections with many entities ranging from federal, state, municipal, educational, business networks, farmers, ranchers, villages, non-profit and non-government organizations. However tedious the communication process is, finding solutions and recommendations that successfully improves our society is her goal for every partnership.
Throughout the years, Nikki has cultivated an expansive understanding of various areas of expertise that associate approaches necessary to flourish many fields of academia, enterprises, health care services, housing real estate, property management, and other entities in South Texas. She currently works as an Energy Consultant, where partnerships are formed with many small, medium, and industrial size businesses in Texas and throughout 8 deregulated markets in the United States. Nikki's professional recommendations greatly impact revenue for companies that want to reduce greenhouse gasses and contribute to a much healthier environment.
William H. "Kirk" Kuykendall is an accomplished Austin attorney and community leader with a well-established network of business and professional relationships across Texas. Kirk has a diverse history of public service through a variety of community organizations and governmental agencies.
In 2013, the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court jointly appointed Kirk to the Travis County Health District Board of Managers (d/b/a Central Health), where he served through December of 2016. During his term as a member of the Board of Managers, the Board moved to improve access to care, operational efficiency, quality of patient care outcomes, and reduction of costs within the publicly supported healthcare delivery system through transformative innovations and collaboration. Kirk chaired the agency's Strategic Planning Committee and led the development of its 2017-2019 strategic plan. Kirk's leadership as chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee produced an overhaul of compliance policies and the adoption of a Board code of conduct and ethics. Kirk completed his term as Board Secretary.
Kirk is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for service to the City of Austin Community. He is a graduate of the Southern University Law Center and father of four children.