TPEA ELECTIONS

I have served as a Chief Financial Officer in five state agencies including DPS (presently serving), TPWD, Texas Racing Commission, Office of the Governor, State Comptroller's Office, and as a Director of Administration in a 6th agency. I have spent my career working alongside talented and dedicated state employees. I have 30+ years of experience in legislative and financial roles, obtaining appropriations for the agencies I have worked for. I believe that I can be effective in supporting state employees and retirees through legislative action and by advocating for all of us to ERS and TRS.

I appreciate all that TPEA does for state employees and retirees and would like to contribute. My goal is to obtain:

• Regular salary increases for active employees, and
• COLAs or a 13th check for all retirees.

I have devoted 20 years to serving the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the state of Texas, excelling in leadership roles across multiple divisions. Beginning my career in 2004 as a clerk in the inmate file room, I swiftly advanced, holding key positions such as Assistant Selections Administrator, Leaves Administrator, Correction Staffing Administrator, and HR Operations Manager. In 2022, I transitioned to my current role as Assistant Director of Classification and Records, where I oversee critical processes in correctional management. Beyond my extensive experience, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Management from Ashworth University. My deep commitment to fairness, operational excellence, and supporting the dedicated employees of Texas drives me.

Representing the employees of the State of Texas would be an incredible honor. With my background in HR as a state employee, I want to help shape policies and workplace practices that make Texas a great place to work—where employees feel valued, compensated fairly, and empowered to thrive in their careers. My goal is to drive meaningful changes that benefit both current employees and retirees, strengthening the foundation of public service in our state.

State employees and retirees are facing two major challenges: inadequate pay and high employee turnover. The rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for many to afford necessities, forcing tough choices between paying bills and buying groceries. At the same time, high turnover rates continue to strain state agencies, impacting employee morale and overall well-being. Long hours and limited time off further contribute to both physical and mental exhaustion. I believe my leadership and passion for ensuring equitable treatment would be a valuable asset to the TPEA board, and I would be honored to serve the employees of our great state.

With twelve years of experience as a safety officer with the Texas Department of Transportation's Waco District, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table! I earned my degree in Environmental Health and Safety from Texas State Technical College, equipping me with the skills to make a meaningful impact in the field.

I'm not just dedicated to safety at work; I'm deeply involved in my community too! I attend St. John United Church of Christ and proudly serve on the Board of Directors for Masters Workshop Church Camp, helping to foster growth and learning for all ages.

As the leader of Boy Scout Troop 308 and Girl Scout Troop 7073, I'm passionate about nurturing our future leaders and instilling in them the values of responsibility and teamwork. Being a second-generation safety professional fills me with pride, and my commitment to employee well-being drives me to assist TPEA in reaching its exciting goals and missions. Together, we can achieve greatness!