Agencies, Boards and Commissions

Workforce Investment Council, Texas*

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19 Members - Term: 6 Years

General Information

1100 San Jacinto, Suite 1.100Austin, TX 78701

Members

Office Office Holder Represents / Term Ends
Chair Richard "Rick" Rhodes Business and Industry Representative, 09-01-2029
Board Member(s) Paloma Ahmadi Business and Industry, 09-01-2027
Joe W. Arnold Education, 09-01-2027
Jesse Cecil Gatewood Organized Labor, 09-01-2029
Lindsey Geeslin Organized Labor, 09-01-2027
Lauren Gore Business and Industry, 09-01-2025
Thomas Halbouty Business and Industry, 09-01-2025
Michelle Harper Community Based Organizations, 02-01-2025
John Martin Organized Labor, 09-01-2029
Wayne Oswald Business and Industry, 09-01-2027
Paul Puente Organized Labor, 09-01-2027
Richard Rhodes, Ph.D. Education, 09-01-2025
Johnny Vahalik, Ed.D. Education, 09-01-2029
Brandon Willis Organized Labor, 09-01-2025
Ex Officio Member(s) Adriana Cruz Executive Director, Economic Development and Tourism
Harrison Keller, Ph.D. Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Mike Morath Commissioner, Texas Education Agency
Edward Serna Texas Workforce Commission
Cecile Erwin Young Health and Human Services Commission

Staff

Office Office Holder Phone / Fax
Executive Director Kaki Leyens (512) 936-8108
Deputy Director Raul Ortiz (512) 936-8103
Staff Services Officer Beatrice Flores (512) 936-8107
Editor Melinda Crockom (512) 936-8113
Program Specialist Fabiana Ramirez (512) 936-8111
Program Specialist Anne Dorsey (512) 936-8106
Program Specialist Charlene Hamilton (512) 936-8110

Notes

The council evaluates the Texas workforce system by analyzing data and reports, providing analysis and advice during policy deliberations, and integrating workforce programs to increase the benefits of these programs for all Texans.

* Subject to the Texas Sunset Act; will be reviewed in 2027.