Governor Abbott Appoints Eight To State Employee Charitable Campaign Advisory Committee
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Eleesha Blackwell, Norma Castilla-Blackwell, David Chapman, Linda Fernandez, Vanessa Nip, Renee Tuggle, Michael Wilson and Elaine Zavala to the State Employee Charitable Advisory Policy Committee for terms set to expire January 1, 2018. The committee advises the comptroller and the state policy committee in adopting rules and establishing procedures for the operation and management of the state employee charitable campaign to the state policy committee.
Eleesha Blackwell of College Station is the director of resource development for the United Way of the Brazos Valley. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, American Association of Museums, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and a trustee of the Burke Family Historical Cemetery. Blackwell received a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Arts in museum studies from the George Washington University, and a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit management from the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Norma Castilla-Blackwell of Canyon Lake is the executive director of CASA of Central Texas, Inc. She is a member of the New Braunfels Rotary Club, Christus Santa Rosa Advisory Board, Canine Classmates, Comal County Citizen’s Sheriff’s Alumni Association and National CASA Suburban Committee and a board member of Canyon Lake Animal Shelter. Castilla-Blackwell received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M International University.
David Chapman of Midland is the Scout Executive and CEO for the Buffalo Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member and past board member of the Odessa Rotary Club, member of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow and has served on a number of Non Profit Executive Boards, Chapman received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education from Texas A&M University - Commerce.
Linda Fernandez of Austin is a division director with the Texas Comptroller’s Office and coordinator for the Texas Match the Promise Foundation. She is a member of the College Savings Plan Network and former member of the Texas State Agency Business Administrators Association and Executive Professional Women. Additionally, she is a former board member of the American Diabetes Foundation Austin Chapter, former vice chair of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Austin Chapter and former president of the Murchison Middle School Parent Teacher Association. Fernandez attended The University of Texas at Austin.
Vanessa Nip of Austin is the membership coordinator for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Nip received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art and a Bachelor of Science in advertising from The University of Texas at Austin.
Renee Tuggle of Austin is the Adopt-A-Beach Coordinator for the Texas General Land Office. She is currently volunteering her time as wellness coordinator for the Land Office and has held many volunteer roles including team leader for river cleanups at Keep Austin Beautiful and work at the Austin Food Bank. Tuggle received a Bachelor of Arts in retail merchandising and business administration from Sam Houston State University.
Michael Wilson of Austin is the chief operations officer for Meals On Wheels of Central Texas. Wilson received a Bachelor of Arts in English literary criticism, a Master of Arts in cultural geography and sociology, and Doctorate of Philosophy in gerontology from the University of Florida.
Elaine Zavala of Buda is communications coordinator for the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance with the Texas Veterans Commission. She is the vice president for the American Society of Public Administration and member of the Young Catholic Professionals, Texas State University Advisory Council, Texas Exes Alumni Association and the Texas State Alumni Association. Zavala received a Bachelor of Science in advertising from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University.