Board of Directors & Staff
Board of Directors
Dr. Joe Seabrooks
Board Chair
Coming Soon
Alisa Jones
As a passionate higher education administrator, Alisa Jones has over twenty years of experience in education with roles in public school, as well as higher education. These roles assisted Alisa in understanding various areas within education, as well as enabled her to work directly with student services, community education, workforce education, recruitment, and academic affairs. However, Alisa is most passionate about workforce education and ensuring underserved populations have access to quality education leading to marketable job skills. In her current role as Senior Director of Workforce with Dallas College, Alisa is fortunate to live out her passion of truly serving the community. Prior to her role with Dallas College, Alisa worked with Tarrant County College as the Interim Vice President and Director of Continuing Education and Workforce where she developed a pre-collegiate department consisting of workforce education programs for high school students, college readiness courses for early collegiate students, STEM program for multiple school districts, a ROTC aerospace engineer certificate, and a pre-engineering summer enrichment program. Additionally, she has experience in non-credit program development and collaborating with academic areas to create academic and career pathways for all students. Alisa assumes active roles with the campus and community culture of institutions by volunteering to serve as advisor for student clubs and organizations, participating on planning committees for campus and community events, and collaborating with community partners. Additionally, Alisa is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Mesquite, and 2023 graduate of Leadership Southwest, expanding her community and professional partnerships. Alisa has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Masters Degree in Sociology, and Masters of Education in Higher Education and Counseling. Her greatest professional accomplishments have been her ability to formulate long lasting mentorships with students, being instrumental in the achievement of their educational, professional, and personal goals. Alisa is a very proud and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Board Member for the Cedar Hill Action Team (CHAT), and NAACP Tri-Cities Education Chair.
Ervin Goad
Ervin Goad is the General Manager of Walmart’s new state-of-the-art automated Grocery Distribution Center located in Lancaster, TX launching this year. He is responsible for the end-to-end operations of the facility which includes the leadership of ~500 Associates and leaders when fully ramped. Ervin has served in this role at Walmart for 2.5 years. Prior to his career at Walmart he spent almost ten years working for Target in roles of increasing responsibility in Food Supply Chain. In his last role with the company he served as the Senior Director of Operations for FSC where he supported coast to coast operations across all Target owned Food Distribution Centers. Originally born and raised in central Florida, he relocated to the DFW area in 2018 to take a role working in an automated Grocery DC in Denton, TX. Ervin is a graduate of the University of Florida where he received his Bachelor’s in Law/Criminology and his MBA. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with his Golden Retriever, Hank, and watching his Florida Gators play.
Temika Whitfield
Temika S. Whitfield, currently serving as the 2024 chair-elect of the Inland Port Area Chamber of Commerce, is a passionate and dedicated public official who has devoted her career to serving the youth and families in her community and other cities.
With a background in social work and advocacy. Temika has always been committed to helping to support and improve the lives of teens and young adults.
Ms. Whitfield has served as the director of Teens Moving Forward Mentorship for over 25 years. Teens Moving Forward is a nonprofit organization that has actively collaborated with families, countless outreach programs, foster agencies, churches, and private organizations in the support of the lives, health, and well-being of children, young adults, and elders.
Ms. Whitfield has served the City of Lancaster for 8 years as the chair of the Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Sign Board & Capital Improvement Outlay Committee.
Currently serves on the following boards, Lancaster ISD school board as an Elected School Board Trustee and the Youth Service Advisory Board for the Dallas County Juvenile Justice.
A Member of organizations such as the NAACP and Rainbow Coalition.
Ms. Whitfield's tireless efforts have led to the implementation of various initiatives aimed at addressing social issues such as homelessness, education disparities, and mental health awareness.
Ms. Whitfield’s collaborative approach and strong leadership have garnered her constituents' respect and support, making her a trusted and effective advocate for positive change.
In her free time, Temika enjoys volunteering and spending time with her family.
Josh Lamping
Josh is originally from Kentucky and graduated from the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering. Since graduation, he has made stops in Florida, California and Arizona before arriving in the great state of Texas. Professionally, he has been with Walmart for 10 years having worked in Engineering, Construction and Operations. In his free time, Josh loves playing golf, going to as many sporting events as possible, and traveling with his wife Jessica. He has served on the IPAC board since the beginning of 2024 and is excited to continue to get connected in the community.
Michaella Ramler
Michaella Ramler began her real estate investment journey after college in 2012,
partnering with her husband. Over the past decade, she has successfully executed the
development of more than 250,000 square feet, primarily in multifamily and retail spaces.
From2015 to 2021, Michaella played a pivotal role in building Proxy Properties, a full-service
development firm specializing in historic residential and commercial projects, particularly within the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.
In 2022, she founded Stewarding Space, LLC, a small development firm focusing on
local-scale commercial assets, preferably historic, in markets surrounding Dallas proper.
Currently, the firm is involved in 20,000 square feet of retail and mixed-use development between historic Downtown Denton and Downtown Lancaster, and 13,500 square feet of boutique hotel under contract in Downtown Glen Rose.
The company is also dedicated to establishing housing partnerships for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Michaella is passionate about communities where belief and vision have historically been overlooked. Recognizing real estate as one of the most essential needs for human existence, Stewarding Space is committed to contributing to the provision of
improved solutions for communities.
Michaella is recognized as a hands-on developer with a practical approach,
combining a creative eye with a solid understanding of both the mathematical and human aspects of real estate development. Her commitment to stewarding relationships with tenant partners and the broader community reflects her dedication to creating impactful and sustainable spaces.
Cassondra Andrews
Cassondra’s professional background includes more than 25 years of experience in energy marketing, administration, and management. She currently serves as Supervisor of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Contracts for Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc., where she analyses and manages all crude oil, diesel, and natural gas contracts. She was also Senior Marketing Representative for Energy Marketing for ICC Energy Corporation, a Dallas-based oil and gas company, where she managed contracts for aviation jet fuel, diesel, and natural gas. Cassondra was a Development Associate for the Dallas Division of the American Heart Association, where she was responsible for securing donors and managing fundraising events for heart research.
Cassondra graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Administration and Public Policy.
Some of her professional achievements include her ability to lead a team of energy traders who secured a $40 million/10-year energy contract with Houston-based Natural Gas Clearinghouse, increasing her client base to include business expansion throughout the U.S. and Canada. She was instrumental in organizing the first awareness campaign in the Dallas inner-city for “Black Women Fighting Heart Disease & Stroke” hosted by the American Heart Association.
Cassondra has been a professional photographer since 2006. She is passionate about portrait photography and has captured timeless images of actors, politicians, and sports figures, but her real passion lies with portraits of children and families.
Her civic and philanthropic memberships include: Inland Port Area Chamber of Commerce (Immediate Past Chair), The City of Lancaster Property Standards and Appeals Board, Neighborhood of Hope (Steering Committee Member), Leadership Southwest (Executive Committee Member), Corner Stone Credit Union (Advisory Board Member), Dallas County Democratic Party Precinct Chair (#3808), Toastmasters International
Turn of the Tide Youth Ministries, and National Association of Blacks in Energy (NAABE).
Taryn Walker
Taryn N. Walker is a longtime resident of Southern Dallas County who has always had a passion for the growth and stability of our communities. After graduating from DeSoto High School, she went on to pursue higher education and obtained a Bachelor of Science in management science, with a minor in business administration, from Tuskegee University. She then received a Doctor of
Jurisprudence from Southern University Law Center.
Ms. Walker has spent nearly ten years in her law practice advocating for individuals in unfortunate circumstances. Her unwavering commitment to justice and fairness stretches beyond the courtroom and is embedded in her daily life. She has a passion for legislation and policy-making, which is the pillar that all communities stand and support of every constituent served. This was exemplified through her work as a Legislative Assistant in the Louisiana Senate, Intern for the
Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, and service acts as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
She currently sits as the Chair of the City of Lancaster Planning and Zoning Commission and is a member of the Lancaster Historical Society Board of Directors. She has previously served as a Secretary of a Parent Teacher Organization in Lancaster ISD. It is her drive and desire to enrich the community through her continuous work as a public servant.
Mark Floyd
President and Co-founder of F&P Construction in 2013, Mark has over 15 years’ experience in various phases of program – project management, general contracting and subcontracting. Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in business management (DeVry University) with a concentration in Sustainability Management. In addition, Mark earned a master certification in Construction Management (University of Texas – Arlington). His specialized concentration in these areas has afforded Mr. Floyd a keen sense of understanding in the management of resources. With these tools, Mark and his team has helped F&P Construction grow to the current $210M in contracts under management within the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
In his early years, Mark served in the United States Navy and trained as a pharmacy technician and is a combat veteran of the first Persian Gulf War. During his enlistment, Mark developed a commitment to excellence and leadership which has continued to remain a focus beyond his retiring as a service-disabled veteran.
As a result of his accomplishments, Mark was carefully selected to Leadership North Texas (LNT) Class 10, a well-known program of the North Texas Commission, an organization of leaders tasked with identifying and solving the most critical issues within the region. In 2019, Mark was also carefully selected to the Small Business Administration, Emerging Leaders program, an elite group of C-suite individuals that assist with the stimulation of economic growth in the Texas region.
Mark’s continued commitment to leadership and excellence has afforded him the opportunity to serve, coach, mentor and lead hundreds of men in his business, speaking engagements, podcast and other stages throughout his career. His empowering leadership style has led him to answer the call as a license minister in one of the local churches in the DFW area. He is an advocate of several veterans’ groups including the Veterans Business Outreach Center (Arlington, Texas) and the DFW Minority Supplier Development Council. A Board member of the Inland Port Area Chamber of Commerce. Mark is also a member of the Regional Black Contractors Association and the Dallas Leadership Foundation, organizations focused on recidivism and giving citizens a second chance by helping them to become better and more productive members of society.
Estelle Hernandez
Estelle works at the intersection of arts, culture, and business, specializing in brand strategy and data-driven growth. She has strategized content for Fortune 500 companies and worked with organizations like the Dallas Museum of Art, SMU, Allstate, and The Justice Collective. Previously, she led programming for arts-focused corporations such as Capital One and UT Southwestern as well as marketing for Fortress Presents, the company behind Fortress Festival. She also managed art exhibits for Dallas galleries and directed creative programs at the North Texas Business Council for the Arts, launching its nationally recognized Arts & Health program in 2020. In recent years, Estelle has consulted for brands and cultural organizations while co-founding branding studio Homeschool. Her latest venture is a Japanese-inspired coffee shop and cocktail bar in Lancaster, TX. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of SMU, she holds an MBA, M.A. in Arts Administration, and studied at Bocconi University in Milan.
Kenneth Govan
Kenneth Govan serves as the Area Manager for Customer Operation for Oncor. His region includes the Cities of Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Lancaster, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Pecan Hill, Red Oak and Wilmer. In this position Kenneth works closely with elected officials as well as community, civic, business and professional organizations to build and maintain effective relationships for effective communications of industry and company initiatives which support safe, efficient and reliable electric delivery service.
In his 32-year Oncor career, Govan has spent the lion’s share in customer operations as well as public affairs/community relations functions and has served in his current role in the area since May 2003. He has served on a variety of boards and commissions in the Best Southwest.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Govan is married to Tamasha and they have four children, Andre, Kennedy, Jonathan and Alonzo. He is a member of the Jarvis Christian College Class of 91’ with a BBA degree in Accounting and a member of the Dallas Baptist University Class of 95’ with an MBA Degree in Finance. He holds Management Certificates in Advanced Value Added Marketing Strategies from Cox School of Business at SMU (2000) and Corporate Community Involvement from Boston College (2009). He is a member of Friendship West Baptist Church.
Govan has served in his current role in the Best Southwest Area since May 2003 and currently serves on a variety of Boards in the Best Southwest Region. He currently serves as the Board Chairman of the Methodist Charlton Medical Center Advisory Board and Board Chairman of the Corner Stone Credit Union in Lancaster. He was recently completed terms as Board Chair/President of the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation as well as 2012 Board Chair for the Best Southwest Partnership Regional Cooperative, 2005 and 2023 Board Chair of the Leadership Southwest organization, 2008 and 2012 Chairman of the Board for the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, as well as the 2014 and 2015 Board Chairman of the Inland Port (Lancaster) Chamber of Commerce. Kenneth’s other board memberships include the Best Southwest Chamber Partnership and Education Foundation Board(s) in Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Lancaster. Kenneth was elected the 2013 Outstanding Texan Award by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the 2007 “Volunteer of the Year” by the DeSoto Independent School District. In previous positions Kenneth worked in the Northeast Tarrant County and was featured as a “Who’s Who of NE Tarrant County” article of the Dallas Morning News
Matt Tibbetts
Matt Tibbetts is passionate about helping people win—in work, leadership, and life. A follower of Jesus, Matt believes leadership is a calling to serve others, and he brings that spirit of service and purpose into everything he does.
Matt’s journey with Express Employment Professionals began in 2014 as an Administrative Recruiter in Tyler, Texas. He went on to serve as a Training Director for Express University, developing leaders nationwide, before stepping into business ownership. In 2022, Matt and his wife, Rachel, became the proud owners of Express Employment Professionals of Ellis County, where their team placed nearly 1,000 people into jobs at more than 130 local companies last year alone.
Over the years, Matt has led and coached inside sales teams, outside sales teams, and operations teams—all while earning his MBA. He speaks with a deep passion for growing businesses, building strong teams, and igniting potential in people. Nothing fires him up more than seeing the moment when the “light comes on” for someone—and watching them launch forward with confidence and impact.
When he’s not leading his team or speaking, Matt enjoys reading, playing ultimate frisbee, and spending time with his wife and their two young sons.
Clarance Nash
Amanda Skinner
Kimberly Smith
Kenneth Govan serves as the Area Manager for Customer Operation for Oncor. His region includes the Cities of Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Lancaster, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Pecan Hill, Red Oak and Wilmer. In this position Kenneth works closely with elected officials as well as community, civic, business and professional organizations to build and maintain effective relationships for effective communications of industry and company initiatives which support safe, efficient and reliable electric delivery service.
In his 32-year Oncor career, Govan has spent the lion’s share in customer operations as well as public affairs/community relations functions and has served in his current role in the area since May 2003. He has served on a variety of boards and commissions in the Best Southwest.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Govan is married to Tamasha and they have four children, Andre, Kennedy, Jonathan and Alonzo. He is a member of the Jarvis Christian College Class of 91’ with a BBA degree in Accounting and a member of the Dallas Baptist University Class of 95’ with an MBA Degree in Finance. He holds Management Certificates in Advanced Value Added Marketing Strategies from Cox School of Business at SMU (2000) and Corporate Community Involvement from Boston College (2009). He is a member of Friendship West Baptist Church.
Govan has served in his current role in the Best Southwest Area since May 2003 and currently serves on a variety of Boards in the Best Southwest Region. He currently serves as the Board Chairman of the Methodist Charlton Medical Center Advisory Board and Board Chairman of the Corner Stone Credit Union in Lancaster. He was recently completed terms as Board Chair/President of the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation as well as 2012 Board Chair for the Best Southwest Partnership Regional Cooperative, 2005 and 2023 Board Chair of the Leadership Southwest organization, 2008 and 2012 Chairman of the Board for the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, as well as the 2014 and 2015 Board Chairman of the Inland Port (Lancaster) Chamber of Commerce. Kenneth’s other board memberships include the Best Southwest Chamber Partnership and Education Foundation Board(s) in Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Lancaster. Kenneth was elected the 2013 Outstanding Texan Award by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the 2007 “Volunteer of the Year” by the DeSoto Independent School District. In previous positions Kenneth worked in the Northeast Tarrant County and was featured as a “Who’s Who of NE Tarrant County” article of the Dallas Morning News
Doug Hunt
Roosevelt Nichols
Carey Neal, Jr.
Kenneth Govan serves as the Area Manager for Customer Operation for Oncor. His region includes the Cities of Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Lancaster, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Pecan Hill, Red Oak and Wilmer. In this position Kenneth works closely with elected officials as well as community, civic, business and professional organizations to build and maintain effective relationships for effective communications of industry and company initiatives which support safe, efficient and reliable electric delivery service.
In his 32-year Oncor career, Govan has spent the lion’s share in customer operations as well as public affairs/community relations functions and has served in his current role in the area since May 2003. He has served on a variety of boards and commissions in the Best Southwest.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Govan is married to Tamasha and they have four children, Andre, Kennedy, Jonathan and Alonzo. He is a member of the Jarvis Christian College Class of 91’ with a BBA degree in Accounting and a member of the Dallas Baptist University Class of 95’ with an MBA Degree in Finance. He holds Management Certificates in Advanced Value Added Marketing Strategies from Cox School of Business at SMU (2000) and Corporate Community Involvement from Boston College (2009). He is a member of Friendship West Baptist Church.
Govan has served in his current role in the Best Southwest Area since May 2003 and currently serves on a variety of Boards in the Best Southwest Region. He currently serves as the Board Chairman of the Methodist Charlton Medical Center Advisory Board and Board Chairman of the Corner Stone Credit Union in Lancaster. He was recently completed terms as Board Chair/President of the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation as well as 2012 Board Chair for the Best Southwest Partnership Regional Cooperative, 2005 and 2023 Board Chair of the Leadership Southwest organization, 2008 and 2012 Chairman of the Board for the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, as well as the 2014 and 2015 Board Chairman of the Inland Port (Lancaster) Chamber of Commerce. Kenneth’s other board memberships include the Best Southwest Chamber Partnership and Education Foundation Board(s) in Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Lancaster. Kenneth was elected the 2013 Outstanding Texan Award by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the 2007 “Volunteer of the Year” by the DeSoto Independent School District. In previous positions Kenneth worked in the Northeast Tarrant County and was featured as a “Who’s Who of NE Tarrant County” article of the Dallas Morning News
Benjamin Hairgrove
Katherine Lindsey
Staff
Rolanda Price
Rolanda Price began her career at Dallas College Cedar Valley in the Office of the President in November 2017. Ms. Price also serves as President for the Professional Support Staff Executive Council for Dallas College’s seven campuses and locations. In this role, she provides leadership for the largest employee work group within the College to assist with strengthening positive working relationships while fostering inclusiveness to assist with advancing the strategic priorities of the College.
Most recently, Ms. Price accepted the position of Executive Director for the Inland Port Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also a graduate of “The BEST Class” of Leadership Southwest Class of 2022 and now serves as an Executive Board Member for Leadership Southwest.
Prior to Dallas College Cedar Valley, Ms. Price served as the Senior Executive Administrative Assistant to the Office of the President at Metropolitan Community College- Penn Valley Campus in Kansas City, MO. Combined, she has over 15 years of experience working in K-12 and Higher Education.
Originally from Kansas City, MO, Ms. Price is a first-generation college graduate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology- Human Behavior from Avila University, and a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Price is also the owner and operator of a successful catering business, The SoulFull Catering Co, where she specializes in creating mouth-watering soul food creations, as well as low calorie meal preparation options for weight loss. Ms. Price is the proud mother of one, Dorian, her greatest accomplishment.