Chamber Expo Ignites Business Connections

Karen Walter is the Area Director of Marketing & Business Development for Allen Premium Outlets. With over 25 years of experience in retail and brand marketing, Karen is passionate about connecting businesses to the community through events, partnerships, and initiatives. Previously, she held leadership roles with The Container Store, lululemon, and Neiman Marcus.

Karen has served in a variety of leadership and advisory roles, including President of the PTSA at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas. She earned special recognition for excellence in PTA leadership for the 2022-2023 school year, by the Texas PTA.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Merchandising from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After living in Dallas for 20 years, she now resides in McKinney and enjoys pickleball, Pilates, and travel. Karen’s daughter is a junior at University of Texas-Austin, double majoring in dance and English.

Rodricka Taylor serves as the Coordinator for Superintendent and Board Services at Lovejoy Independent School District, where she supports executive leadership, board governance, policy, elections, public information, district-wide events, and community engagement. With over a decade of public-sector and legal experience, she is known for her strategic leadership, strong relationships with elected officials, and commitment to transparency and service.

A graduate of the Allen Chamber Leadership Class 35, Ms. Taylor helps facilitate the Chamber Leadership Alumni Committee and actively serves on the City of Allen Library Board. She holds degrees in Education and Political Science from Collin College and Texas Tech University and proudly calls Allen home.

Traci Markel is the Marketing Director for Watters Creek Village in Allen. With over 20 years of experience in retail marketing and community leadership, she connects local businesses with their community through events, promotions, and partnerships. Previously, she was the Marketing Director for Silver Sands Factory Stores, Citadel Outlets, Town & Country Village, and The Pruneyard Shopping Center.

Ms. Markel has served in numerous leadership, advisory, and volunteer opportunities with Chambers of Commerce in Florida and California, young professionals, fine arts organizations, mentorship programs, and countless hours volunteering for events and fundraisers. She performed, competed, and taught High School Colorguard for 21 years in Oklahoma and Florida.

Traci holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of Leadership Walton and Leadership Allen Fairview. She, her husband Matt, and their pets have been part of the Allen community for three years, enjoying local activities, travel, and wine tasting.

Scott Bolton is the Community Engagement Officer for Credit Union of Texas. In his role, he fosters relationships with the City, ISD, businesses and community organizations and identifies opportunities to collaborate and partner to make a difference in our community.

Scott’s career path has included business development work in the sports industry with teams and venues, including the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars and Texas Motor Speedway, and has found his calling in our community.

Lynn Whitcher is General Counsel of MD7, a digital infrastructure consultancy helping operators build a more connected world through mobile and satellite telecoms, and electric vehicle charging. She has been with the company since 2013 and helped spearhead the company’s U.S. headquarters relocation to Allen, Texas in 2021.

Prior to MD7, she practiced as both a complex commercial litigator and real estate transactional attorney at the international law firm, McGuireWoods, LLP.

Amanda Thrash, FACHE, has served as president of Texas Health Allen since July 3, 2022 and has primary oversight of daily operations and responsibility for the 88-bed hospital’s annual operating plan.

Thrash previously served as vice president, professional and support services, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. Her tenure with Texas Health extends much further, though. She started at Texas Health Dallas as an administrative resident in 2009, moving to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano in 2010. She became administrator of Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Prosper in 2016, serving in that role for two years.

Over the span of Amanda’s career, she has focused heavily on market strategy, physician relationships and streamlining hospital operations. Most recently, Amanda has been successful in growing EMS traffic, improving perioperative efficiencies and growing the cardiovascular and robotic service lines.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband of seven years, Bucky, and their 3-year-old son, Beau. They love cheering on the TCU Horned Frogs during football season and entertaining friends in their home.

Traci Markel is the Marketing Director for Watters Creek Village in Allen. With over 20 years of experience in retail marketing and community leadership, she connects local businesses with their community through events, promotions, and partnerships. Previously, she was the Marketing Director for Silver Sands Factory Stores, Citadel Outlets, Town & Country Village, and The Pruneyard Shopping Center.

Ms. Markel has served in numerous leadership, advisory, and volunteer opportunities with Chambers of Commerce in Florida and California, young professionals, fine arts organizations, mentorship programs, and countless hours volunteering for events and fundraisers. She performed, competed, and taught High School Colorguard for 21 years in Oklahoma and Florida.
Traci holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of Leadership Walton and Leadership Allen Fairview. She, her husband Matt, and their pets have been part of the Allen
community for three years, enjoying local activities, travel, and wine tasting.

A proud Texan and longtime Allen resident, Catherine moved to the city in 1988 and has watched it grow from a small town to a vibrant community over the past 37 years. She earned her undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and her MBA from Texas Woman’s University, blending her passion for learning with a deep love for her home state.

Married for 30 years and the mom of twin sons born on Christmas, Catherine brings the same dedication to her family as she does to her work.

As the CEO of RoofHero, Catherine brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. With 12+ years in construction and a 20-year career in IT Senior Leadership, she has revolutionized the residential roofing industry by merging technology with craftsmanship.

From software to shingles, Catherine is passionate about innovation and service. She takes pride in helping her Allen neighbors protect their homes with cutting-edge solutions, delivering quality and care with every project.

As Vice President of Clinical Programs for the Northern Market at Children’s Health Plano, Sharita Butler embodies innovation and growth. Her day-to-day work enhances life for team members, patients, and the North Texas community. With a lifelong passion for community health, after earning her master’s in healthcare administration and spending years in a hospital setting, Sharita’s role now combines her clinical experience with the community’s needs by focusing on growth of key clinical programs and services. Sharita and her husband of 15 years, Andrew, are proud parents of three children and have called Allen, TX their home since 2010.

Jackie Dodd is the founding attorney of Dodd Law Offices, PLLC. A graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law, Jackie began her legal career in 2001 with the Dallas District Attorney’s office where she spent the majority of her time in the area of juvenile law. After leaving the DA’s office, she expanded her career in juvenile law, family law, special education law, represented parents and children in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cases and criminal law. In 2008 she obtained her Board Certification in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Jackie’s family lives in Allen and they are actively involved in the community. The family attending high school football games, is involved with their church and support Allen Special Olympics Delegation and Special Olympics Texas. Jackie is an active member of the Leadership Allen Fairview Class XXX and the Allen Chamber of Commerce.

LaSonjia ‘LJ’ Jack is one of the majority owners of the Allen Americans Professional Hockey team, which is a venture she shares with her son, NFL player, Myles Jack. She is also the mother of college basketball player, Jahlen.

As a businesswoman she has earned her the position for 10 years as the Assistant Vice President of Retail Operations at Cox where she’s helped propel the company forward. Prior companies include Microsoft, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Her focus is on community partnerships.

LJ is also an author, with her new book- The Way Up – The LJ Way! is LJ’s debut literary project.

As Director or Business Retention and Workforce Development, Jan Jungmann promotes the Allen EDC’s mantra, “A Great Place to Live, Work & Play” by building relationships with current and future businesses. Jan’s background is in education, nonprofit and community engagement. She loves to make connections and serve the community by volunteering.

Jan is a 5th generation Texan and moved to Allen in 2004 to accept a teaching position at Lovejoy ISD. She was born in Dallas, grew up in Rockwall and even lived in Hong Kong as a child.

She earned her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Abilene Christian University and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

Jan is a graduate of Leadership Allen Fairview class 32, current board member for the Foundation for Allen Schools, Advisory Group member for Texas Health Resources Allen and a board member for Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas.

Reuben works for CapturePoint where he is in HR/Treasury. CapturePoint is an Allen based company providing carbon capture, transport, and permanent sequestration solutions. Reuben a native of New Orleans, La has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO.

Reuben has two grown daughters, Sarah and Hannah.

I am currently the Executive Director of Christian Care Communities and Services -Allen. We are a Life Plan community serving approximately one hundred senior adults with the best teammates around. I have been in the position since May 2023, after also serving at Christian Care for 18 years. Past roles with Christian Care: as Executive Director for our Fort Worth and Mesquite Community as well as serving as Mission Development Director. I have been a member of the Mesquite, Garland, Sunnyvale, and East Fort Worth Chambers before the Allen-Fairview Chamber, and most recently served on the Sunnyvale Chamber Board for 5 years.

Personally, I have been married for 38 years to Beverly, a retired School Teacher with Mesquite ISD. I have served as a Deacon at my church, Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland. I have two grown kids, who live in Little Elm, TX and Hot Springs, AR with their spouses and two children. The greatest privilege is to be a Christian and to be called “BUD” by four healthy and beautiful grandchildren.

Jeff Rigsby was born and raised in North Texas. He has been with Andrews Distributing for 29 years and is now the Regional Vice President of Sales at their Allen location. He has been married to Denise Rigsby for 30 years enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and golfing with his three boys.

As a Global HR Manager, I partner with organizational leaders to design and execute HR strategies that align with business objectives. My expertise spans employee relations, engagement, talent management, and organizational development.

I joined NETSCOUT in 2015 through an acquisition. My career began with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, followed by a role as a trainee at GE Power Controls. After relocating to the United States, I completed the HRIR program at the Carlson School of Management and participated in Danaher’s HR leadership program. At Danaher, I held various HR roles across divisions such as Motion Control Solutions, Sensors and Controls, Jacobs Vehicle Systems, and Tektronix Communication. My experience includes talent acquisition, talent management, employee engagement, and union negotiations. Additionally, I owned and operated a small business in Murphy, TX, for four years.

Throughout my career, I’ve demonstrated a strong growth mindset, business acumen, and adaptability, driving meaningful results. I am committed to continuous learning and exploring new ways to contribute value to the business.

Stephen Terrell served as Mayor of Allen from 1997-2020 and helped Allen grow from a small town of 34,000 to a vibrant city of nearly 100,000. In addition to leading the Allen City Council, Mayor Terrell represented Allen’s interests through involvement in the North Central Texas Council of Governments, North Texas Commission, Regional Transportation Council and Dallas Regional Mobility Committee.

His interest in city government stemmed from his experience as a small business owner. He believed Allen needed to enhance its economic base to help alleviate the tax burden on homeowners. During his tenure, Allen welcomed numerous major retail and employment centers, helping to create a more diverse and sustainable tax base. He understood the importance of customer service and strived to provide a timely response to questions and concerns.

Steve and his wife, Sally, are co-owners of Terrell’s Dry Cleaning. They have a son, daughter and two grandchildren.

Sheri Wilson is the owner of The Kaufman Agency. She partners with her son to help people understand their options when either transitioning to Medicare or need help with changes to their Medicare health plans. Her background in insurance and financial services play a key role in positioning her as a business owner and a published author. Sheri’s experience as a financial planner has trained her to guide clients to the best decisions for them by focusing on putting client needs first. Sheri is a graduate of Leadership Allen Fairview Class 34.

Sheri is most proud of her family. She has 4 adult children, 2 precious grandchildren, and 1 grandpup.

Donna Wood is a Relationship Development Manager for CoServ Electric and Gas. She has been with CoServ for over 9 years and serves as a liaison between city, community leadership, and Key Accounts and CoServ. Donna is responsible for cultivating relationships with developers and political affiliations.

Donna lives in Corinth with her husband, Noel, of 27 years and their dog Maui. They have 2 daughters, Madison and Camryn, that both attend UNT full time. She is on several boards and committees within her territory and enjoys making new friends.

Rebecca joined the City Manager’s Office in 2013 and later served as Organizational Development and Employee Engagement Administrator. In these roles she launched numerous new initiatives, including Live. Love. Allen., a program which connects Allen homeowners unable to remedy property code violations with local volunteer groups. She has also spearheaded employee engagement programs, co-developed a new framework for annual employee evaluations, launched a citywide learning management system and helped coordinate a successful general obligation bond election in 2016. She was named to her current position in September 2019 and helps with the day-to-day management of City staff and operations.

Vice holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas – Arlington. She and her husband, Ryan, have two children, Alexandra and Henry.

Dave Quinn, CEcD is a seasoned Certified Economic Development Professional, member of DayOne Experts and founder of The Solutionist: An Economic Development Mastermind. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1997.

Dave served as Vice President of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation in Frisco, TX from 2014-2018 where he helped lead a team of highly-skilled economic developers in one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, delivering 58 projects totaling 21 million square feet of potential development, 43,000 potential jobs and capital investment of over $3 Billion since 2015.

Vince Hernandez has 23 years of experience as a teacher and coach and currently serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for the Allen Independent School District. In this role, he is dedicated to supporting CTE students by providing practical opportunities that align with their career interests. Vince collaborates with various business and industry partners to help close the skills gap, ensuring students succeed in a rapidly changing job market. He lives in McKinney with his wife, Jenifer, and their two daughters, Sadi and Karsyn.

Ms. Taylor serves as the Coordinator for the Superintendent and Board Services at Lovejoy Independent School District in Allen, Texas. A dedicated leader for the past five years, she works closely with the Superintendent, Executive Cabinet, and Board of Trustees to oversee critical district functions, including the Superintendent’s Office, elections, open records, policy, records management, district events, and community and stakeholder engagement.

A proud graduate of the Allen Fairview Chamber Leadership Class 35, Ms. Taylor now co-leads the Allen Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni Committee with four fellow community leaders, strengthening civic engagement and building lasting connections across Allen.

Deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging, Rodricka actively contributes to making Allen a vibrant, connected community. She earned her degree in Education from Collin College in 2018 and a degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University in 2021. Rodricka proudly calls Allen home.

Dr. Brenden Mesch serves as Provost at Collin College, supporting the Technical Campus in Allen. He has a passion for supporting students in pursuing their future career goals. More than 25 years ago, he started teaching at Collin College as an adjunct faculty member. It was in this first role with Collin that he caught the teaching bug that expanded over the years to roles in administration. He has been a passionate advocate of workforce education during his career in higher education. His research focuses on how industry employment while attending college reinforces career goals and enhances career persistence has been integrated into many educational initiatives over the years.

He is an Austin College graduate with additional degrees from Argosy University, The Culinary Institute of America, and The University of North Texas. He has made Collin County home for most of his life living in Allen, Plano, and Frisco over the years.

Kyle Jacobson became CEO of the Allen Chamber of Commerce in September 2024. He began his Chamber career at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce before moving to the Fort Worth Chamber, where he served as Vice President of Government Relations & Business Intelligence. Kyle is a graduate of Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. He and his wife Sabine are proud parents of a young daughter and son. Kyle currently serves on the Texas State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) and as a member of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM) Midwest Board of Regents.

Saundra has served as the Director of Membership for the Allen Fairview Chamber since 2016. Before coming to the Chamber, Saundra worked as a Quality Assurance Analyst for Prudential Financial for 14 years. She is married, has three daughters and eight grandchildren. Born in San Angelo and raised in the West Texas area, Saundra has lived in Allen since 2005. Saundra enjoys being involved in the community and volunteers her time serving on the City of Allen Boards and Commissions and on the Board for the Allen Citizens Fire Academy.

Born and raised in Dallas, Karen has lived in Allen for 24 years and has worked for Chamber as the Finance Director for little over 11 years. She is married and has one daughter who is an 9th grader in Allen ISD. Karen also volunteers her time by serving on the Parks & Recreation Board for City of Allen.

Tracy has called Allen home since she and her family relocated here in 2019. During that time, she owned and operated Tutor Doctor Allen, a local small business serving families in the community. Prior to that, she spent over 20 years in marketing and advertising roles at AT&T. Tracy is married with two boys in Allen ISD – one in high school and the other in middle school. She’s a proud graduate of Leadership Allen Fairview Class XXXII (best class ever)! Tracy also serves as VP – Marketing & Events for the Foundation for Allen Schools.

Margaret brings over 20 years of experience in operations and administrative leadership. Before coming to the Chamber, she managed Precision Ceramics Dental Laboratory and later served as Office Administrator and HR Director for a multi-unit restaurant franchise. Born and raised in Garland, Margaret currently serves on the City Council and is President of the Garland Parks Foundation. She is passionate about public service, economic development, and supporting local business growth. Margaret lives in Garland with her husband and enjoys being active in civic life and local volunteer efforts.

Tonya Walker is a Top Producing Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors, assisting clients all around the world.

Tonya is devoted to providing extraordinary real estate services every day so that you and your families can pursue your dreams and reach your goals. Her focus on professionalism and client satisfaction is reflected through client testimony, repeat business and referrals. Last year she and her colleagues sold over $4.2 Billion in home sales. Prior to a successful career in real estate, Tonya held positions for over 19 years as a top trial litigation paralegal and trial team coordinator.