Celebrating EWTG Members
The Woman of the Year award recognizes an individual woman who has distinguished herself in our organization, her profession, and her community. The recipient of the Woman of the Year award epitomizes the values for which EWTG stands and represents the best of who we are as women and as leaders.
Nominations for 2025 Woman of the Year are closed.
2025 Woman of the Year
Coleen Hall is a visionary and servant leader whose strategic mindset, inclusive approach, and steady presence have driven meaningful change within Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG). Known for leading with clarity and kindness, she fosters collaboration, seeks input from those affected by decisions, and empowers others without micromanaging—earning trust and respect across the organization.
Coleen’s commitment to EWTG spans nearly three decades, beginning with conference participation in 1998. She joined the Board of Directors in 2022 as Communications Director, where she revitalized communication strategies, modernized the newsletter process, and expanded EWTG’s social media presence. She also chaired the Communications Committee and was awarded the inaugural Audrey Selden Scholarship to participate in Leadership Women Texas. As President-Elect (2023–2024), Coleen led strategic planning efforts, expanded Executive Success Teams from two to seven, chaired the Strategic Planning and Mentorship Committees, and guided the organization in achieving its strategic goals. She also led a comprehensive bylaws modernization effort in 2024, positioning EWTG for long-term sustainability.
Coleen currently serves as the 2025–2026 EWTG President, providing steady leadership during a pivotal period of organizational change. She consistently promotes EWTG’s mission, strengthens partnerships with city, county, state, and legislative offices, and encourages the next generation of women leaders. Her presidency is marked by integrity, equity, and a deeply supportive environment where members are empowered to grow, collaborate, and lead.
Professionally, Coleen brings nearly 28 years of public service experience with the State of Texas. Beginning her career as a temporary administrative assistant shortly after becoming a mother, she advanced through multiple agencies and roles to her current position as Director II and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Executive Commissioner for Medicaid/CHIP Services Operations at the Health and Human Services Commission. In this role, she serves as a trusted advisor and leader within a largely woman-led division while actively supporting women across HHSC in leadership development and engagement with EWTG. She plans to retire from state service in 2026. She is also an independent Mary Kay beauty consultant, supporting women in confidence-building and personal empowerment.
Coleen’s dedication to lifelong learning is reflected in her academic and professional achievements. She holds a Master of Science in Health Services & Health Promotion (Summa Cum Laude) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Mental Health First Aider (Youth and Adult), and Certified in Basic Investigations/Inspections. She is a graduate of Leadership Women Texas, Leadership Women America, and Leadership Women Encore, has completed the HHSC Aspiring Leadership Academy, coached participants in the HHSC Extraordinary Contributor’s Program, and founded EWTG’s Shooting Stars Executive Success Team to support leadership development.
Beyond her professional roles, Coleen is deeply committed to community service. She has served on the EWTG Community Service Committee for four years and volunteers regularly with Austin Pets Alive, Central Texas Food Bank, Susan G. Komen, and Partnerships for Children’s Holiday Wishes program—helping sponsor dozens of children in foster care. Certified in Mental Health First Aid, she has also volunteered in trauma-informed support and mentorship roles.
Across every space she serves, Coleen Hall leads with purpose, compassion, and vision—consistently elevating organizations and individuals alike while preparing future leaders to succeed.
Dr. Daniel Guerrero, MSLE, Ed.D.
Tanya Tarr