Board of Directors
Meet the 2026 Board of Directors
The EWTG Board of Directors consists of the President, President-Elect, Conference Director, Finance Director, Operations Director, Affiliates Director, Communications Director, Membership Director, Engagement Director, Professional Development Director, and Education Director. Board members serve without compensation.
The President-Elect will serve a two-year term and will then succeed to the office of President for an additional two-year term. The Finance Director and Operations Director positions are two-year terms. All other positions are one-year terms.
Directors begin their regular term on January 1 and conclude it on December 31 of the same calendar year, unless otherwise specified for multi-year roles.
President - Coleen Hall
Retired - Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Coleen Hall (formerly McCarthy) retired from the state of Texas in 2025, after almost 28 years of service. She has worked for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Although she is not sure what her next (career) adventure is yet, it will be something that makes her happy and doesn't feel like "work."
Coleen is passionate about serving and helping others and enjoys volunteering at various places. She currently serves as the 2025-2026 President on the EWTG Board and previously served as the 2023-2024 EWTG President Elect and the 2022 EWTG Communications Director. In 2025, she was honored to receive the prestigious EWTG Woman of the Year award. Coleen is also a member of Leadership Women (LW) and graduated from the LW America Class of 2023 and the LW Texas Class of 2022. She also participated in the LW Encore program in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2022. She is also an active member of the EWTG-LW Executive Success Team.
Coleen began volunteering with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) in 2025. As an adopter of a “special needs” dog from APA, she wanted to give back and chose to volunteer with the dog-foster adopt team. This team handles the entire adoption process for foster dogs to help get them adopted. She also enjoys volunteering at the APA! Thrift stores by sorting, staging, and organizing donations (and looking for the best deals). All net proceeds from the stores directly support innovative life-saving operations.
Coleen holds a Master of Science in health services/health promotion and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology/sociology. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Mental Health First Aider for adults and youth, and Certified in Basic Investigations/Inspections.
Coleen has worked her Mary Kay business going on 10 years. She holds a special place in her heart for mother-daughter consultations and loves connecting with amazing women. Coleen is the proud mom of an adult son. She enjoys reading, writing, binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
President-Elect
Terri Peirce
Texas Department of Information Resources
Terri Peirce is the Audit Manager for the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). She is responsible for assessing agency risks, preparation of audit plans, serves as liaison for external auditors and is the project manager for audits performed by external audit firms. She has earned the designation of Certified Internal Auditor from the Institute of Internal Auditors and is a Certified Texas Contract Developer and Certified Texas Contract Manager. Prior to joining DIR, Terri worked at the Office of Court Administration, serving the Timothy Cole Exoneration Commission, and has worked in state government since 2007. Terri first joined EWTG in 2010. During her time in EWTG, she has held the positions of Secretary/Treasurer and Financial Officer and has actively served on the Membership Committee, Program Committee, chaired the Silent Auction Committee, and has been a member of Executive Success Teams. Terri graduated with honors from St. Edwards University, where she earned a degree in Business Administration.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Conference Director - Alida Bennett
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Alida Bennett is a Project Manager for the Civil Rights Office of the Health and Human Services Commission. She leads initiatives in data management compliance and organizational efficiency.
In addition to serving as the 2025 EWTG Conference Director, she serves on the board of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, Austin chapter, and is a member of the Project Management Institute, Austin chapter. Reflecting on her commitment to networking and professional growth, she is also a member of multiple EWTG ESTs i.e., the Project Management EST, Shooting Stars EST, Brunch Bunch EST, and Pizza of My Heart EST.
This year Alida will celebrate 30 years of marriage. She has three children a son-in-law, 2 grandchildren, and a third grandchild on the way.
In her free time, she enjoys volunteering in Pflugerville and traveling abroad. She has a passion for organizing group travel experiences and a love for bringing people together through travel.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Finance Director - Jennifer Moussa
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Jennifer Moussa is the Director of Accounts Payable in the CFO department with Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). In this role, she has four direct staff and forty indirect staff that report to her. Her team processes all payments for HHSC state office. Before that, she was a Manager at the Department of Aging and Disability Services. She began her career in state government in 1996 working at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
She has been an active member of EWTG since 2009 and has served as the Evaluation Conference Committee Chair in 2009, Board Treasurer in 2010, Board Finance Officer in 2011, the Resolutions Conference Committee Chair and Registration Committee member in 2012, Board Vice President/Conference Chair in 2013, Facility Conference Committee Chair in 2014, Board President Elect in 2015, Board President in 2016 and Public Relations Director in 2024. She has also been serving on the Membership Committee these past three years to continue supporting EWTG wherever she can.
Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from St. Edward’s University and is a graduate of Leadership Texas Class of 2018.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Operations Director - Tricia Schulze
Texas Department of Insurance
Tricia Schulze is a contract and procurement specialist with over 25 years of service in Texas government. She has been with the Texas Department of Insurance since April 2018 and currently serves as Procurement Director. In this role Tricia is responsible for purchasing and contract administration activities for the agency. Previous contract management roles include those at Health and Human Services Commission Office of Eligibility, Medicaid/CHIP, and the Office of Inspector General.
Tricia holds dual certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer and Certified Texas Contract Manager. She is well known within the procurement and contracts arena in Texas government and as a mentor to those up and coming in the procurement profession.
Tricia is married and mom to a teenage boy. She has one cat, and enjoys fishing, watching scary movies, and reading psychological thrillers.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Affiliates Director - Crystal Zhang
Texas Department of Transportation
Crystal leads at the intersection of technology, people and business strategy to pave paths “from zero to well-established” for optimal government service to Texans. Her career spans energy, high-tech, and transportation industries in both private and public sectors.
At Texas Department of Transportation, Crystal optimizes operational efficiency in the PEPS division by leveraging Business Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence tools, contributing to solution design, development, change management support, governance, and compliance. She stays closely attuned to the pulse of AI technology—tracking trends, policy developments, and business use cases.
Crystal honed deep knowledge of Texas’s diverse geography, economy, and consumer demands on energy and transportation through roles at TxDOT’s Fleet Operations Division (2014-2019) and Texas Electric Cooperatives (2010-2012), serving more than 70 electric co-ops and over 2 million members.
Crystal initiated innovation as a Business Process Improvement (BPI) Green Belt on Dell’s Global Supply Chain team, applying analytical problem-solving and process re-engineering methodologies to enhance operational performance. She successfully managed over 20 technical projects during Apple’s 1-million-square-foot Americas Operations Center expansion, ensuring a seamless transition for more than 3,400 employees and maintaining business continuity with zero operational downtime.
Crystal holds Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas in Austin. She is a grateful graduate of TxDOT’s Leadership Enrichment and Development Program and the Leadership Women Pipeline Program. She has co-chaired Asian ERG and currently serves as an Affiliates Director on the Board of Executive Women in Texas Government. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys traveling, swimming, reading and binge-watching.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Communications Director - Karren Rotan
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Karren Rotan is the Release Training Lead for the Office of Learning and Professional Development (OLPD), at Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). Her team focuses on training Access and Eligibility Services (AES) -Eligibility Operations (EO) staff technical and policy changes. She began her career in state government in 2019. Prior to working for HHSC, she taught in both public and private schools for grades 4-12, primarily in Language Arts.
Karren holds an Associate’s Degree from Ranger College, a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Lutheran University, and a Master of Education in English Language Development and eLearning Technology. She holds several certifications, including Master Instructions Designer and Video Training Designer from the Association for Talent Development, and Certified Scrum Product Owner and Certified Scrum Master from Agile Alliance.
In her spare time, Karren enjoys playing with her grandson, baking, and cake decorating.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Membership Director - Lucie Prieto
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Lucie Prieto brings more than two decades of distinguished state service to her role as the 2026 EWTG Membership Director, including 12 impactful years with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). She currently serves as the Background & Fraud Supervisor at TxDMV, where she established the unit in 2022 from the ground up, demonstrating her visionary leadership and commitment. Lucie oversees a diverse team of Fingerprint Specialists, Quality Assurance Specialists, Background Analysts, and the newly created Research Coordinator position. Her team plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the motor vehicle industry by reviewing criminal history, disciplinary records, affiliations, and fraud indicators for license applicants.
Since joining EWTG in 2024, Lucie has immersed herself in the organization’s mission, serving on both the Engagement and Professional Development Committees. She’s also been an enthusiastic participant in several EWTG Executive Success Teams (ESTs), including Pizza My Heart, Speak, Brunch Bunch, and Networking on New Horizons, where she fosters connection, growth, and community.
Lucie is a 2025 recipient of an EWTG scholarship, which supported her participation in the Management Development Program at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. She brings the insights and tools gained from that experience to her leadership at TxDMV and to her new role on the EWTG Board, where she looks forward to welcoming and empowering members across the state.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Engagement Director - Monica Dirba
Texas Department of Information Resources
Monica Dirba is a Shared Technology Services (STS) Portfolio Program Manager for the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). She is responsible for working with Service Component Providers (Deloitte, Atos, SAIC, Rackspace, AT&T, and Xerox) to ensure solutions and projects are progressing orderly and teams are providing optimum service to our STS customers. Monica assists with complex, high visibility projects using her Project Management and Scrum Master certifications. Prior to joining DIR in 2021, she worked at IBM, General Motors, Atos, CTG, and HHSC as primarily a project and portfolio manager. Monica first joined EWTG in 2022. During her time in EWTG, she has served on the Engagement Committee, participated in the Project Management EST and helped with the Backpack drive. Monica graduated with honors from Texas A&M University where she earned a BS degree in Applied Mathematics. She also obtained an MS degree in Computer Engineering from UH/Clear Lake and a master’s certificate in Project Management from George Washington University.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Professional Development Director - Sarah Melecki
Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Sarah Melecki serves as the Director of System Integration, Behavioral Health Services, at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Her team focuses on integrating mental health care, substance use care, and primary care. Previous positions at HHSC include Director of Integrated Strategy in Behavioral Health Services, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Associate Commissioner for Texas Medicaid/CHIP Policy and Program, and Behavioral Health Policy Specialist with Texas Medicaid/CHIP. She has also worked as a Senior Analyst at the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, a congressional commission in Washington, DC. Early in her career, Sarah served as the District Director to a Texas State Representative and on the health policy team for the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a Master of Public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs. Sarah is a baseball fan, chocolate enthusiast, and pug mom.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
Education Director - Jessica Hyde
Texas Department of State Health Services
Jessica Hyde is the Director of Public Health Partnership Advancement at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). She and her team are responsible for finding affinities between DSHS programs and external partners – both traditional and non-traditional – to improve public health practice, research, and policy through collaboration and cross-sector engagement. Jessica is a Certified Health Education Specialist, a Certified Texas Contract Manager, and is certified in Mental Health First Aid for adults and youth. She holds a Master of Science in Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from the University of Texas at Tyler, with a focus on community health. As a sixth generation Texan, Jessica has a passion for making Texas a healthy place to live for generations to come.
Jessica has more than 12 years of state service under her belt, most of which were spent at DSHS. She has held several roles with progressive responsibility within the agency that provided her with practical experience in leadership and management, multi-million-dollar grant coordination, and public health program design and implementation. Outside of work, Jessica is a proud mom to an 11-year-old budding aerospace engineer. In the spare time left between these responsibilities, she is a hobbyist photographer with a love for natural landscapes, nighttime cityscapes, and light painting.
Contact: communications@ewtg.org
President
- Provides leadership for the Board of Directors and organization.
- Conducts member and board meetings.
- Appoints chairs of all standing committees, except the Finance Committee, which is chaired by the Finance Director. Serves as an ex-officio member of all committees.
- Identifies and schedules conference keynote speakers and coordinates the purchase/wrapping of keynote speaker gifts with Conference Director and management company Event Director.
- Orients and trains the President-Elect to assume the Presidency in the next term.
- Represents EWTG to other organizations.
- Writes monthly newsletter articles and completes the EWTG Annual Report.
- Note: this position is assumed by the President-Elect with member affirmation.
President-Elect
- Trains to assume the Presidency in the next term.
- Revises and monitors the Strategic Plan.
- Chairs the Strategic Planning committee and any other special committees. Assists with other projects as needed.
- Serves on the Finance, Conference, and Nominating Committees.
- Performs the duties of the President whenever the President is unable to do so.
- Coordinates with management company to handle public relations and provides final review/approval of public-facing materials.
- Writes newsletter articles and assists President with EWTG Annual Report.
Conference Director
- Provides leadership for the EWTG Annual Professional Development Conference by chairing the Conference Committee.
- Appoints Conference Committee Chairs and coordinates the progress of the committees.
- Monitors all aspects of conference planning and implementation and reports actions to the Board.
- Works with the management company Event Director to hold monthly Conference Committee meetings, develop agendas, and record minutes.
- Provides and monitors progress of the Annual Conference Master Checklist that outlines Conference Committee responsibilities.
- Contacts judge’s office to schedule the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming board.
- Writes or assigns conference articles for the newsletter and website.
- Administers Woman of the Year award by soliciting nominations, selecting judges, coordinating the purchase/wrapping of the award, coordinating award presentation, writing newsletter articles, and thanking judges.
Finance Director
- Oversees all financial aspects of EWTG.
- Works with the management company to process all payments and reimbursements.
- Prepares the internal monthly reports for Board of Directors and the annual budget.
- Chairs the Finance Committee and makes recommendations.
- Monitors financial investments performance and schedules a review of the investment policy in even numbered years.
- Maintains financial policy documents and procedures, updating and revising them as necessary.
- Works with the management company to prepare for and review the yearly audit or review and tax filing.
- Works with the management company to reconcile financial activity, review and approve monthly financial reports, and provide information to third party CPA.
Operations Director
- Acts as liaison to management company and provides contract oversight/project management assistance.
- Coordinates with Board of Directors to manage updates to policies and procedures.
- Assists Board of Directors with transition activities between terms.
- Handles secretarial duties not handled by management company.
- Acts as Parliamentarian during member and board meetings as needed.
Affiliates Director
- Responsible for coordinating affiliate development and increased membership throughout Texas.
- Responds to Affiliate officer requests, reports Affiliate activities to the Board and maintains frequent communications with existing and prospective affiliates.
- Assists Affiliate officers in developing and implementing governance, programs, and services.
- Visits each Affiliate annually.
- Prepares annual affiliate reimbursement requests.
- Maintains and updates affiliate handbook as necessary.
- Writes newsletter articles.
Communications Director
- Provides oversight of the monthly newsletter and website content.
- Oversees newsletter article selection, story writing, editing, design and layout.
- Submits copy to the management company and coordinates proofing the draft.
- Distributes annual newsletter deadline and article schedule.
- Provides oversight and updates to EWTG social media outlets (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- Selects website areas to be upgraded and/or redesigned.
- Coordinates website maintenance with the Board of Directors and management company.
Membership Director
- Responsible for member recruitment, retention, involvement and interaction.
- Incorporates committee input to develop and implement an annual plan to recruit new members. Welcomes new members and encourages member involvement.
- Coordinates with Engagement Director to ascertain member needs through surveys, determines and implements methods to retain members, and contacts members to encourage renewal.
- Writes newsletter articles.
- Staffs booth at the annual EWTG Conference for membership.
Engagement Director
- Responsible for new member orientation, retiree engagement, and one-on-one member engagement activities.
- Assists existing members in navigating the organization to become more involved and active.
- Coordinates with Membership Director to ascertain member needs and interests.
- Works with the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee to help members connect with the appropriate committees of interest to them.
- Writes newsletter articles.
Professional Development Director
- Responsible for managing the mentoring programs and other mentorship opportunities.
- Oversees the Executive Success Teams including soliciting leads and participants, tracking activities and number of teams, and planning an annual kickoff event.
- Creates one-on-one mentoring program, matches mentees with mentors, and supports matches.
- Develops peer mentoring opportunities on topics of interest to the membership (ex: professional certification resources, communication styles, building teams, etc.).
- Writes newsletter articles.
Education Director
- Works with Management Company to schedule virtual and in-person educational events and activities.
- Selects and schedules program topics and speakers.
- Coordinates all correspondence with speakers before and after each event, writes newsletter articles announcing the speakers for the next event, and recaps the most recent event.
- Introduces or assigns speaker introduction at each event.
- Coordinates with the management company on the event logistics and thank-you gifts for speakers.
Updated: September 2024
The President provides leadership for the Board of Directors and organization.
| 2026 - Coleen McCarthy | ||
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| 2025 - Coleen McCarthy | ||
| 2024 - Theresa McShan | ||
The EWTG Board holds its monthly meetings virtually on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Board meeting agenda and a summary of the Board meeting minutes will be posted to the EWTG Web site after the board approves them the following month.
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| 2023 | ||
Listed below are the ladies that have served EWTG as President:
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