Welcome New Texas CASA Board Members
Our Board of Directors play an important role in governance, financial stewardship and ensuring that Texas CASA has the resources to fulfill our work and mission of supporting local CASA volunteer advocacy programs and advocating for effective public policy for children and families in the child protection system.
Meet our new board members below!
Malenda Cree, Regional Representative
Malenda Cree has been with CASA of Northeast Texas in Texarkana, for twenty years. She has served in the role of Executive Director since 2021. Malenda strongly believes in empowering the organization’s team of staff and volunteers by working to coach them to successful through training and support. Malenda and her husband, Shawn reside in Texarkana, Arkansas. They are now empty nesters, who enjoy hiking, kayaking, traveling, and spoiling their fur babies, Ryleigh and Cooper.
Jorge Gonzalez
Jorge Gonzalez is from Texas, and is the STAR Health/Foster Care Executive Director and a social worker by trade. He has worked for Superior HealthPlan for over 20 years and the STAR Health program since its inception in 2008. During his 16 years with the STAR Health program, he has helped to create programs to better serve children in conservatorship and youth aging out of care. As the Executive Director, Jorge serves as the Chief Liaison for HHSC, DFPS, SSCC, and other community stakeholders. He is proud to say that he has spent his career advocating and creating change to build a better future for children and youth in Texas.
Patty Pisklak, Regional Representative
Patty Pisklak grew up in Midland, TX and graduated from Midland High School in 1993. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 1997. After graduation, she became a social worker for Child Protective Services in Bryan and Midland, Texas. After 5 years of service to the State of Texas, she became the Development Director for CASA of West Texas and learned the art of grant writing and fundraising; she served in this role at CASA for 2 years. In 2011, Patty rejoined the CASA of West Texas family as Executive Director, and is her current role. Patty and her husband Joe have been married for 27 years and have three beautiful daughters.
Jennifer Rodriguez, Regional Representative
Jennifer Rodriguez currently serves as the Executive Director of Brush Country CASA where she has over 15 years of experience working with children and youth within her community. Born and raised in Kingsville, Texas, Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M University – Kingsville with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and a Master of Science in Sociology. She has served in various community organizations over the years as both a member and leader, and has a passion for serving children and families.
Jeoff Williams
Jeoff Williams, Chief Revenue Officer at Verfico Technology, is a distinguished public servant with a profound career. His nearly three decades at the Texas Department of Public Safety, culminating as Lt. Colonel, underscore his dedication to public service. Throughout his tenure in the Criminal Investigations Division, Jeoff led intricate investigations targeting violent gangs and expansive drug and human trafficking networks. His extensive experience in legislative advocacy is marked by significant contributions to policy discussions before the Texas Legislature, shaping critical public safety and child welfare decisions. As a former Marine Corps infantry platoon Sergeant, Jeoff’s foundational leadership skills, forged in the most challenging environments, have consistently guided his professional path. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and has completed esteemed programs at the FBI National Academy and the National Executive Institute. At Verfico Technology, Jeoff applies his strategic acumen and leadership to propel organizational growth and operational excellence.
