Staff - The Arc of Texas

Working at The Arc of Texas is more than just a job for many of our staff. We work hard to make a difference in the lives of more than 500,000 Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of Texas staff work hand-in-hand with our many volunteer members to fulfill The Arc’s mission throughout the state.

Staff

Board

Leadership

Jennifer Martinez Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Texas, Jennifer Martinez is invested in promoting the vision of The Arc of Texas through the creation of innovative policy recommendations and building on the strong partnerships that exist with self-advocates, as well as state and federal agencies. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the non-profit sector. She began her career with The Arc of Texas over a decade ago as a Program Coordinator for the Texas Microboards Program. Her relationship with The Arc of Texas continued as a Board Member beginning in the fall of 2017. Previously, she served as the Director of Operations and System Management in the Office of Mental Health Coordination. She has guided workforce, housing and jail diversion policy at the state level and has worked with stakeholders and agency leadership on the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee (BHAC), Parity Workgroup, and Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council (SBHCC) to move legislative recommendations forward. Additionally, she served as the Liaison to the SBHCC and the Team Lead for the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver in the Legacy Texas Department of State Health Services Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division. She earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics from St. Edward’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas A&M University.
Haley Greer, J.D. Director of Master Pooled Trust
Haley manages The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust, a trust fund that provides people with disabilities an ongoing source of money for supplemental wants and needs. Haley is responsible for assisting families in establishing trust accounts, keeping up with current Medicaid regulations, approving and reporting trust disbursements, communicating with attorneys, judges and the bank about trust issues and educating local Arc chapters and other interested groups about the benefits of the trust.
- hgreer@thearcoftexas.org
- 512-454-6694 ext. 7735
Kyle Piccola Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
Kyle directs all public policy efforts for The Arc of Texas. He plans, organizes and directs the implementation of The Arc’s governmental affairs and advocacy efforts to advance its mission and policy positions at the state and federal level. Kyle also represents The Arc of Texas before volunteers, local chapters, elected officials, state agency staff and other policy makers. In addition, Kyle works to support and coordinate volunteers to facilitate their involvement in advocacy activities and networks with allied organizations and coalitions to advance high priority issues that impact persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- kpiccola@thearcoftexas.org
- 512-454-6694 ext. 7732

Master Pooled Trust

Delight
Delight is originally from Oregon and graduated guide dog school from Guide Dogs for the Blind. She is a hard worker who is eager to please. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her toys, eating ice, and wrestling with her sisters.

Advocacy

Alex Cogan, LMSW Public Policy Advocate - Criminal Justice
Alex Cogan joins The Arc of Texas as a Public Policy Advocate focusing on criminal justice. She started her career in education advocacy in Boston and has since worked alongside marginalized populations while abroad in Colombia and locally in Austin, Texas. Her passion for criminal justice reform was established during her time with the Travis County Correctional Complex and while at Grassroots Leadership, a community-led advocacy organization. There she advocated for local policy reform alongside individuals formerly incarcerated and those directly impacted by the criminal justice system. Alex is excited to use her background in policy, organizing, and social work to achieve state and local policy success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Georgia - Athens, a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising from the University of Georgia – Athens, and is a Licensed Master Social Worker, graduating from the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas - Austin.
- acogan@thearcoftexas.org

Development

Andy Driscoll Manager of Community Engagement
Andy is the Manager of Community Engagement for the Arc of Texas, and is responsible for the communications and outreach initiatives contributing to the organization’s growth and visibility. Andy comes to Austin by way of Philadelphia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. His personal interests include sports, dogs and great food.
- adriscoll@thearcoftexas.org
- 512-454-6694 ext. 7755

Operations

The committed members on our Board of Directors are primarily parents and family members of people with disabilities. They have experienced firsthand both the challenges and the triumphs associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their personal stake in The Arc’s mission provides our volunteers, members, and professional staff with wisdom, inspiration, and guidance.

Board Officers

Terri Schonfeld, President
Gary Hidalgo, President Elect
John W. Caldwell, Jr., Treasurer
Debbie Wilkes, Secretary

Board Directors

Melisa McNeil, Local Chapter Representative
James Meadours, Texas Advocates President
Veronica Ayala
Nancy Lepley
Julie Ross
Alison Gentry
Maggie Suter
Dr. James Marroquin
Dr. Michael Garcia

Learn about serving on our Board of Directors and submit a board member application today! Get involved!

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