Joi Chevalier combines her technology background with culinary arts as Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Cook’s Nook. Our mission at The Cook’s Nook is to be the leading developer and distributor of high-quality, nutritious, and culturally competent meals to our customers and their clients, allowing the end consumer dignity and better choice for their food and nutrition to address food insecurity and chronic disease. To do this, we design programs that lead to improved health and economic outcomes by providing vulnerable populations access to quality nutrition with dignity and choice.

Joi is a 2-time graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, attended Oxford University, UK, and is an honors graduate of the Culinary Arts Program at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.

Joi speaks regularly on ‘Food As Medicine’ including health equity in black, brown, and rural communities which is supported by Healthcare Program Sectors - Hospital Systems, Benefit Providers and Payers. 

Joi was also one of the members of the Food Tank's panel conversation at the recent SXSW event. The panel discussed on important factors of health and nutrition in understanding Food as the Best Medicine drive, cultural relevance, nutrition awareness and solutions, working on health equity issues and challenges in implementing the health equity programs.

Mart is a native of Dallas and has lived in Austin since1975.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from SMU, his Master of Science in Social Work from the University of     Texas at Austin, and his Master of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University.

Mart is a retired Clinical Social Worker, Administrator and Teacher.  Professionally, Mart has been responsible for developing Therapeutic Camping programs, serving as Superintendent of the Brownwood State Home and School, and Administrator of the San Marcos Treatment Center, a Brown School Psychiatric Facility for Adolescents. While at the Texas Youth Commission Central Office, Mart served in several key roles including that of Deputy Executive Director. He was a member of the Brownwood and Greater San Marcos Rotary Clubs. He is now a member of the Rotary Club of Austin. During the latter part of his professional career, Mart thoroughly enjoyed being a Fourth Grade Teacher at Walnut Creek Elementary School.

Over the years, Mart’s church responsibilities at Tarrytown United Methodist Church have included Youth Program Leadership, SWIFT Class Co-President with wife Sue, as well as, co-leading the Marriage Exploration Class with Sue for over 30 years. He has also served as Lay Leader and is a Stephen Minister. In 2008, he served as one of the founding members of Capital City Village and currently serves on the Board of Directors as President. He also serves as the Event Coordinator for the CCV/Tarrytown UMC Annual Golf Tournament.

During his leisure time, Mart is an active camper, canoeist and golfer. One of his major “Bucket List” goals is to visit a National Park in each of our 50 states.  Currently, he is half way there!

Sue is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, who has lived in Austin since 1975.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree from SMU and her Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

She is a retired Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Social Worker.  Professionally, Sue has worked as a teacher, a Social Worker in the areas of therapeutic wilderness camping, developmental disabilities, hospital social services and blindness.  For 25 years she has been in the private practice of psychotherapy at Austin Psychotherapy Associates, focusing on the treatment of mood disorders and trauma.  She retired at the end of September, 2011.  She has held leadership positions in the EMDR International Association and has been named the University of Texas School of Social Work, Charles I. Wright Distinguished Alumna of the Year in 2010.

Beginning in 2008, Sue and a hearty band of aging friends began forming an Austin community of self support for aging happily, healthily and gracefully in their own homes.  The group is named Capital City Village and now has offices in the AGE Building.  Their aim is to “Live Well at Home” with “one call does all” service. While serving on the CCV Board of Directors as President, Sue also served on the Mayor’s Task Force on Aging.

Sue is active in her leisure time:  camping, reading, traveling, canoeng, bicycling and in her church.  Her husband of 56 years, Mart, is a retired administrator and teacher.

They have two adult children who live in Prosper and Austin, and 3 grandchildren.

In 2012, at 50 years old, National Geographic Explorer and Austinite West Hansen was the first person to lead an expedition to paddle the entire 4200-mile Amazon River from source to sea. This expedition helped the Amazon surpass the Nile as the world’s longest river. Two years later, he, along with his buddy Jeff Wueste, was the first to kayak the entire 2100-mile Volga River in Russia (Europe’s longest river) from source to sea. Last year, at 61 years old, West led the first expedition to kayak the entire 1600-mile Northwest Passage, made infamous by the tragic Franklin Expedition in the mid-1800s.

A native Texan, West graduated with a degree in psychology from Southwest Texas State University and works as a licensed social worker, helping people negotiate the complexities of our confusing healthcare systems. He’s a professional carpenter, avid canoe racer and ran quite unsuccessfully for US Congress in an effort to improve our nation’s health care issues. He’s also the author of “The Amazon from Source to Sea: The Farthest Journey Down the World’s Longest River” and helped produce the documentary “Peeled Faces on the Amazon: The Story of the Amazon Express.” He’s currently writing a book entitled “Through a Land so Wild and Savage” about his experience kayaking through the Arctic.

West is the Chair of the Texas Chapter of the Explorers Club and recently had dinner with Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise at a Chapter event in Houston. He manages two canoe races each year on the Colorado River from Austin to Columbus to LaGrange and has completed the 260-mile Texas Water Safari 24 times.

[www.westhansen.com](http://www.westhansen.com/)

[www.thearcticcowboys.com](http://www.thearcticcowboys.com/)

[www.texaswinter100.com](http://www.texaswinter100.com/)

[www.coloradoriver100.com](http://www.coloradoriver100.com/)

No meeting this week, Happy Independence Day!

Buff Greebe is a seasoned leader in CPG, with deep experience in creating success at both established and start-up businesses around the globe, be it as senior executive, consultant, or mentor. He has held senior executive positions at Unilever, Coca-Cola, Bunge, Novartis and GSK in 10 countries spanning Asia, Europe and Latin America. Buff moved to the US at the end of 2016 (Austin, TX) and co-founded a boutique consultancy that helps CPG clients scale faster. He is currently Executive Director at SKU, the first and leading CPG accelerator in the US.

No meeting this week, Happy Independence Day!

Erik Qualman, Author

5x #1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. He was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter’s J.K. Rowling.

His Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes to the Wall Street Journal and used by the National Guard to NASA. Qualman is a current professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern University and his materials are used in over 500 universities. Qualman’s animation studio works with some of the world’s leading brands including Disney, Oreo, Chase, and Cartier.

He is a former sitting professor at MIT and Harvard’s edX labs and has received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work. Qualman is also the inventor of the bestselling board game Kittycorn. Most importantly, he’s still trying to live up to the “World’s Greatest Dad” coffee mug he received from his wife and two daughters.

Joel Hefner, Head of National Relationship Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors

Joel H. Hefner is Head of National Relationship Group and a Vice President with Dimensional Fund Advisors. A former senior manager of a Big Five accounting firm, Joel was also the chief portfolio manager for a large fee-only advisory firm, managing more than $1 billion in client accounts. A CFA Charterholder, Joel graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in economics and political science from California State University, Chico and an M.A. in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Dimensional is a leading global investment firm that has been translating academic research into practical investment solutions since 1981. Guided by a strong belief in markets, we help investors pursue higher expected returns through a systematic investment process that integrates research insights with advanced portfolio design, management, and trading while balancing tradeoffs that can impact returns. Dimensional is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has 15 global offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. As of September 30, 2023, Dimensional manages $618 billion for investors worldwide.

No meeting this week, Happy Independence Day!

Work for Life is a nonprofit that is tackling poverty head-on by empowering and equipping people. Founded by a group of business leaders with an interest in using business to help improve the lives of people living in poverty, their Entrepreneur Development Program helps individuals kickstart and renovate businesses to make a real dent in poverty by teaching a man to own and operate a fishing business instead of just how to fish.

No meeting this week, Happy Independence Day!

Holly Acosta is an accomplished professional who serves as the Chief People Officer and co-owner of Kazdon Inc., a leading HR and Payroll firm based in Austin. With a passion for supporting organizations in their HR needs, Kazdon Inc. specializes in providing comprehensive services such as HR Consulting, Payroll Services, and Benefits.

She holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, complemented by multiple professional certifications. With an extensive background spanning over 25 years in the Consulting and HR industry, she has garnered a reputation for her exceptional expertise in various HR initiatives.

Beyond her professional achievements, Holly actively engages with her community and holds a special interest in philanthropy work focused on mental health initiatives and children's projects. When she’s not working, you may find her singing or building sandcastles.

Holly Acosta's remarkable blend of expertise, dedication to improving workplace environments, and commitment to making a positive impact in her community make her an exceptional leader in the HR field.

Cathy Hoover joined the Westlake Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director in spring of 2018. Her focus has been on growing the membership, increasing member engagement, creating more meaningful community service and offering greater sponsorship opportunities.  

Cathy has been actively engaged with the Westlake community since she met her husband, Rex WHS ’81, in the early nineties. In 2004, they moved back to Austin to raise their two boys in Eanes ISD. Cathy immediately became involved in the community through the Junior League of Austin, several school and sports booster clubs, and through her work with the Eanes Education Foundation where she has served in a variety of roles over years.  

Jim and his wife Nancy moved to Austin from Auburn, Alabama this past December to be near their sons and their families.

Jim has his PhD from Duke University and an Executive MBA from Queens University. He has been a professor or senior administrator for four universities. In addition Jim has been the Principal Scientist for a company providing healthcare data analysis for 22 state healthcare organizations, as well as sales manager for a national telecommunication services company, and senior manager in a major regional bank. 

Jim was heavily involved with Rotary while in Auburn. He served as president of the Auburn Rotary Club and district governor for District 6880 serving 50 clubs in central Alabama. Jim received many honors from Rotary, including the Rotary International Service above Self award. He is a Major Donor and multiple Paul Harris fellow.

Since moving to Austin Jim has joined the Austin Westlake Rotary Club where he serves as executive secretary. Jim is also a member of the Rotary District 5870 College of Past District Governors.

Here is the presentation material.

David H. Steinwedell has worked in the commercial real estate industry over 40 years in a variety of disciplines including public and private investment management, acquisitions, debt, capital markets, investment banking and asset management.  David is the founder and CEO of Affordable Central Texas (ACT) in Austin, TX, a not for profit fund sponsor with a focus on preserving workforce multifamily housing utilizing private equity through the Austin Housing Conservancy Fund.  The Fund has invested in over $400 million of moderate-income multifamily housing in thirteen properties totaling almost2,000 units and serving 3.000 residents with a long-term goal of preserving10,000 units in 10 years.

Prior to ACT, David was Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in Austin, TX where he led a dramatic increase in membership, sponsorship and community involvement in addition to being Managing Partner of Stoneforge Advisors, LLC, a real estate investment and advisory firm.  Throughout his career, he has worked with multiple property types including multifamily, office, industrial, single tenant net lease, hotel, retail and single-family land development.

He is former managing partner and investment committee chairman of AIC Ventures, where he was an equity partner and oversaw acquisitions of long-term sale-leasebacks and net leased assets with middle market credits.  While at AIC, David completed over $380 million of acquisitions, growing assets under management to almost $800million.  

David formerly served as president of Wells Fund Management at Wells Real Estate Funds, leading the development of a real estate investment product and management team dedicated to serving institutional investors. Also, at Wells, David served as chief investment officer for five years, leading a team of professionals responsible for Wells’ real estate investment strategy representing over $9 billion in acquisitions, $300 million in development and $4 billion in finance in a series of non-traded office REITS, a value-add fund, 1031 and limited partnership vehicles.  

Prior to Wells, David held executive positions at Jones Lang LaSalle and Cushman Realty Corporation where he directed and grew operations of investment banking and brokerage units in the South, resulting in $2.2 billion in transactions across a spectrum of asset classes.   David oversaw asset management, disposition and acquisition activities in the Southwest for pension funds and for the general account as a managing director at Aetna Life & Casualty.   He completed the foreclosure, asset management and sale of over 400 assets across all property types.  

As the recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, David is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Austin Economic Development Corporation and a past member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers(NAREIM).  He is an Urban Land Institute (ULI) Full Member, a past member of the Executive Committee of ULI Atlanta. a mentor, member of the IOPC and past Chair of the Affordability Strategic Council of ULI Austin.  David is the past-president of the Tritt Foundation.  He actively participates with Community First Village, Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity.  David has been a guest lecture or speaker at the University of Texas, Wharton School of Business, UCLA, Columbia University, NYU, and Hamilton College.  He has been featured in various publications, business journals and events including the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Real Estate Forum, CPN, RECA, ULI, CREW and NAREIM.  David earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y.

Cristen has been working in libraries for more than a decade. In 2011, she moved from California to Austin where she started working for the Austin Public Library. She has been working for Westbank Community Library for the past seven years. Prior to that, she worked with non-profits and in the education sector. Cristen holds master's degrees in education and library science. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to music, exploring her creative side, and reading as many books as possible. Cristen is the genius behind many of the library’s grab-and-go crafts. She practices everything from needle arts and quilting to painting, collage, scrapbooking, soap making and many other creative hobbies. She usually has at least a couple of projects going at any given time.

Dana Rushing

Dana Rushing retired 8 years ago as the administrator of Cornell Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine in South Florida. She moved back to her home state of Texas 6 years ago. Since retiring, she has served on many nonprofit boards. She has written 3 children’s books and 3 adult nonfiction books in the past 6 years. She is the proud mother of one daughter and two grandchildren who live in Westlake. She was a Rotarian many years ago, and is thrilled to be back. The Rotary Club’s mission of service to others aligns with her core values.

Helena Zheng

Helena Zheng retired from the semiconductor industry two years ago.

During her career, she co-founded two technology companies specializing in the development of semiconductor intellectual properties.

In her retirement, Helena has shifted her focus towards giving back to the community, investing her personal assets, and pursuing her keen interests in exploring consciousness and reality. She is currently serving on the board of Westlake Rotary Club.

 She is a proud mother of two wonderful children Joseph and Joyce. Joseph is set to graduate from UC Berkeley in 2024, while Joyce is currently attending middle school in the EANES ISD.

Mr. Kerry Taylor currently serves as Director of Bands for Westlake High School and Fine Arts Director of Eanes ISD in Austin, Texas. He is also Department Chair of Fine Arts at Westlake High School. Mr. Taylor is in his 36th year as a band director in the Texas public schools; five years in Katy ISD and 31 in Eanes ISD. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Music degree in Applied Conducting, both from the University of Texas at Austin.

Under Mr. Taylor’s direction, the Westlake High School Band is going back to march in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day! The WHS has been named ‘Best in Class’ or ‘Runner-up’ at the Buccaneer Music Festival, South Coast Music Festival, MusicFest (Orlando, Fl.) and the DC Festival in San Antonio. The Westlake Band has made concert tours to the Pacific Northwest, Canada and the British Isles. Under Mr. Taylor’s baton, the Westlake Wind Ensemble has performed twice (2002 and 2015) at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the American Bandmasters Association on March 4, 2006 and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles on July 8, 2009. In 1997, the John Philip Sousa Foundation presented the Westlake Band with the Sudler Flag of Honor recognizing excellence in concert band over an extended period of time. The Westlake Marching Band has been a Finalist in multiple Bands of America Regionals and Super Regionals and has been a Finalist at the 5A and 6A State Marching Contest-placing in the top 10 on five occasions. On January 2, 2017 the Westlake Chaparral Band performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. This was their second time (2003) to perform in this parade. In 2010, the Sousa Foundation honored the WHS band with the Sudler Shield for excellence in marching. In December 2016, the international honorary band fraternity, Phi Beta Mu, recognized the Westlake Band Program as a first recipient of the Earl Irons “Program of Distinction Award” for excellence in all aspects of a well-rounded band program.

Recently, the UIL honored Mr. Taylor with the “Sponsor Excellence Award.” In 2016 the Texas Bandmasters Association honored Mr. Taylor with the “Meritorious Achievement Award.” He is also the Music Director of the Waterloo Wind Band, a south Austin community concert band.

A graduate of Stanford University, Mayor Anthony moved to Austin in 1976 after post-graduate study at Princeton University. She moved to West Lake Hills the first time in 1977 and for good in 1988. As a reporter and editor at the Austin American-Statesman, she covered government at almost every level for 14 years.

Linda’s public service for West Lake Hills began in the early 1990s when she served her first term on ZAPCO; I served again from 2010-2013. In 2013 she was elected to the City Council and won a second term in 2015. Later that year when Mayor Dave Claunch resigned, the Council voted to appoint me as Mayor and she’s served as Mayor ever since.

Mayor Anthony’s broader community service includes former board memberships on the boards of Zach Scott Theater, Mexic-Arte Museum, Sharir Dance Company and the Texas Capital Bridge Association.

Amelia Floyd: 

As a mother of 2 Lake Travis High School graduates, Amelia has held the position of Vice President for fundraising for several LTHS booster clubs where she consistently exceeded budgets.  During this time, she witnessed first-hand our youth's challenges, struggles and determination inspiring her to co-found the Erik Hanson Memorial Scholarship for one of her daughter's friends who died by suicide.  Because of the need she has seen in our community; she co-founded the Engage and Heal Foundation to erase the stigma of mental health by shattering the silence and helping to build a bridge for those who feel unheard and disconnected.  She feels that their presence and determination will help to start that conversation.  Amelia is also a certified NAMI Basics and NAMI Peer-to-Peer teacher.

Kathleen Hassenfratz:

As a licensed professional counselor, Kathleen has embraced working with youth for 30 years in various roles from middle school teacher to counselor, chemical abuse prevention counselor, Ropes Course manager, health/social programs coordinator to teen whisperer (and mom of 2).  She uses experiential strategies to guide youth beyond life's barriers into a healthy and productive life.  Kathleen is also the founder and President of a nonprofit called Tune Into Life, with the mission of giving rise to safe, healthy communities by equipping parents with tools and teens with a voice to better support youth mental wellness while decreasing the rate of suicide amongst 18-25 year olds.

Colonel Roger W. McLain, USAF Ret. (call sign: Herky the Hawk) was born in Grinnell, Iowa March 1, 1932. He grew up in a small farming community of Brooklyn and graduated with a BA from the University of Iowa in 1954 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the USAF. He completed pilot training and was stationed at bases in Greenville, MS and Randolph, TX. From 1962-1965 he was the Air Force Laison Officer at the US Naval Academy. This was followed by F-101 (the "Voodoo") training and his 100 missions over North Vietnam, which were flown from Udorn, Thailand. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters.

After Vietnam, Major McLain had assignments in Upper Heyford, UK and Zweibrucken, Germany (now in the F-4). While in Europe, he earned is MA from the University of Southern California. From 1971-1978 Lieutenant McLain was Chief of Staff at HQ AF (TAC). In 1979 he became Base Commander in Maxell, AL, followed by three years as Chief of Contingency Plans PACAF. He retired in 1984 after 30 years of service.

Roger is married to Dolores also from Brooklyn, IA. They have two sons and a daughter and many grandchildren. He is an avid golfer and a lifelong Rotarian with nearly 40 years of perfect attendance. He was recently recognized as a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation.

No meeting this week, Happy Independence Day!

Brianna Elder is the Director of Survivor Advocacy for Unbound Now.

Unbound Now was born when an ordinary group of people encountered exploitation and decided they could no longer sit on the sidelines.

Since 2012, Unbound Now has grown into a multi-national nonprofit serving 11 locations in the United States and around the world.

Each Unbound Now office contextualizes our 3 lanes of effort to meet the unique needs of their community.

We are motivated by our faith and passionate about mobilizing communities, including local law enforcement, churches, and professionals across industries to identify and respond to human trafficking in their city.

Lizzie Wilson is President of the Austin chapter of Engineers Without Borders.

The EWB Greater Austin Chapter improves the quality of life in our partner communities by implementing simple engineering technologies. While improving the standard of living of communities abroad, we also foster the development of future professionals from a wide range of academic and professional disciplines.