| TAGITM Committees |
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TAGITM Committees
TAGITM has seven standing committees. Committee Chairs are appointed by the President, subject to Executive Board approval, with the exception of the Nominations Committee, which is chaired by the Immediate Past President. If you have an interest in serving on a committee, please complete the Volunteer Interest form linked in the button below. Get Involved - Make a Difference
Volunteer Interest Form
Click on each committee headings below learn more about each committee and committee members. The Communications Committee is charged with design and management of the quality of content for the official association web site. In addition, this committee will oversee all means of communication of the association. 
Kari Thompson
Kari A. “KAT” Thompson is the Server Systems Administrator II for the City of McKinney. KAT, together with the Systems Administration team is responsible for Virtualization architecture and maintenance, Server maintenance and management, and Enterprise
software maintenance and management. KAT has been with the City of McKinney for 14 years.
Prior to working at the City of McKinney, KAT was a System Administrator and Technical Support in the Financial Industry for more than 15 years. KAT is a graduate of Baylor University where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science from Texas State Technical College. A Member of TAGITM for 14 years, KAT has served on the Education and Conference Committees and looks forward to extending her contribution to the Association. Contact the Communications Committee Chair. Communications Committee MembersShane McDaniel, City of Seguin 
Kevin Joyner – Committee Chair, Brazos County
Kevin Joyner is the Chief Information Security Officer at Brazos County. He been there four years, but has over 25 years of experience in IT, with almost 20 of that in municipal government. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Computer Science and has had a consistent and abiding interest in security since the earliest days of the internet in the 80s. He is married and has 5 children, all boys, that range in age from 24 to 5. He is involved in his church, where he occasionally fills in for the pastor, and staying active with his kids' activities. He hopes to one day discover this foreign concept called “free-time. Contact the Cybersecurity Committee Chair. Cybersecurity Committee MembersJames O'Brien - City of Friendswood Leigh Johnson, Town of Prosper Lindsay Rash, Harris CAD Westley Bachmeyer, City of Conroe Gorgees A. Eskander, City of Midland Chris Peikert, Matagorda County Stephen Williamson, City of Forney Benjamin (Colby) Peek, City of Weatherford Keshnel Penny, City of Grand Prairie Will Christian, Smith County Erika Stewart, City of McKinney Jose Mendez, City of Irving Jerrid Sanders, City of Lubbock Josh Ligman, City of Ingleside Kim Bell Jr, Gulf Coast Authority Michael Maddox, City of San Marcos Mike Rodriguez, City of Webster Brian Stegall, Kendall County Chris Nelson, City of Lubbock William Pham, The Woodlands Shanna Whiseant, Texarkana Water Utilities The Conference Committee is charged with overall planning of the annual conference. 
Lana Spiess – Committee Chair
Lana has been the Director of Information Technology for Comal County since 2020, overseeing a team of 11 technology professionals. A resident of Comal County for over 20 years, she began her career with the county in 2001, holding various I.T. roles throughout the years. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management of Information Systems from Texas A&M University, and in 2023, she completed the Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) program. Lana is a longstanding member of TAGITM and looks forward to contributing to the organization that has supported her throughout her career. She lives in New Braunfels with her husband, two sons, and their two cats. In her spare time, Lana enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends. Contact the Conference Committee Chair. Conference Committee MembersScott Joyce - Board, City of Euless Erik Schenck, City of Sugarland George Szakacs, City of Seabrook Kari Thompson, City of McKinney Hugo Rodriguez, City of Burleson Keith Raines, City of Borger Sheldon Cravey, City of Boerne Sherry Womack, City of Pasadena Carl Stewart, City of San Marcos Bubba Priesmeyer, The Woodlands Township Gary Bertagnolli, Town of Flower Mound Jose Mendez, City of Irving Taylor Prentice, City of Murphy Dana Sons, City of Brownwood Brennan Stone, City of McKinney Tracy Johnson, City of McKinney 
Scott Joyce – Committee Chair
Scott began his career at the University of North Texas in 1999 as a Network Administrator. He worked for various UNT departments, eventually leaving as the Assistant Director of Business Services for Data Operations. Scott joined the City of Haltom City in February of 2008 as the Director of Information Technology and remained there for 6 years, where he founded the City’s first Information Technology Department. In 2014, he became the head of the Information Services Department for the City of Euless and has focused on hardware virtualization and process improvement strategies. Under Scott’s leadership, the City of Euless is deploying a city-wide 4G LTE wireless network to provide consolidated communications for all remote assets and systems, including SCADA, AMI, traffic signal, and school zone flasher administration. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas with a major in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management. Scott completed the Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) program from the University of North Carolina in 2014. He has a particular interest in operations management and process improvement and is currently pursuing certifications in Six Sigma and project management. Contact the Data Analytics Committee Chair. The Education Committee is charged with the responsibility of providing all educational functions of the Association. 
Angela Wright - Committee Chair
Angela Wright joined the City of Beaumont in 2011 as a Project Manager. Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion to Chief Technology Officer in 2022. Heading a department with 28 staff members supporting 1200 users, Angie has successfully navigated various roles, including Project Manager, Division Manager, and CTO. Leading an innovative team, Angie implements strategic solutions aligned with the city's vision for a connected community. Prior to her tenure in Beaumont, Angie made significant contributions to academia during an eight-year stint at Sam Houston State University, where she obtained both bachelor's and master's degrees. Angie has been an active member of the TAGITM Education Committee for three years and served as co-chair for the 2023/2024 term. Her dedication to embracing emerging technologies ensures Beaumont remains at the forefront of the digital landscape. Outside of her professional commitments, Angie and her husband, Golden, are passionate about engaging in fine arts initiatives, promoting artistic and technical literacy within the community. They contribute by participating in local events and educational programs, aiming to foster a community empowered both technologically and artistically. Angie envisions a future for Beaumont where technology serves as a catalyst for progress and community well-being. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Angie continues to shape the city's technological trajectory, ensuring a more vibrant and interconnected future for all. Contact the Education Committee Chair. Education Committee MembersJames Lewis - Committee Co-Chair, City of Deer Park William Pham - Board, The Woodlands Township Steve Leblond, City of Frisco Keshnel Penny, City of Grand Prairie Chad Williamson, TML Health David Bunch, Gulf Coast Water Authority 
Tony Gonzalez - Committee Chair
I started my local government career as the IT Director in Bryan, TX back in 2002. I think I have finally found my professional home with the City of New Braunfels, as it has now been the longest stop in my career. From Bryan to Dallas to private sector to Forney and now New Braunfels, it’s been a heck of a journey. The best part has always been the people, which includes TAGITM. Having served on Communication and Conference Committees, serving as Treasurer, VP and President I have always enjoyed TAGITM and what it brings to me professionally and personally. The relationships, advice, partnerships and all the other key words aren’t just cliches when thinking about TAGITM. It’s what makes TAGITM the best member drive professional association out there, in my opinion. I am honored to continue serving as a chair of our newest committee. TAGITM isn’t done with me yet and I am happy to be here. Plus, Gayla would kill me if I wasn’t involved. She loves hanging by the pool for a couple of days while we do our Conference thing. And I secretly think she likes hanging out with some of you more then me. So consider this a form of marital preservation. You all know I need the help! Contact the GIS Committee Chair. GIS Committee MembersShane McDaniel - City of Seguin Travis Acklin - City of Seguin Neil Rose - City of New Braunfels Jessica Neuner - City of San Marcos Tim Nolan - Collin County Darla Pyron - City of Hurst Jason Kirkland - City of Lewisville Nicholas Willette - City of Euless Clayton Williams - City of Beaumont Diana Lopez - City of Friendswood Jacob Blind - Esri Laura Chapa - Esri Shellie Willoughby - SCAUG liaison, Oklahoma Conservation Commission The Marketing Committee is charged with creating and maintaining a marketing plan and enacting strategies that increase revenue, conference attendance, and participation in association regional events. 
Jose Mendez – Committee Chair
Jose M. is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in information technology management and security. Currently serving as the Director of Information Technology for the Town of Flower Mound, Texas, Jose leads strategic initiatives to align technology with organizational goals while ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and best practices. With a proven track record of success, Jose has held key positions in various municipalities and organizations, including serving as the Information Security Officer for the City of Irving and the Director of Information Technology for the City of Celina. In these roles, he established and managed IT departments, implemented IT policies and procedures, and spearheaded numerous projects to enhance operational efficiency and security. Contact the Marketing Committee Chair. Marketing Committee MembersScott Joyce - Board Liason, City of Euless Shane McDaniel, City of Seguin Zach Marchant, City of Lewisville Iliana Solis, Denton County Lindsay Boykin, Avsant Kevin Carr, Denton County Chris Lee, City of Lewisville Samuel Barlass, Fortinet The Membership Committee shall be concerned with all matters pertaining to the advancement of membership of the Association. 
Kevin Cameron – Committee Chair
Kevin Cameron is the IT Project Manager for the City of Allen. He recently has been working on implementing Energov, Cityworks, Incode Courts, and a new Microwave Network at the City as well as managing the RFP process for a new CAD/Law RMS. He joined the City in 2012 after stops at Keane, Inc, Sea-Land Service, Yahoo!, and JCPenney. He graduated from Texas A&M with his BBA in Business Analysis – Management Information Systems. Kevin has been married for 23 years and has 16-year-old triplet sons (3 teenage drivers at once, my insurance agent loves me) and an 11 year old daughter. Kevin has been the WatchDOGS (Dads of Great Students) coordinator for the last 9 years and is the incoming president for the Allen Eagles Tennis Booster Club. Contact the Membership Committee Chair. Membership Committee MembersScott Joyce, City of Euless Eric Matthews, City of Allen Brett Blanker, City of College Station Tim Scott, Texas Municipal League Health Pool Kyle Benson, City of Kingsville Ward, Bell County Joshua Gamble, City of Longview Jose Pena, City of Pharr Shannon Mejia, City of Denton William Pham, The Woodlands Township Eric Matthews, Allen Shaun Holtman, Canyon Karen Kirby, Desoto Mike Raute, Boerne James Lewis, Deer Park William Spell, Nederland Jennifer Frescaz, Midland The Nominations Committee is charged with preparing a ballot of candidates for election to officer positions. 
Chris Lee – Committee Chair
Chris Lee's journey with the City of Lewisville began in 2000, where he secured an internship with the department that kick started his career. With a bachelor's degree in business computer information systems from
the University of North Texas, Chris was quickly promoted to the role of System Engineer. From the very first day of his internship, Chris's passion for technology and problem-solving was evident. He recalls the
experience as a "candy land of technology."
Contact the Nominations Committee Chair. The Industry Advisory Committee is charged with actively promoting quality affiliate participation in the Annual Education Conference and any other special events as appropriate.
Sunny Patel – Committee Chair
Sunny Patel is the Director of Information Technology for the City of Hurst, Texas and has been with the City for 24 years. He has 25 plus years of technology experience and started out designing and installing Novell Networks, for the hotel industry back when BNC connectors were still a thing. He started with the City of Hurst in 1998 as their IT Technician and progressed through the ranks. He has seen the City grow from 7 Novell Servers and 1 IBM Unix server to over 50 Windows Servers, multiple datacenters and various technologies. Sunny has been involved in the design and implementation of most of the City’s systems from Telecom, Access Control, Cameras, Networking, Software and various other items. Sunny has been involved with TAGITM for several years and for the past 3 years he has been the Chair of the Industry Advisory Committee. Sunny is married with 2 children – 1 boy and 1 girl. Education Background – DeMontfort University – Leicester, UK – Business Information Systems Contact the Industry Advisory Committee Chair. Industry Advisory Committee MembersPaul Preston - Committee Co-Chair, City of Leander Craig Bailey, SHI Rob Cooper, CDWG Russell Haddock, MCCi Scott Joyce, Board, City Euless lija Preocanin, Cedar Park Paul Preston, City of Leander Joe Reyes, Conference of Urban Counties Ben Roper, Berry Dunn Chris Lee, City of Lewisville Rob Cooper, CDWG Ted Gruenloh, Sentinel IPS Greg Pannell, Sentinel IPS The Awards Committee is charged with reviewing awards nominations and selecting the winners of the TAGITM annual awards. 
James O’Brien – Committee Chair
James O'Brien began his career with local government in 2009 at the City of Texas City. Starting as the Network Administrator and then moving to the Director of IT before transitioning to the City of Friendswood in
2016 when hired as the Deputy Director of Administrative Services – Information Technology. In July of 2020, a new division was created for Information Technology and the department was moved to report directly
to the City Manager. This was a promising move for the department with the ever-increasing importance of technology and cybersecurity. The Information Technology department is responsible for the daily technology
needs of staff as well as strategic planning for the future with the City’s business goals in mind. In May 2023, James moved to the Port Houston as the Director-Information Security Officer. In this new role, he
will get to focus on the needs of Cybersecurity, cultivating an information security awareness culture, while contributing to the operations that move businesses forward.
Contact the Awards Committee Chair. |