Board of Directors & Staff
2025 Board of Directors & Staff
Cathy Meek
Chair of the Board
Smithville City Councilwoman
Rocking M. Ranch Lodge & Event Venue, Owner-Proprietor
Hi, I'm Cathy Meek, owner of Rocking M Ranch Weddings, Events and Lodging, based in Smithville, TX. I’m also Vice-Chair of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serve on the City of Smithville City Council.
Beginning my career with the City of Austin, then enjoying a lengthy career as a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialist, I have, and still am passionate about public service and promoting initiatives that foster connection, trust, and shared responsibility among community members. In 2008, I relocated to Smithville, was appointed to the LCRA Regional Council representing Smithville, and continued FEMA disaster work until retirement in 2016, when I launched Rocking M Ranch Weddings, Events and Lodging. I also joined the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and began volunteering, which was a great networking opportunity to market the new venue, meet new friends, and support Chamber objectives.
In 2022 I was invited to join the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and currently serve as Vice-Chair and Committee Chair for several annual events. In 2024, I was elected to the Smithville City Council, which lends itself to a beneficial collaboration between the city and the Chamber and allows for a more cohesive approach to addressing local needs and achieving shared goals. I invite you to drop by the Chamber and say “Howdy”, and check out our fun, annual events! Better yet, sign up to volunteer!!!
Cheryl Burns
Vice Chair of the Board
Karrie McKeown
Secretary of the Board
Smithville Jamboree
M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center
Karrie McKeown is a proud hometown girl, raised in Smithville, where she continues to live and thrive since 1976. With a heart for community and a mind for detail, Karrie has dedicated over three decades to public service as a Contract Administrator at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Her 32-year tenure at one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions is a testament to her commitment and excellence, marked notably by her achievement of a lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager Certification in 2014.
Karrie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tarleton State University in 1985, laying the academic foundation for her long and successful career in contract administration and procurement.
Outside of work, Karrie finds joy in antiquing and has a deep passion for giving back to her community—a value she holds close to her heart. Whether volunteering her time or supporting local initiatives, her love for Smithville and its people shines through in all she does.
Craig Strickland
Treasurer of the Board
IT Architect & Section Manager - Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Originally from the small town of Huffman, and most recently from Pflugerville, before moving to Smithville. I have had a long career in the IT field managing server datacenters and providing server technical support at companies such as IBM, Apple, Dell, and Texas State Government Agencies. My family has a tradition of being involved in community organizations as well as running a family business in the video rental industry (when that was still a thing), and three generations of Diesel Mechanics. I have three children that have all moved on to follow their own journeys including a daughter that is a PhD University Professor of Astrophysics. I bring my skills and experience in team management, IT technical experience, and drive to serve the community in hopes to grow and give back to this wonderful little town we call home.
Nicole Smith
Owner of Baca Entertainment
Ellie Thomas
Branch Manager, Community Banking Officer, Frontier Bank of Texas
My name is Ellie Thomas. I live in Smithville with my husband, Jeramie (a Smithville native), and our 4 children, Grace (7), Grant (4) and our twins, Graham and Grady. I am originally from New Braunfels (GO UNICORNS)!. I graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science. I am the Branch Manager at the Frontier Bank and have a true passion for customer service and a love for community. I look forward to bringing my skills and passion to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and excited to become a part of its success in this community.
Wendi Moltrum
Wellsential Health
I have over 30 years in Pharmacy and 18 years as a Pharmacy Instructor. About 7 years ago I started a new adventure and went into Skilling Nursing Home as an Activity Director. I have worked with Dementia residents and skilled residents. I try to introduce new games and creativity to our residents here at Towers Nursing Home. I have been with them about 7 months now.
I came from Northern California in the redwoods but originally from Las Vegas NV where I was raised my whole life. I have lived in Texas over a year now and LOVE IT> I am now starting my new adventure as a Chamber member…. Can’t wait to get more involved!
Josh Coy
Vice President Treasury Management
First National Bank of Bastrop
Josh, who is a VP of Treasury Management for First National Bank, is a fifth-generation resident of Bastrop, and spent 14 years as an educator at Bastrop ISD as well as a Community and Economic Development Rep for Bluebonnet Electric. Josh volunteers at nonprofit events and festivals in Bastrop County, is part of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Board, is a member of The Colony Municipal Utility No. 1C board of directors, Bastrop Chamber of Commerce’s ambassadors and a member of the chamber’s governmental affairs committee. Josh is also an executive committee member for Bastrop Sportsmen, a foundation that helps fund grants for Bastrop ISD programs and is involved in We Believe in BISD and the Bastrop Board of Realtors. He is also a past chair of the Bastrop Citizens Advisory Task Force and has been a political action committee member advocating for previous Bastrop ISD votes. Josh and his wife, Angela, who is Bluebonnet Electric’s manager of accounting, have two children, Lanie and Joey.
Kim Dugey
Vera Bank
Kathy Danielson
Executive Director
Kathy Danielson, C.F.E.E., T.M.P., is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, and event management. She most recently served as the Community Engagement Director for the City of Bastrop, overseeing marketing, operations, and large-scale event production for the Bastrop Convention Center. Prior to that, she was Executive Director of the City of Foley, Alabama’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she spearheaded tourism growth and launched nationally recognized festivals. A Certified Festival & Events Executive and Tourism Marketing Professional, Kathy has built a career around community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and innovative programming. She is an active member of numerous industry associations, a respected public speaker, and an award-winning event producer whose leadership continues to make a meaningful impact wherever she serves.
Elisa Puentes
Office Manager
Elisa Puentes brings over 25 years of administrative and financial management experience across public service, construction, and telecommunications sectors. Most recently serving as Executive Administrative Assistant for the City of Bastrop's Community Engagement departments, Elisa supported operations for the Convention Center, Main Street Program, Communications Department, and Cultural Arts Commission—coordinating events, managing budgets, and facilitating interdepartmental communication. Her background includes expertise in payroll, HR benefits, accounts payable/receivable, tax filings, and DOT compliance, as well as fluency in both English and Spanish. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and dedication to customer service, Elisa is also a certified Notary Public in the State of Texas.
Mark Anthony Baca
Director, Smithville Film Commission
Emmy Award-Winner MarkAnthony Baca is a seasoned actor, stunt coordinator, and producer with over 30 years of experience in film, television, and commercial work. He began his career straight out of high school with appearances in Kickboxer 4, Wishbone, and Walker, Texas Ranger, eventually amassing credits in more than 120 productions.
MarkAnthony is the founder of Extreme Force Hollywood Stunts & Film, one of the largest stunt and special effects companies outside of California, now based in Austin, Texas. His recent projects include stunt coordination for Warner Bros. media work on The Accountant 2 and Minecraft with Jack Black and Jason Momoa.
In 2024, he earned an Emmy Award for producing the NFL 360 segment HEROES, solidifying his growing impact as a producer. With a reputation for excellence across SAG and independent projects alike, MarkAnthony continues to be a driving force in the entertainment industry.