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.
Josh Coy
Vice President Treasury Measurement
First National Bank of Bastrop
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!
Janet Roby
Parobek Plumbing
Janet Roby is the HR Manager for Parobek Plumbing & AC with six years of experience supporting all HR operations and organizational culture initiatives. She has volunteered with Soldiers’ Angels for more than thirteen years, supporting deployed military personnel, and has received several Presidential Volunteer Awards for her service. Janet began her early career as a firefighter, later working as a wildland firefighter and serving on a Hotshot Crew. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and Fire Science, as well as an associate degree in Business. In addition, she has six years of experience as a criminal law paralegal, supporting complex matters through research, documentation, and case preparation. She is part of the Smithville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves as Chair of the Chamber’s Ambassadors.
Kim Dugey
VeraBank
Cinda Wilkey
Community Member
In my twenty plus year career, I loved helping school districts make their finance and HR systems run smoother. I started on the district side as a Business Manager, so I knew exactly what it felt like to juggle deadlines, compliance, and day‑to‑day operations. That experience led to my work at Washington School Information Processing Corporation even more meaningful.
I enjoyed successfully guiding districts through change, solving problems, and making sure the tools they rely on make their work easier. WSIPC supports more than 280 districts across Washington, and I’ve always taken pride in being part of a team that truly understands K–12 operations and shows up with real expertise and genuine support.
We moved to Smithville from Seattle just over seven years ago. We have three children and four grandchildren.
While working, my husband and I were heavily involved in ballroom dancing having competed in Blackpool England six times-an amazing experience.
Dr. Molley Ealy
Smithville ISD Superintendent
Ex-Officio
In my twenty plus year career, I loved helping school districts make their finance and HR systems run smoother. I started on the district side as a Business Manager, so I knew exactly what it felt like to juggle deadlines, compliance, and day‑to‑day operations. That experience led to my work at Washington School Information Processing Corporation even more meaningful.
I enjoyed successfully guiding districts through change, solving problems, and making sure the tools they rely on make their work easier. WSIPC supports more than 280 districts across Washington, and I’ve always taken pride in being part of a team that truly understands K–12 operations and shows up with real expertise and genuine support.
We moved to Smithville from Seattle just over seven years ago. We have three children and four grandchildren.
While working, my husband and I were heavily involved in ballroom dancing having competed in Blackpool England six times-an amazing experience.
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
A seasoned administrative and operations professional with over 25 years of experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, and office management, this individual has supported both public and private sector organizations. Currently working with Community Engagement departments, they help manage operations for the Convention Center, Main Street Program, Communications Department, and Cultural Arts Commission—coordinating budgets, meetings, and community events.
Their background includes full-cycle payroll, accounts payable/receivable, tax filings, benefits administration, compliance reporting, and audit support. They are highly organized, detail-oriented, and known for strong communication skills, including bilingual support in English and Spanish.
A Notary Public for the State of Texas, they are proficient in a variety of financial and municipal systems and bring a dependable, service-driven approach to every role.