Strong leadership and meaningful community representation are essential to EOAC’s work. We are pleased to welcome Tiffany Gallegos Whitley, Isabel Lozano, and Ashley Bean Thornton as new members of the EOAC Board of Directors.
Each brings a different perspective and set of experiences to the Board, reflecting an important feature of Community Action governance: the people helping guide EOAC should represent the many different voices that make up the communities we serve.
Welcome, Tiffany Gallegos Whitley
Tiffany Gallegos Whitley joins the Board as a representative of individuals and families with low incomes. Tiffany is employed by Heart of Texas Goodwill, and her selection followed the democratic process required for this area of Community Action board representation.
Her perspective will help ensure that the experiences, needs, and priorities of the people Community Action exists to serve remain part of Board conversations and decisions.
Welcome, Isabel Lozano
Isabel Lozano joins EOAC as a public sector representative. A retired elementary school principal, Isabel currently serves on the Waco City Council, bringing experience in both education and public service to the Board.
Her background is especially meaningful as EOAC continues to strengthen its role in early learning, family stability, and partnerships with local leaders and school systems throughout the Heart of Texas.
Welcome, Ashley Bean Thornton
Ashley Bean Thornton joins the Board as a private sector representative. Ashley previously worked at Baylor University in strategic planning and organizational development and also worked with other local nonprofits, where she helped establish after-school programming.
Her experience in strategy, organizational development, and education will bring another valuable perspective as EOAC begins implementing our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and continues strengthening the organization for the future.
We are grateful to Tiffany, Isabel, and Ashley for choosing to share their time, experience, and leadership with EOAC.
A New Public Sector Representation
We are also pleased to share an update involving longtime EOAC Board member Susan Copeland.
U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions has appointed Susan to serve as his designated representative on the EOAC Board. Susan will continue her service to EOAC while now representing Congressman Sessions within the Board’s public sector membership.
We are thankful for Susan’s continued commitment to EOAC and for the experience and perspective she brings to our governance.
What Is a Tripartite Board?
EOAC’s Board is different from the governing boards of many other nonprofit organizations.
As a Community Action Agency receiving Community Services Block Grant funding, EOAC is governed through a tripartite board structure. Federal law requires these boards to bring together three important perspectives: elected public officials or their representatives, representatives of individuals and families with low incomes who are selected through democratic procedures, and representatives from the private sector and other major interests within the community. The Board actively participates in the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Community Action programs.
That structure is intentional.
Community Action was built on the belief that decisions about poverty should not be made without the voices of people who experience it. At the same time, lasting progress requires public leadership, community institutions, businesses, educators, nonprofits, and others to be part of the conversation.
The tripartite model brings those voices to the same table.
Our three newest members illustrate that model well. Tiffany brings representation connected to the families Community Action serves. Isabel brings the perspective of public leadership. Ashley brings experience from the private and community sectors.
Together with EOAC’s current Board members, they will help provide oversight, accountability, community perspective, and leadership as we continue working toward our vision of Every family thriving.
Moving Families Forward Together
Board service is an important responsibility. EOAC operates programs across a nine-county region, manages significant public resources, and serves families at some of the most important and challenging moments in their lives.
Having a Board that reflects different parts of our community makes EOAC stronger and helps keep our work connected to the people and places we serve.
Please join us in welcoming Tiffany Gallegos Whitley, Isabel Lozano, and Ashley Bean Thornton to the EOAC Board of Directors, and in thanking Susan Copeland for continuing her service in her new role representing Congressman Pete Sessions.
We look forward to the leadership, perspective, and commitment each will bring as we continue Moving Families Forward across the Heart of Texas. 💙