Education Foundation Board Members

My name is Velda Watson, and I am a Lead Field Insurance Rep for Texas Farm Bureau.  I am originally from Lockhart, Texas but have been residing in Gatesville for over 20 years.  My husband Chance is originally from Gatesville, so we decided to raise our family here.  Our oldest child graduated from Gatesville with another about to graduate this year.  Our youngest is just starting out in kindergarten this year. We have made Gatesville our hometown.

I am currently Co-President of the Gatesville ISD Education Foundation. I also serve on a committee called MAPS (Minority Advisory Panel Support) with the DA’s office. As well as the PTO for my daughter.  I was a director for the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce for over 5 years. I was the treasurer and mentor for the Chamber Junior Ambassadors.

I choose to be on the Education foundation because I have friends and family that are in education, so I get to see and hear all the struggles teachers go through.  Not only the daily struggles aspect of teaching but all the wishes, wants and desires that they would love to do for the kids in their classroom but is just out of their reach on their own.  It is my pleasure to help raise money for such deserving teachers. 

My name is Julie Matthews.  I am a graduate of Gatesville High School and received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Grand Canyon University.  My husband of 28 years, Kyle, and I reside in Arnett, a small community in the western part of the county. We have two children, Mason and Maci who are also both graduates of Gatesville High.  I am employed at Darnall Medical Clinic as a Registered Nurse Case Manager. 

Currently I serve as the Secretary on the Hidden Gem Family Center Board of Directors, serve as the Art Superintendent for the Coryell County Youth Fair, volunteer at Mission Righteous Roots, and am a member of Trinity Baptist Church. I previously served on The Gatesville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Family and Consumer Science Advisory Coalition through Texas A&M Agrilife, volunteered through Samaritan’s Purse, Keep Gatesville Beautiful, Gatesville ISD Sports Booster Club, and the School Health Advisory Council.

I have served on the Gatesville ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors since 2019 and currently serve as the board Secretary.  I grew up in a culture that taught the importance of education. Although my parents did not have their college degree, they taught me that having the knowledge gained from education was something no one could ever take from me.  Where I am today is very much a result of the education I received and my passion for nursing, volunteerism, and life.  Our schools need more resources so they can provide the best possible education and instill passion in students. Working with the Gatesville ISD Education Foundation has proven that with help from our community members and service from the board that we can make a difference in our local education system that benefits current and future generations.

My name is Mason K. Matthews, and I am a Loan Officer at The First National Bank of Evant. I was born and raised in Gatesville, TX graduating from Gatesville High School in 2016. I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019 with my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance as well as graduating from the Commercial Banking Program with a certification in Credit  Analysis/ Underwriting. I graduated from Tarleton State University with my Master of Business Administration Degree in 2022. 

I currently serve as a Director on The Gatesville Chamber of Commerce Board as well as a Director for The Cotton Belt Depot Foundation.  I moved back to Gatesville in 2020 with the intention of supporting local businesses and community members as well as supporting Gatesville ISD.  

As a GISD graduate, I saw a real need for community involvement in the school system and wanted to join the Gatesville ISD Education Foundation. This involvement not only supports the students by enhancing their overall education, but as well as providing additional tools and resources to our educators. 

I am Linda Maxwell. I am married to Jack Maxwell. We have two daughters; Kristi Kubicek and Kelly Shepherd. I am a graduate from Sam Houston State University. I taught for Gatesville ISD for 31 year, then worked as a substitute teacher. 

Now I am a current member of Gatesville ISD Board of Trustees. I  serve on the Foundation board as a way to give back to this district and especially the teachers.

My name is Mary Anne Leib.  I am married to Tom Leib. 

I’ve lived in Gatesville for 43 years. All four of my children (James Hammack, Laura Hammack Landis, Bethany Hammack Bond, and Emily Leib Wuenschel) graduated from GHS.  My husband and I have four beautiful and smart grandchildren!  I am retired after 29 years total in education—14 with GISD and 15 with Windham School District.  I have had the honor of serving on the GISD Board of Trustees for 19 years. 

Susie is the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Hillside Medical Lodge and has been in the healthcare field for over 27 years, and has worked both in the acute and in the long term setting. With her family roots in Gatesville, Susie is a strong believer in the word community and strives to give back to ours as much as possible.

Susie has served on the Board of Directors for the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce for 9 years, even serving as President of the Chamber in 2017. Under her leadership with the Chamber, Gatesville saw an influx of new business membership and community involvement. Susie is also actively involved in other organizations in the community as well, such as the Exchange Club, The Family and Community Health Advisory Board, and The Gatesville Education Foundation Board. Susie is a driver for Meals on Wheels and arranges and hosts activities in the community at the local senior center and in surrounding towns as well. Ever moving, Susie is always planning the “next’ event for Hillside Medical Lodge and also helps coordinate community events.  Susie is instrumental in developing and maintaining relationships between Hillside Medical Lodge and surrounding hospitals and long term care facilities and works as a liaison between them. Often being the first call for an inquiry, Susie works to explain to families what Hillside Medical Lodge has to offer and if not the best option for them, assists in pointing them in the right direction. 

When not working, Susie enjoys spending time with her two daughters who keep her busy with extracurricular activities. She also enjoys fishing, playing games and hanging out with her family.