The Austin County Leadership Advisory Board Social, hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, brought community, conversation, and appreciation together under one roof on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Held at the American Legion Post 442 in Sealy, the event welcomed guests at 5:30 p.m. for an evening that highlighted the power of local leadership and volunteerism.

During the social hour before the event began, participants could sample wine from local wineries, and Luke Huebner, a member of the Austin County 4-H, entertained on his banjo. Guests were treated to a hearty, Texas-style meal catered by Real Deal Catering of Bellville. The menu featured steak, potatoes, corn casserole, and a choice of tea or water—simple comforts served with gratitude and community pride.

 

 

Dean Nelson, Leadership Advisory Board Chair, opened the event with a warm welcome and introduced the Advisory Board. The invocation was presented by B.R. Koehler, Leadership Advisory Board Member Emeritus, setting a respectful and thoughtful tone for the evening. Fellow board member Bobby Rinn followed with introductions of special guests and Extension staff, setting the stage for a night of recognition and reflection. Kenneth Stein, also a board member, spoke on the mission of AgriLife Extension and its deep-rooted impact across Austin County. Carolyn “Callie” Scott introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Monty Dozier of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Dr. Dozier delivered an informative and timely presentation on emergency preparedness and the vital role AgriLife plays in coordinating with local and state agencies before, during, and after disasters.

A major highlight of the AgriLife Extension Leadership Advisory Board Social was the presentation of a symbolic check totaling $925,490, representing the value of the “billable” volunteer hours contributed throughout the year—had those hours been paid. The check was presented to Austin County Judge Tim Lapham, County Commissioner Precinct 2 Bobby Rinn, and County Commissioner Precinct 4 Chip Reed, underscoring the profound economic and social impact AgriLife volunteers have on the county.

Celebration continued with door prizes presented by the Austin County 4-H Council and a touching Volunteer Appreciation segment led by AgriLife Extension agents. This year’s Volunteers of the Year were:

  • Maria Alvarez, Family & Community Health Advisory Board Member   – Presented by Michelle Wright, Distinguished Agent – Family & Community Health
  • The late Zeev Kofman, recognized posthumously for his contributions through the Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association and Austin County Horticulture Committee – Presented by Stacie Villarreal, County Extension Agent – Agriculture & Natural Resources
  • Erika Guerrero, a pillar of the 4-H community serving as Treasurer of the Austin County 4-H Parent Leader Association, West End 4-H Club Manager, and Leadership Advisory Board Member – Presented by Kailyn Capps, County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development

 

 

Dean Nelson offered closing remarks before photos were taken to commemorate this year’s AgriLife Extension Leadership Advisory Board Social.

The Austin County AgriLife Extension staff—Kailyn Capps, Valerie Engelbrecht, Shelbi Toadvine, Stacie Villarreal, and Michelle Wright—were all on hand to thank attendees and highlight the vital work of their volunteers.

Special thanks were also extended to the 2025 Austin County Leadership Advisory Board Committee Members: Ian Bader, Jim Brooks, Theadra “Cookie” Curry, Kortney Estep, Joanie Griffin, Marilyn Gonzales, Erika Guerrero, Allen Kaminski, Dean Nelson, Bobby Rinn, Kenneth Stein, and Carolyn “Callie” Scott.

It was a night of gratitude, leadership, and a shared vision of service—just the kind of event that reminds us why community matters.