Tim Smith

Board President

Timothy D. Smith, Major, USAF (Ret), BREC, CWDP, is the Director of Business Retention & Expansion and Workforce Development for Longview Economic Development Corporation. He is an accomplished Management Professional with a strong track record of developing cohesive and highly functional teams and managing personnel and resource development across various operational specialties. He has over 30 years of proven leadership experience operating with a wide variety of employees at all developmental levels, yielding strong teams focused on corporate performance objectives and efficiency. Timothy is a combat veteran with 21 years of military service and leadership in the United States Air Force, serving both in the enlisted corps and earning his commission in April 2001. He is a veteran of Operations DESERT STORM, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN. He has led and supported in-theater combat operations in Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Qatar.

Darrell Bruce

Darrell W. Bruce is a dedicated professional as Chief of Lamar County Juvenile Probation. Serving on the ETCADA Board since 2008, he brings years of expertise and leadership to the table. Darrell's career journey began at Campbell Soup in Paris, TX, where he worked from 1986 to 1998. He then pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M Commerce in 1998. Transitioning into probation and corrections, Darrell served with the 6th Judicial District Lamar County Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department Adult Probation from 1998 to 2006. In 2006, he was appointed Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, a role he passionately holds to this day.

Erin Conrad

Erin Conrad is dedicated to serving the community and making a difference in the multiple generations of the families she serves as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. In addition to serving ETCADA, she also serves on the boards of Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, Mount Pleasant Rotary Club, NETWORK as co-founder and President and committee member for Firefly Community Theatre. Previously, Erin served on the Anderson County United Way Board and remains an avid supporter of The Alzheimer's Association and Pilot International. She and husband, Frank (who is also an Edward Jones financial advisor in Sulphur Springs, Texas), are East Texas natives and have three children – Cori, Ireland, and CJ. They are now "young" empty nesters who live with their four-legged children: a miniature poodle named Jack, a chorkie named Remington, and a chihuahua named Diva. They love travel, music, BBQ, and experiencing new adventures.

Ann Cozart

Proven HR leadership for over 20 years handling benefits, employee relations, training and development, all areas of talent management. Extensive Retail Management experience managing small to large operations in clothing, specialty merchandise, and grocery, from small teams to over 200 strong. Passionate about helping people with barriers find employment. Currently serving as Director of Human Resources for the Andrews Center in Tyler.

Chelsi Drosche

A native Texan, Chelsi currently resides in Tyler and works as a Compliance Manager for a local retail grocery company. In her role as Compliance Manager, Chelsi continuously works to prevent sales of alcohol and tobacco to minors to help keep the youth in our communities safe. These efforts go hand in hand with ETCADA’s prevention efforts to reduce the onset of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by youth. In addition, ETCADA’s mission of providing recovery support services and reducing substance abuse is personal to Chelsi, as she has seen family members struggle with addiction. Chelsi received a BA from Baylor University and is pursuing a Master of Legal Studies in Risk Management from Texas A&M. She has been married to her husband, William, for 12 years and has two children, ages 7 and 11.

Zach Fuller

Zach Fuller is a Longview native and graduate of Longview High School. Go Lobos! He attended Louisiana Tech University, where he met his wife, Miranda. After graduating with a Master of Arts in Industrial / Organizational Psychology, he moved to New Orleans and was an intern at City Hall within the Chief Administrative Office, where he was involved in philanthropic organizations throughout the City of New Orleans. Zach helped organize events for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, National Night Out, and United Way. Later, Zach obtained his real estate license and is currently a practicing Realtor and brokerage partner serving the East Texas community.

Michael Purifoy

Michael Purifoy is the Director of Treasury Management and Digital Solutions at VeraBank. He has served on the ETCADA board of directors for the past three years and previously served as board chair for DORS Community Services before its merger with ETCADA. He is also a board member for the Greater Longview United Way, a member of the President’s Advisory Council for LeTourneau University, and an advisory member of the Longview Police Academy. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from LeTourneau University.

Kathy Lovier

Kathy Lovier is an experienced Municipal Court Judge with 34 years of service and Level II Court Certification. Responsible for handling a wide range of cases, including those from the Mt. Vernon Police Department, MVISD, Code Compliance Department, Animal Control, and local businesses. I also work with officers issuing citations within the city's jurisdiction.

As a Magistrate, I set bail at the Jail, issue warrants, and handle juvenile matters, often working after hours and on weekends. I manage cases from citation receipt to disposition, ensuring proper communication with individuals involved. I facilitate compliance and rehabilitation through Deferred Disposition and support the community with educational programs, including AA classes and youth counseling. As of 9/11/23, I have accumulated nearly 1,000 hours of court training.

Mike Lee

Max Tovar

Max is the Director of East Texas Regional Airport, bringing extensive leadership experience. A combat veteran with the United States Air Force, he holds the rank of Master Sergeant and is set to be commissioned as an officer. With two deployments to Afghanistan, Max has shown courage and dedication. He's also served as Vice President of the Top Three Association, fostering camaraderie and mentorship. Outside the military, Max contributes to his community through organizations like the Longview Rotary Club and the Aspire Mentoring program. He holds an MBA from LeTourneau University and various aviation licenses, enhancing his role as Airport Director. Max is also a devoted husband and father.

Tesa Wilson

Tesa Wilson has served on the board for just over five years and is past Board President. She is an Associate HRBP at Westlake Chemical. Tesa has a heart for non-profits and giving back to the community.

Not Pictured

Manny Almanza

Andrew Gordon

Michelle Traylor