Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to East Texas.
Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization. We thank them for their service and leadership!
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.
Zach Fuller
Vice President
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
Treasurer
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.
Andrew Gordon
When he’s not practicing law or wrangling unicorns, Andrew is known for his lightning-fast sandwich-eating skills during virtual meetings. A true multitasker, he can expertly draft legal documents while demolishing a sub in record time. His unique combination of legal expertise, mythical creature wrangling, and rapid snack consumption makes him an indispensable member of our board. Whether he’s navigating complex cases or taming unicorns, he keeps us all entertained and on track.
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.
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.
Manny Almanza
Manny is an experienced owner with a strong background in the higher education industry. With a proven history of success, he brings expertise in nonprofit organizations, event management, journalism, and media relations. He is also skilled in radio, leveraging a robust communication network to drive positive impact. His passion for community engagement and media-driven initiatives makes him a valuable asset to our board, contributing to our mission of service and outreach.
Mike Lee
Mike Lee is an East Texas native graduating from Kilgore High School and Texas Tech with a degree in accounting. He received his CPA certification in 1972. Mike established, owned and operated Mid-South Investment, a commercial development and construction company in the Southwest for over 40 years from 1974 until his retirement. Mike married his wife, Nancy, in 1970 and they have four children and seven grandchildren. He has previously served as Director for the Cherokee Water Company for 12 years and the Gregg County Emergency Service District #1 for 15 years. He has been involved with ETCADA since 2000, developing, expanding and upgrading their current office facilities.
Michelle Traylor
Michelle has been a Partner/Producer with Bockmon, Knight & Traylor Insurance Agency for 26 years and leads employee benefits and individual life & health services. She has served on several non-profit boards in the past including Greater Longview United Way and Junior League of Longview. In her downtime she enjoys painting, traveling, cooking and playing pickleball.
Tesa Wilson
Tesa Wilson has served on the board just over 5 years and past Board President. She is an Associate HRBP at Westlake Chemical.
Tesa has a heart for non-profits and giving back to the community.
