KATHY HUNT

Kathy Hunt is in a Texas coastal community of about 15, 000 people. She is active with the Chamber of Commerce, Don’t Be Crude, Victoria Public School System and the YMCA of the Golden Crescent. Ms. Hunt is very hands-on and does not believe any job is too small or too large for her. She coordinates hundreds of youth in a community-wide effort consisting of more than 30 projects. She makes sure all the building materials needed for the projects are on site and ready to use. You may also see her in the heat encouraging, delivering water and swinging a hammer so youth can learn to give back to the community. Ms. Hunt sets the example, does the work and lives an “others-oriented” life.

For the past three years, Ms. Hunt has served on the Greater Victoria Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She also actively participates on the Chamber’s Education Committee. She fully understands the connection between education and economic development and is always ready to support efforts to advance both. This is evident as she consistently and effectively integrates her professional role with that of a public servant. She willingly donates her time and business savvy to the educational advancement of Victoria.

She is also a board member of Don’t Be Crude, a youth led grassroots environmental program in Victoria and the seven surrounding counties. Each of the youth in the program look at Ms. Hunt as a mentor, friend and advisor. As a result of her work with the program, the Victoria youth became involved in the area’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day when millions of pounds of hazardous waste are collected. Ms. Hunt coordinates a team of 100 volunteers, environmental professionals and corporations for this event in two cities.

Ms. Hunt is also active with the Victoria Public School System. She puts in many hours of service working on school improvement committees and was also a member of the Board. Ms. Hunt was an integral part in the planning stages for the largest bond election in Victoria County’s history; her input and attention to detail aided to promote passage of the bond. In addition, the school district embarked on a study of how to provide equal and exceptional opportunities for all students in the two Victoria high schools. Ms. Hunt studied the issue and came to the conclusion that consolidating the two schools because one offered greater academic opportunities for students than the other. This was a difficult decision and her vote was met with disagreement. Ms. Hunt stood firm in her belief on behalf of equal opportunities for all children; however, her convictions caused her to be defeated in her re-election bid.

Ms. Hunt no longer serves on the school board, but she is still active with the children of Victoria, the Golden Crescent Workforce Development Board and the Communities in Schools Program. She is a tireless advocate for children and a beacon in a community.