Photos courtesy of Child AdvocatesPeople
Child Advocates of Montgomery County welcomes New Board Members, Names 2025-2026 Board Leadership
Child Advocates of Montgomery County announced the appointment of seven new members to the Board of Directors and confirmed its officers for the coming year, reinforcing its commitment to serving vulnerable children and families through volunteer advocacy and community education.
This year, Child Advocates added to the board:
- Benny Austria, General Manager, Jared Jewelers
- Julie Barrett, Director of Outpatient and Clinical Support Services, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands
- Philip “PJ” Block, President, ALTIVIA
- Matt Calvert, Superintendent, New Caney Independent School District
- Victor Nivens, Vice President of Human Resources, H-E-B
- Malinda Stewart, Director of School and Leadership, Conroe Independent School District
- Jim Wolf, Retired, Managing Partner, Meridian Compensation Partners
“We’re excited to welcome these new and returning leaders to our board,” Child Advocates President and CEO Ann Marie Ronsman said. “Their expertise will provide meaningful direction to our work, especially as we expand our programs in Montgomery County.”
Effective Nov. 1, Catherine Miller was confirmed as board chair. Miller has served on the board since 2021 and served as a volunteer advocate for eight years. Miller said, “It is an honor to step into the role of chair and lead these engaged individuals who are passionate about serving children in crisis. We welcome Benny Austria, Julie Barrett, PJ Block, Matt Calvert, Victor Nivens, Malinda Stewart, and Jim Wolf to the board, and we look forward to the insight and energy they’ll bring to our mission.”
In addition to Miller, the board confirmed the following officers for the upcoming year: Vice Chair, Brian Albert; Secretary, Mark Freeman; and Treasurer, Jason Howze.
The organization also extends its appreciation to the board members who concluded their service this year: Katie Beatty, Justin Lime, Paul Mahoney, and Tamika Taylor. Miller added, “On behalf of the board, I want to express our gratitude to the departing members for their dedication. Their invaluable contributions have strengthened our organization, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”
Mark Freeman, who has served as board chair the past two years, will continue his service as secretary of the board.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mark Freeman for his leadership and dedication over the past two years as board chair,” Ronsman said. “His steady guidance helped us grow our organization and deepen our impact, and we’re grateful he’ll continue to serve as board secretary.” To learn more about the Child Advocates of Montgomery County board and read member bios, visit https://childadvocatestexas.org/about-us/board-of-directors/.
Source: Child Advocates of Montgomery County
