Our Commissioners
The Governor's Commission for Women is led by a panel of Commissioners serving two-year terms.
Wendy Taylor, Vice Chair
Wendy Taylor is an account director with Sanders/Wingo Communication’s Austin and El Paso offices. Wendy has more than 15 years of experience in communications strategy, with special expertise in health care, governmental affairs and economic development. She also served as Texas First Lady Anita Perry’s press secretary. Wendy is a member of the Advertising Federation of El Paso and the Texas Exes. Wendy earned her bachelor of journalism degree at the University of Texas at Austin.
Peggy Hairgrove
A retired elementary-school teacher of 29 years, Peggy Hairgrove of Haskell divides her time between volunteering in her church community and assisting her husband at his veterinary clinic with surgeries and medication. At the First United Methodist Church of Haskell, Peggy plays piano accompaniment for services and also conducts the children’s sermons during morning worship. Peggy is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma-Beta Chi Chapter, an honorary teacher organization. She holds a master’s degree in education from Texas Tech University, an additional master’s degree in family studies from Abilene Christian University and earned her bachelor’s degree in education at Texas Tech.
Cynthia Jenkins
Cynthia Jenkins of Irving is vice president of CTJ Maintenance, Inc., a commercial building maintenance corporation where she also serves as a board member, and vice president of Janitors Market, LLC, a corporation that markets and sells to custodial firms and other accounts. Additionally, Cynthia is the executive director of Bear Creek Development Corporation, a real-estate development company that builds residential home for low- to moderate-income families. Cynthia is actively involved in civic community outreach programs, is the Chief Operating Officer for Community Praise and Worship Church, and is a graduate of Leadership Irving. She earned her bachelor's degree in computer science at Texas A&M at Commerce.
Christie Leedy, D.D.S.
Dr. Christie Leedy is a practicing dentist and co-owner of Abilene Dental. Leedy serves as founder of the Angel Smiles program, and a member of the 17th District Dental Society and the Texas Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Within her community, Leedy is involved in the Junior Achievement Board of Directors, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League of Abilene. Leedy has been recognized by the Small Business Salute and the Women in Business Salute; she was also named West Texas Business Woman of the Month. Leedy attended college at Tarleton State University and Western Texas College; she earned her doctor of dental surgery degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental Branch.
Lisa Lucero
Lisa Lucero of Austin is a public-affairs assistant for Exxon Mobil Corporation. Previously, Lucero spent over a dozen years working for the State of Texas, with the Texas Senate, the Governor's Office, the Texas Racing Commission and the Texas Department of Agriculture. She is an assistant troop leader for Daisy Girl Scouts, and a member of St. Austin's Catholic Church. Lucero attended college at the University of Texas at Austin.
Becky McKinley
Becky McKinley of Amarillo owns Dining by Design, a catering and event planning service, and serves as the food columnist for the Morrison News Group. A member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Becky spent seven years writing a food column for Accent West magazine. As an active community volunteer, she organizes and caters many nonprofit fundraising events, and is also an involved member of the Baptist St. Anthony's Health System board, the Amarillo Samaritan Counseling Board and the KACV Public Television board. Becky earned her bachelor of fine arts degree at Texas Tech University, with a special-education endorsement.
Carmen Pagan
armen Pagan of McAllen co-owns Milestones Therapeutic Associates, a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation clinic. A certified speech pathologist and member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and the Texas Outpatient Rehabilitation CORF Association, Carmen serves as her firm's chief operating officer and executive clinical director. She has been a regular speaker for organizations like the University of Texas - Pan American, Region One Educational District and various public school districts. Carmen is past-president of Beta Sigma Phi service sorority, and an active member of the Junior League of McAllen and of Harvest Church. Carmen earned her bachelor and her master's degree (cum laude) in communications disorders at the University of Texas - Pan American.
Carol Peterson
Carol Peterson of Alpine is the marketing director for Marathon's historic Gage Hotel, where she has also served as the food beverage director and executive chef. Previously, Carol spent over 26 years in the fashion industry, leading a New York City manufacturer of private-label clothing for major catalogue companies. She also was a divisional vice president for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, and a buyer for Foley's in Houston. Carol volunteers with the Pilot Club service organization and the Alpine Christian School. She earned her bachelor of science degree (honors) in human sciences from Texas Tech University and also graduated with honors from New York's French Culinary Institute.
Tresa Rockwell
Tresa Rockwell of El Paso is a field marketing manager for Red Bull North America. Rockwell serves as president of the Rotary Club of El Paso Foundation, and as a member of the Las Palmas Hospital Women's Advisory Board, Advertising Federation of El Paso, Executive Forum, Leadership El Paso (she is a Class 9 alumnus) and Texas Lyceum Association. She has served on the executive committee of the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and El Paso's public television station, KCOS, and is past president of the Rotary Club of El Paso and the Junior League of El Paso. Rockwell earned her bachelor's degree in management with a minor in marketing at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Connie Weeks
Connie Weeks of Austin is a freelance educational consultant for National Evaluations Systems. Previously, Weeks worked as an art teacher in the Round Rock and Austin school districts. She is a member of the Austin High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association and Tarrytown United Methodist Church. Weeks volunteers with Hospice of Austin and the Alzheimer's Association. She earned her bachelor's degree at Baylor University in art education and her graduate degree as a reading specialist at Hardin Simmons University.
Daisy White
Daisy White of Houston is the president of Daisy Sloan White, Inc., a company currently consulting for The Events Company. A member of Meeting Professionals International, Daisy also serves as a board member for the Texas A&M University Press and as committee member for the American Heart Association. Her active volunteer involvement included chairing the Cattle Baron's Ball for the American Cancer Society, the Race for the Cure for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Nutcracker Market for the Houston Ballet, as well as serving as the first president of the Cypress Woodland Junior Forum. Daisy earned her bachelor of arts degree in education at the University of Texas, and her master's degree in speech pathology at Southern Methodist University.
Lisa Perini
Lisa Perini of Buffalo Gap is co-owner and manager of Perini Ranch Steakhouse. She is past president of the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, secretary/treasurer for the Texas Restaurant Association, and a member of the James Beard Foundation, the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Les Dames d’Escoffier. She is also a member of the Abilene Restaurant Association, co-founder of the Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit, and past board member of the Ben Richey Boys Ranch. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University.
Stephanie Cavender
Stephanie Cavender of San Antonio is treasurer for the Charity Ball Association of San Antonio. She is also a board member of the San Antonio Museum of Art, and member of the Green Hand Garden Club and the World Affairs Council. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Salem College.
