Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer
Helpful Village logo
Donate Now

STAFF, BOARD and COMMITTEES 

 

Executive Director, Johanna Mandel

Johanna joined CCV in March 2019 as Volunteer Director, served as Operations Director, and assumed the Executive Director role at the beginning of 2023. She has experience with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's support, has served as a Legal Assistant, and has 15 years of experience in local government management. She has a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma from the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, is a Leadership Irving graduate, and has served on the Board of Examiners for the Quality Texas Foundation. In her role as Performance Manager, Irving received the Texas Award for Performance Excellence and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. After moving to Austin she worked with organizations seeking to apply the Baldrige framework as an independent consultant.  

Johanna holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University and Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.  She lives with her two sons in Pflugerville and Pfinds it Pfriendly.

  

 

Programs and Media Coordinator, Meredith Loewen

Meredith Loewen Photo

Meredith serves CCV as the Programs and Media Coordinator. She has more than ten years of experience in communications, including media relations for Members of Congress. She has an M.A. from American University in Political Science, with an emphasis in Applied Politics and a B.A. from San Diego State University. 

She volunteers with the North Austin Community Garden as their Communications Coordinator. Meredith spends her free time camping with her husband and son, cultivating her vegetable garden and doting on her dogs.  

 

 

 

 

 

 UT School of Social Work Intern, Lindsey Conway

Intern

Lindsey is currently studying for a Master's in Social Work at the University of Texas and is excited to learn about the needs of aging populations. She has a background in communications, with a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. Her professional experiences range from reporting to management and direct social service work. In her free time, she loves being outdoors, playing with her cat Nova, exploring Austin’s food scene and playing games with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mart Hoffman

Mart Hoffman, President

Mart is a native of Dallas and has lived in Austin since 1975.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from SMU, his Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and his Master of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University. Mart is a retired Clinical Social Worker, Administrator and Teacher. He has also served as a Lay Leader and Stephen Minister at his church. He is one of the founding members of Capital City Village. Mart is an active camper, canoeist and golfer. He and his wife Sue have two adult children and three grandchildren.

 

Scott BlechScott Blech, Past President

Scott has led local, state and international associations during his 35-year career in association management. He retired in 2012 after leading EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) as Executive Director for eight years. During his tenure EMDRIA started its professional journal and the EMDR Research Foundation. He currently serves on the CCV Finance Committee and the board of the EMDR Research Foundation. Scott previously held volunteer leadership positions with several professional, civic and charitable organizations. And he was President of the Jewish Federation of Austin and a Vice President and board member of Temple Beth Shalom, Austin. Scott has a BA in political science from the University of Michigan and an MA with honors from the University of Missouri. He received his Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives.

 

Tom McHorseTom McHorse, Past President

Tom describes himself as married to world’s best wife, Kay. Their three sons and their families live in Austin. Tom is a semi-retired gastroenterologist, a graduate of Millsaps College and the Baylor College of Medicine. Other interests include indigent healthcare at the Voluntary Healthcare Clinic, tennis, and membership at Tarrytown United Methodist Church.

 

 

 

Sue HoffmanSue Hoffman, President Emeritus

A founding member of Capital City Village, Sue Hoffman is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed marriage and family therapist. A recipient of a B.S. degree from Southern Methodist University and an MS in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, she is a past-president of the ENDRIA Board of Directors and was named in 2010 the University of Texas School of Social Work Charles I. Wright Distinguished Alumna of the Year. Sue was the original recipient and namesake of the Sue Hoffman CCV Volunteer of the Year Award in 2014. Sue enjoys reading, traveling, canoeing and bicycling with Mart, her husband of 43 years.

 

 

Laurie BrownLaurie Brown, Treasurer

Laurie Brown joined the Finance Committee as a member during early 2021 and is currently serving the board as Treasurer.  She has a BBA and master’s in accounting from Texas State University in San Marcos. She currently works at Texas State, as both Assistant Chair and Graduate Academic Advisor in the Department of Accounting at McCoy College of Business. She has also volunteered with CCV in other capacities. Laurie has a son and daughter, both living in the Austin area. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys traveling, tennis, and entertaining friends and family.

 

Barbara EpsteinBarbara Epstein

Barbara is an Austin attorney who provides low-cost legal advice primarily to older adults. Her work history includes assignments at the General Land Office, Texas Railroad Commission, Texas Legal Services, and private practice. She has provided legal advice statewide to Area Agency on Aging benefits counselors and ombudsmen, worked closely with CMS, Social Security, Department of Aging and Disability, Health and Human Services and Adult Protective Services staff. She is a graduate of Antioch College, holds a MA in History from the University of Sussex, and a JD from the University of Texas School of Law.

 

Lori ForgayLori Forgay

A decades long friendship with a beloved neighbor who lived to be 106 years old is the inspiration behind Lori Forgay’s passion to serve the aging population. In addition to being a CCV active volunteer and a member of the Board, Lori founded and leads a nonprofit corporation established in 2010 called Engaging Wisdom. Its mission, which is constantly evolving to meet the needs of seniors, is: creating connection with the aging through kindness and technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and English from California State University, Northridge.

 

Gayle HightGayle Hight

Gayle Hight is new to the Capital City Village Board. Her broad career experience includes marketing, sales promotion, higher education, and financial services. Gayle earned her BS and MBA at The University of Texas at Austin and her MS from Texas Woman’s University. Currently a marketing manager at McCombs School of Business, Gayle is recognized for Outstanding Community Outreach on behalf of the University of Texas. She is active in Tarrytown Methodist Church. Her interests include graphics, branding, marketing, and messaging. She has three children and six grandchildren.

 

COMMITTEES

Development and Marketing - Interim Chair Tom McHorse

Finance - Chair Laurie Brown

Membership Services - Chair Sue Hoffman

Programs - Chair Rick Cloud

Village Connections - Chair Sue Hoffman

Anyone interested in serving on a committee may contact us at info@capitalcityvillage.org and we will connect you to the committee chair.