Collaboration of Business Leaders and Elected Officials

The Victoria Economic Development Corporation is led by a Board of Directors whose members represent the expertise and knowledge found in the Victoria region.

Officers

Don Whitaker, Chairman
Chief Financial Officer of Keating Auto Group, Don is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in finance. Before joining the KAG, he served as a consultant who assisted Houston in their bid for a National Football League team franchise known as the Texans.

Vee Strauss, Vice Chairman
Regional External Affairs Manager, AEP Texas, graduated Victoria College and UHV with a degree in Accounting.  30 plus years with AEP Texas in various roles in marketing, customer service, and community affairs. 

Diego Gonzalez, Secretary
Diego is the Strategy Procurement Manger at Caterpillar Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a Master of Business Administration with a Finance minor from EGADE Business School at ITESM Monterrey. Prior to joining Caterpillar, Diego served as Executive Director at Grupo Concretos SA and spent five years as Sales Director at Fiamma. In addition to his professional experience, Diego has contributed to the community by holding board positions with the Mexico Supplier Cluster, Victoria Young Professionals, and the Victoria Business and Education Coalition. He is originally from Monterrey, Mexico.

Mike Olson, Treasurer
Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, Texas.  Mike is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Masters in Health Services Administration, and a degree in Finance from the University of Utah.  He’s served in healthcare leadership for over 30 years, has Chaired the Board for the Texas Hospital Association Foundation, and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.  He’s community minded, recently serving as the Chair for the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy Garner, Immediate Past Chairman
In addition to being a licensed real estate broker since 1987 and a licensed salesperson since 1983, Nancy is also an accountant. She purchased the Woolson Real Estate Company in 1995 after managing the firm since 1982 and serves them as President and Broker.

Board of Directors