BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023-2024
Executive Committee
Jan Holland
President-Elect
Rebecca (Jan) Holland has been a dedicated Cosmetology instructor at Nacogdoches High School since 2012, following a successful 25-year career as a salon owner. She is a leader in career and technical education, serving as President-elect for TIVA and a master teacher for Region 7. Jan has earned multiple honors, including CTAT Teacher of the Year, Nacogdoches ISD District Teacher of the Year and SkillsUSA District 7 Advisor of the Year. She is a passionate advocate for the Cosmetology Industry as well as all CTE programs. Jan is also a proud mother, grandmother, and has been married for 35 years.
Board of Directors
James "Jimmy" Cunningham
District 2
James (Jimmy) Cunningham brings nearly 20 years of educational experience and over 50 years in the automotive industry. He has been happily married for almost 41 years and is a proud father and grandfather, along with being the owner of two spirited dogs that keep things lively.
Jimmy began his teaching career at Bastrop High School and has recently returned to West Texas to teach Automotive Technology at Monahans High School, where he is working to establish a new automotive shop.
A dedicated advocate for vocational education, he has served as a SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor for 20 years and was the District 3 Director in 2009. Currently, as the District 2 Representative on the TIVA Board of Directors, he aims to positively impact students and instructors statewide.
Jimmy is committed to understanding the needs of District 2 and ensuring the continued success of TIVA.
Shawndelle Harrington
District 4
With over 30 years of experience as a cosmetologist and more than 20 years in education, Shawndelle Harrington is proud to serve as the District 4 Representative for Gorman ISD. Currently in her 11th year in public schools, Shawndelle is dedicated to empowering educators and supporting their professional growth as they navigate their journeys alongside students and industry. In addition to her role as an educator, she serves as the President of the Cosmetology Teachers of Public Schools (CIPS) for Texas, further demonstrating her commitment to the field.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Shawndelle enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, and working on quilting projects, showcasing her creative side. She is passionate about fostering connections within the education community and believes in the transformative power of learning.
Mark Mester
District 6 - My name is Mark Mester, and I am proud to represent District 6 on the TIVA Board of Directors. With 24 years of experience teaching Automotive Technology, I have also served on the Texas Automotive Instructors Association (TAIA) Board of Directors. My commitment to TIVA has been a constant throughout my entire teaching career. Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy playing golf and engaging in motorsports.
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Andi Pope
District 7
Andi Pope is a dedicated Culinary Arts Instructor with over a decade of experience in culinary education and restaurant management. Currently teaching at Cleveland High School, Andi has successfully developed a comprehensive culinary program and established a student-led restaurant, Tonkawa Bistro. With a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, Andi has guided students to excel in state and national competitions, earning multiple accolades including Teacher of the Year and District Advisor of the Year. Andi brings a wealth of knowledge to TIVA and is deeply committed to serving and supporting the needs of District 7.
Joseph Percevecz
District 10
Joseph Percevecz is a dedicated educator and leader committed to fostering growth and innovation in career and technology education. With extensive experience across multiple teaching roles, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. His journey through diverse educational environments has equipped him with the skills to inspire students and collaborate effectively with educators and administrators alike.
Joseph holds a Master of Education in Technology Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Principal as Learning Leader Certification from Schreiner University, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and educational excellence. Throughout his career, he has actively participated in various committees and initiatives, including skills sponsorships and technology evaluations, showcasing his passion for student success and educational advancement.
Rebecca Soto
District 12
Rebecca Soto is currently serving as a Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Teacher, as well as a part-time administrative role at Roy Miller High School within the Corpus Christi Independent School District. With a comprehensive background in all three major components of the Criminal Justice field, she brings over 21 years of experience in education to this position.
Rebeccah holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Arts from Laredo Community College, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Texas A&M International University. Additionally earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Principal Leadership endorsement. Certified as a Master Peace Officer and a T.C.L.O.L.E Instructor, with certifications in Trade and Industrial Education and English as a Second Language.
Steven Coyle- Universal Technical Institute
Industry Partner representing Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
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Dan Belcher - JLG
Industry Partner representing JLG
Dan Belcher is the Education Manager for JLG Industries, Inc., bringing over 35 years of experience in public education and workforce development, particularly in the construction industry. Dan worked for the Fort Worth ISD as a teacher, building administrator, the district's CTE Director and served as the CTE Consultant for ESC 11 before moving to Florida. Dan worked for the National Center for Construction Education and Research where he served as the company's Director of Workforce Development and Director of Fundraising and Philanthropy.
Dan serves as JLG’s education and business liaison to the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE), American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors (AGC) and SkillsUSA.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s in education from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Crystal Latham-Alford- SkillsUSA
Ex-Officio - CTSO Post Secondary Representative
Crystal Latham-Alford brings over a decade of expertise in Career and Technical Education (CTE) to her role as Executive Director of SkillsUSA Texas. She began her career as the Director of Student Life at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Sweetwater, where she played a vital role in expanding SkillsUSA throughout the college system. After leading SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary since 2017, Crystal took on the Secondary division in 2023, building cohesive pathways for both Secondary and Postsecondary CTE programs.
Her work has expanded membership, industry partnerships, and SkillsUSA Texas’s reach, benefiting students and the workforce across Texas. A fellow for ACTE Next Level Postsecondary, PACE Division Board Member, State Director Association Region IV Board Representative, TIVA Board Member, and advocate for CTE, Crystal’s commitment to SkillsUSA is reflected in her mentorship and dedication, inspiring students to strive for excellence in their careers and beyond.
Darlene Mills– Executive Director
Ex-Officio - Executive Director
Darlene Mills is a retired educator with over 28 years of experience in Career and Technical Education. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Lamar University. Darlene is certified in multiple teaching areas, including Technical Education, Human Services, and Special Education.
An active member of the Texas Industrial Vocational Association (TIVA) for 28 years, Darlene has served on the board as the District 7 Director and has held the position of Secretary-Treasurer on the executive board. Currently, she is proud to serve as the Executive Director of TIVA, where she is dedicated to supporting the organization and its members.
Darlene is married to Troy, is a mother to five children and a grandmother to five.
Harry Ferguson – Assistant to ED
Ex-Officio - Assistant to ED
Harry Ferguson is the Executive Assistant of the Texas Industrial Vocational Association (TIVA), where he has been a dedicated staff member for nearly a decade, following over 20 years of support for the organization. Before joining TIVA, Harry was a leader in installation maintenance at Time Warner Cable, where he developed a deep appreciation for the hard work required to succeed in the trades. In his current role, he oversees partner relations and event management, ensuring that TIVA's initiatives run smoothly. Harry is passionate about supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers and is committed to highlighting their invaluable contributions to the community. His dedication is further inspired by his wife, Diana, a former cosmetology teacher and the former executive director of TIVA, who shares his commitment to vocational education.
