WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN PUBLIC SERVICE?
JED COLE
Working in local businesses and real estate has given me a front-row seat to how Waco is changing and what thoughtful planning can unlock for families and neighborhoods. I’ve also seen how much of a difference committed public servants can make — their leadership has shaped the community we enjoy today. By serving, I hope to play a small part in helping Waco grow in a way that includes and benefits everyone.
My parents, specifically my mom, are both civic- minded people. I learned by watching them the importance of giving back to the community. Our family has firmly planted our flag in Waco and Waco ISD. I am a Waco ISD graduate, and my three children, plus our bonus, foster daughter, all attend Waco ISD. I understand the importance of a thriving Waco ISD to the overall health of our economy and community. My hope is that my experience as a Waco ISD graduate, parent, and local business owner provides an important and unique perspective as we think about the long-range plans for the school district.
FRANK GRAVES
TAYLOR BLEDSOE
My motivation for public service stems from a lifelong connection to my community and a desire to support McGregor ISD’s continued growth. Growing up here, my experiences in local schools and work at McLennan Community College have inspired my commitment to serve. I have seen firsthand how effective leadership and public service can open doors, and I want every student to have the same opportunity to achieve their full potential.
LEAH COX
Public policy shapes every corner of real estate. Commercial real estate, residential, property
management —every bit of it is impacted by the laws and regulations of the municipality where it exists. Nothing we do in this industry sits outside the reach of public policy. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when a community doesn’t stay engaged or when short-term decisions are made without any thought for long-term city planning. It can devalue properties, disrupt neighborhoods, and create non-conforming areas that ultimately hurt the very people who live around them. This is exactly why involvement matters. When we pay attention, speak up, and stay connected to the process, we help protect property values, support healthy growth, and ensure our communities develop in a way that makes sense—not just for today, but for years down the road.
JASON LAVENDER
The desire to leave things better than I found them is one of the driving motivations that has led me to public service. If we all sit back and hope for someone else to dedicate their time and expertise to deserving causes (whether that be a Chamber of Commerce Board or a School Board of Trustees), we will not like what our community looks like in the decades to come. I also grew up with parents who gave of themselves constantly through volunteer work at our church, school and athletic programs, and they taught me the importance of serving others. The greater Waco area has been extremely blessed with great public service leaders for the last 150+ years; and I recognize that their service and sacrifice is why Waco and the surrounding areas are thriving like they are today. I thank God for the blessings and opportunities He has given me, and I feel that giving some of myself to help my community is the least I can do to show my appreciation.
I’ve always believed that leadership extends beyond the walls of our businesses. Public service offers an opportunity to take the values we champion—integrity, responsibility, and innovation—and apply them to challenges that impact our communities and future generations. For me, it isn’t enough to simply have opinions; I want to be part of creating solutions. Public service allows us to move from conversation to action, ensuring that the decisions shaping our society reflect not only economic realities but also the principles we stand for. It is about making a tangible difference where it matters most, and we each bring our own uniqueness to every conversation.
KEITH HELPERT
28 | WINTER
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