From the Publisher | Summer 2020
Welcome to Tex Appeal’s annual Women in Business issue.
While the importance of women in the business world has not changed, the recognition and acknowledgment of the vital role that women play is more in the forefront today. I personally have experienced and seen these changes evolve through the years since 1987 when I took over the role as Editor and Publisher of the Temple Daily Telegram and the Killeen Daily Herald and President of Frank Mayborn Enterprises, Inc. and KCEN-TV.
With so many talented and successful women from whom to choose, we had to select only a few of these very interesting and talented women’s stories to share with you.
Dr. Christina Ponce became the president of Temple College in January 2019 and is already making an impact at the college and in the community. “She brings people together in a collaborative manner,” said Bob Browder, the chairman of the college’s board of trustees. Get to know her in Fred Afflerbach’s profile story on page 20.
Debbie Macey was a teacher for 15 years before she and her husband, Harry, bought Perry Office Plus in 1994. Read how she has helped the business, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, expand its Central Texas service area and product lines with an educator’s touch, creativity and hard work on page 26.
Speaking of anniversaries, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which gave women the right to vote. More than a dozen women who are members Central Texas city councils reflect on their service, page 31.
Josie McKinney is a chef, teacher and entrepreneur who is helping to revitalize downtown Killeen with her restaurant, “Let’s EAT Texas” and cooking school “Let’s COOK Texas.” When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, McKinney created dinner kits for customers with her gourmet creations ready to heat and serve. Sharon White tells McKinney’s story on page 8.
Salado High School Principal Beth Aycock is dedicated to the success of her students. “Those of us who are privileged enough to work in education really have a tremendous responsibility to our students,” she says. “We get them for such a short, precious amount of time and really need to capitalize on it in order for them to become successful adults.” Learn how Aycock helped the Salado Class of 2020 graduate and earn her own doctorate degree during the COVID-19 pandemic this spring, page 75.
Along with the articles on Central Texas women leaders, this edition puts a spotlight on two local artists: Kay Griffith of Salado and Susan Sterle of Temple. Their works — from abstract expressionism to Texas nostalgia — are as unique as the individuals who created them, beginning on page 82.
Great Escape of Central Texas is unique too. Owners Michelle Smith and Charles Duncan opened the business in Killeen as a new family entertainment/adventure option. Each of the six “escape rooms” is carefully crafted with attention to detail and puzzles to create and immersive experience as described by writer Amy Rognlie, page 96.
Ann Harder, Rose Short, Beverly Luedke, Barbara Probe and I share the “best advice” we received on page 90. Perhaps it will provide inspiration for the next generation of women leaders in Central Texas.
Sue Mayborn
Tex Appeal Publisher