The Caring Place is led by a talented team of dedicated professionals who ensure our mission stays at the heart of everything we do. These leaders guide daily operations and support a committed staff alongside more than 400 volunteers, all working together to help neighbors in our community meet their basic needs with dignity and compassion.
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Ginna O'Connor, Executive DirectorGinna O'Connor is a committed advocate for community-based solutions and has served as Executive Director of The Caring Place since 2013. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its programs, services, and facilities to better meet the needs of neighbors facing unexpected hardship. Deeply connected to the mission of The Caring Place, Ginna values the people who make the organization a true reflection of community compassion — and is grateful to devote her career to caring for neighbors.
With more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Ginna has developed and guided initiatives that address key social determinants of health — including food insecurity, housing stability, economic support, access to health care, early childhood success, and programs that help older adults age in place with dignity.
Ginna's leadership style is inclusive and collaborative, grounded in a deep belief in the power of personal connection. A long-held commitment to the principle of "think globally, act locally" has shaped her approach throughout her career — one that began with a formative experience serving as a VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America), which first opened the door to a life of nonprofit work.
Beyond her work at The Caring Place, Ginna is an active civic leader. She has served on the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2022 and served as Chair in 2025. She holds a B.A. from Hiram College and an M.P.A. from Cleveland State University. Outside of work, Ginna enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two adult children.
Directors & Advisors
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Erin Becnel
Erin is a dedicated social work professional with a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University and extensive experience serving marginalized and underserved communities. Her background spans case management, program development and oversight, grant writing and administration, and staff development—skills that ground her leadership in both compassion and operational excellence.
Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening access to basic needs and building programs that honor the dignity, resilience, and lived experiences of the people she serves. Her work reflects a deep commitment to equity, community partnership, and trauma‑informed practice.
Since 2015, Erin has served as Programs and Services Director, guiding The Caring Place with the belief that strong communities are built from within. She is proud to be part of an organization where the community itself—neighbors supporting neighbors—drives the mission forward.
Erin's leadership centers on collaboration, accountability, and the conviction that meaningful change happens when programs are shaped by the very community they serve.
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Jonathan Davis
Rev. Dr. Jonathan H. Davis brings over 20 years of nonprofit and pastoral leadership experience to his role as Engagement Director at The Caring Place. As a pastor, he partnered with organizations like The Caring Place to help meet human need in communities across Texas and Virginia, guided by a deep commitment to neighborly love and human dignity.
A seasoned professional in donor development and strategic partnerships, Jonathan has a proven track record of increasing donor bases and securing transformative grants for the organizations he serves. A Texas native, he holds a Doctor of Ministry from Logsdon Seminary at Hardin-Simmons University and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University's Lilly Family School for Philanthropy. His connection to The Caring Place is personal: his wife's late grandmother and uncle were longtime volunteers, and Jonathan is committed to honoring their legacy through the organization's mission.
Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and playing guitar.
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Ann Lind
Ann is a proud Georgetown native whose deep roots in the community have shaped both her life and career. After earning her BFA from the University of Texas at Austin, she built a 35‑year career in costuming and design within the retail industry. In 2007, she returned to Georgetown to join The Caring Place—a role she now sees as a meaningful full‑circle moment. What began as a homecoming evolved into the realization that sometimes the most fulfilling opportunities are found right where you started.
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Jim Tillman
Jim is an experienced human resources leader who has served in Human Resources at The Caring Place since 2018. He brings a strong foundation in organizational strategy, employee development, and operational stewardship, supported by a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology. He is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
His background spans the insurance, retail, and environmental services industries, giving him a broad perspective on workforce needs and organizational culture. In his current role, he oversees recruitment, policy development, employee coaching, benefits and compensation administration, and risk management programs, including property, auto, liability, and workers’ compensation. He also ensures accurate and compliant personnel systems and records.
Known for his collaborative and people‑centered approach, Jim is committed to building an inclusive, mission‑driven workplace where staff can thrive and The Caring Place can deliver meaningful community impact through its people. His favorite part of the job is the one‑on‑one interactions he shares each day with volunteers and staff, and the opportunity to witness the mission in action through their work and dedication.
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Mark Turner
An Austin native, Mark joined The Caring Place in 2010 and has spent the years since helping the organization’s technology evolve alongside the needs of the community. As Information Management Director, he supports a wide range of work—from everyday technical assistance to complex problem‑solving—with a focus on practical solutions that keep the mission moving forward.
Mark’s lifelong interest in music and electronics often comes in handy when donated musical instruments or audio equipment arrive. He enjoys identifying items that can be repurposed for internal use, maximizing value for the organization.
Grateful to work alongside mission‑driven staff and volunteers who genuinely care about people, Mark considers being part of this community one of the most meaningful aspects of his work.
Managers
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Dave Heath
Dave joined The Caring Place Food Pantry team in 2023 and brings decades of hands‑on experience from working across a wide range of industrial environments since graduating high school in Eastern San Diego County. His deep understanding of warehousing, shipping, and receiving strengthens the Food Pantry's ability to procure, organize, and maintain a well‑stocked and efficiently run pantry.
In his role, Dave leads with both skill and heart. He values the opportunity to work alongside The Caring Place’s dedicated volunteers and staff, and he is especially passionate about mentoring younger team members. Helping them build practical skills and strong work ethics that will serve them well into the future is one of the most meaningful parts of his work.
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Hannah Horick
Hannah joined The Caring Place team in 2025, bringing experience from both the nonprofit and political sectors. She discovered her passion for nonprofit work in West Texas, where she served as an advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence—a role that shaped her commitment to community-centered service.
At The Caring Place, Hannah’s favorite part of the workplace is the genuine warmth and sincerity shared among the team and the neighbors they serve. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of North Texas and enjoys art and design, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
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Kathleen Hopkins
With the education and heart of a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Kathleen joined The Caring Place in 2018 to lead its first grant initiative supporting seniors. She now has the privilege of managing the Programs and Services Team. Kathleen remains dedicated to strengthening humanity, inspired by The Caring Place’s integrity and earnest commitment to serving others. Through assessment‑based needs, innovative programs and services, and measured outcomes and impact, she continues to champion the organization’s mission to care for the community.
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Omar Mendoza
Coming from a small town with big creative dreams, Omar developed a strong eye for design and merchandising, which led to a role as an assistant manager in home décor. Those creative and organizational skills eventually brought him to Second Helping at The Caring Place, where Omar has been contributing since 2024.
Working at The Caring Place has been a fulfilling experience, giving Omar the opportunity to use creative talents while making a meaningful impact on the community every day.
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Lori Sutton
Lori and her family settled in Georgetown in 2009 after many years as a military family. With over 30 years in retail management, she has built her career on exceptional customer service, strong leadership, and developing others as both a manager and trainer.
Her connection to The Caring Place began long before she joined the team. From her first visit, she felt an immediate sense of comfort and belonging, often calling the organization her “happy place.” During a challenging time for her family, the organization provided meaningful support that left a lasting impact.
In 2023, Lori embraced the chance to give back to The Caring Place. Now a retail manager, she combines her experience and creative merchandising skills with deep gratitude, supporting neighbors in need through the organization that helped her own family.
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Lorna Symank
After over 34 years of service with the state, Lorna retired from Texas Workforce Commission in 2011. Lorna began volunteering with The Caring Place at that time and joined the staff in 2015. Over the years, Lorna has become a dedicated part of the organization’s mission to support neighbors in need through her administrative support of every department. One of Lorna’s favorite parts of working at The Caring Place is assisting clients in the Food Pantry and witnessing the genuine gratitude of families who rely on its services.
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Rita Turner
Rita joined The Caring Place in 2008 as the Community Engagement Manager, bringing a deep passion for sharing the organization’s mission with the community. A Georgetown resident since the age of four, she takes pride in having raised her three children in the town she has always called home. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.
Before her tenure at The Caring Place, Rita played a pivotal role in establishing the Victim’s Services Unit at the Round Rock Police Department—an experience that strengthened her lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and community support.
Assistant Managers
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Ashley Anderson
Ashley joined The Caring Place in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience working with and leading volunteers, along with a background in operations, retail leadership, and community service. No matter the role, Ashley has always believed the work is ultimately about people—building relationships, supporting others, and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and valued.
She was drawn to The Caring Place because of its commitment to serving neighbors with dignity and care. She loves working alongside staff and volunteers and being part of a mission that makes a meaningful difference in the community.
Outside of work, Ashley is a mom of six sons and enjoys weight training, photography, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
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Stephen Coop
Stephen Coop grew up in East Texas before moving to Central Texas in 2021 after marrying his wife, Morgan. He attended Tarleton State University and spent several years as a project manager for a local roofing company while also owning and operating his own pressure washing business. His passion for serving others eventually led him to join The Caring Place in 2025, where he has found a career that perfectly aligns with his heart for ministry and community service.
Deeply committed to his faith, family, and community, Stephen strives to reflect the love of the Lord in every interaction. He strongly believes in The Caring Place’s mission and takes pride in knowing that every day he works helps provide essential programs and services to neighbors in need. One of his favorite parts of the job is building relationships with those he meets. If you stop by the retail store during the week, there’s a good chance you’ll find Stephen greeting customers with a smile and making everyone feel welcome.
Outside of work, Stephen’s greatest joy is spending time with his family. He is a devoted husband and proud father who treasures every opportunity to be with his children, whom he is incredibly proud of. Whether serving at home, in the workplace, or throughout the community, Stephen is passionate about living out his faith and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
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Jalen Newman
Jalen joined The Caring Place in 2025, bringing operational experience from a warehouse environment into his role as Retail Assistant Manager at The Shops at The Caring Place. What he values most about being part of The Caring Place is working alongside a mission‑driven team that genuinely cares about serving others. Contributing to meaningful work that strengthens our community is what inspires him every day.
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James Salinas
James was born and raised in Round Rock, Texas and is an Eagle Scout. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Texas State University.
James joined The Caring Place Food Pantry in June 2023, and calls it the best job he's ever had. He greatly enjoys the people of The Caring Place, from his coworkers and volunteers to the neighbors who come through seeking help. Every day, he feels like he's made a difference in someone's life, and is grateful for the chance to give back to his community.
