Board of Directors

Jeff Chicoine, President

Jeff graduated from Jourdanton High School in 1991 and went on to get a degree in Criminal Justice at Wayland Baptist University. Jeff is the owner and agent at Chicoine Insurance Agency and has over thirty years' experience in the insurance industry.

Jeff has a passion for helping others and supporting his community. He is the current president of the Pleasanton Lions Club and member since 1996, member of Atascosa County Crime Stoppers, Jourdanton Chamber of Commerce Director, Official Donation Station for Atascosa Animal Allies, and Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 2011.

Jeff is married to Shannon Chicoine, they have one daughter, and both enjoy fishing and travel.

You can contact Jeff at jeff@jeffismyinsuranceagent.com

Michele Higginbotham, Vice President

Michele graduated from Jourdanton High School in 1988 and received a degree in Speech Communication from Texas A&M University. For the last 12 years she has served our community's financial needs as the Financial Advisor at Edward Jones in Jourdanton with previous work experience in education and banking. Michele is the current President of the Jourdanton Rotary Club, Vice President of the Jourdanton Chamber of Commerce, Director in the Jourdanton Education Foundation, Jourdanton Alumni Association Board Member, Jourdanton Hospital Association Board Member, Jourdanton Scholarship Committee Member, Jourdanton Methodist Church Trustee and an Area Representative of ASSE International Student Exchange Programs. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as travelling. Michele is married to Keith Higginbotham and they have 3 children, 2 son-in-laws, and 8 exchange children.

You can contact Michele at michele.higginbotham@yahoo.com.

Shannon Chicoine, Secretary

Shannon is a graduate of Pleasanton High School and spent years working in the affordable housing and rental market. She's experienced in maintaining/auditing state and federal compliance regulations and has a keen eye for detail. Her career in the Affordable Housing industry took her to many properties across Texas and helped many indigent Texans to find clean, safe, reasonably priced housing. She holds many certifications and has been awarded many honors by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs, Rural Rental Housing Association, and Hamilton Valley Management.

Shannon is active in the community, including being a Jourdanton Rotary Club member, Jourdanton 1909 Association Secretary, she also helps with many fundraising and planning community events.

Shannon enjoys time with family, photography, fishing, and travel.

You can contact Shannon at shannon@jeffismyinsuranceagent.com

Ronnie Pitts, Treasurer

Ronnie is a respected and accomplished resident of Jourdanton, Texas. Born in Austin and raised in a military family, Ronnie has quickly developed deep ties in the community and has become an active contributor to the area.

Ronnie and his wife, Wendy, came to Jourdanton in 2015, bringing over 30 years of experience in the Technology Consulting and Software Development business to call Jourdanton home. Ronnie's broad expertise and reputation have made him a sought-after professional across several industries.

In addition to his business success, Ronnie is also a dedicated community leader. He is a co-founder and current treasurer for the Jourdanton 1909 Association, serves on several boards, and is actively involved in local organizations and causes. He is the President of the Jourdanton Chamber of Commerce and is passionate about supporting small businesses, education, and economic development in the area.

Outside of his professional and community work, Ronnie enjoys spending time with his wife and friends, traveling, and seeking new experiences to share.

Jason Schaub, Member

Jason is a career Emergency Medical Technician of 22 years and is currently working as an Occupational Care Specialist. He is a community volunteer and enjoys helping where he can, when he can. His life goal is to own his own ranch and support his community as much as he can. His lifestyle is to pay it forward and help those in need. He is a father to a son who earned the rank of Eagle Scout and is preparing to graduate from Jourdanton High School. He intentionally rises too early in the mornings to watch the sunrise, as it brings him a sense of joy in his life.

Karen Pesek, Member

Karen was born and raised in San Antonio and has lived in Jourdanton for thirty years where she raised her two boys. She graduated from Southwest Texas State University (Tx State) with a degree in Home Economics Education. Several years later she went on to get her certification in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She taught Special Ed at Jourdanton Elementary for twenty-four years and finished her teaching career teaching Family Consumer Science at Jourdanton High School, retiring in 2018. While raising her boys she was involved in holding offices for many years on the Little League and JHS Athletic Booster Club Board of Directors. Karen is currently serving her fourth term on Jourdanton City Council. In her free time, she volunteers with the San Antonio Food Bank as well as various other organizations. She is passionate about being a regular blood/plasma donor.

Karen can be reached at kpesek0959@yahoo.com

Martin Gonzales. Member

Martin is a lifelong resident of Atascosa County and married for 22 years to Leigh Ann Blair-Gonzales, together they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Martin began working for the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 and has an extensive Law Enforcement background including posts within the Atascosa County Law Enforcement Officers Association and Texas Jail Association.

In 2020, after over 21 years of service to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office he resigned to begin working for NCIC Inmate Communications while continuing to retain his law enforcement instructor license.

Martin Gonzales is also the current Chairman of the Atascosa County Historical Commission and enjoys learning new and interesting facts about Atascosa County. The Historical Commission is involved in many projects throughout the county to preserve the history of the area.