Our Team

HWC Staff

Valerie Zapien, M.Ed., CHEP, QMHP-CS

Williamson County and Cities Health District

Valerie.Zapien@wilco.org 

LinkedIn Profile

Curriculum Vitae

Action Group and Community Advisory Board Leadership

Each action group is voluntarily led by a community member. In some instances, groups are co-led by community members and may be supported by paid staff of Williamson County and Cities Health District.

• Serving in an action group leadership role for all three years of a CHIP cycle and helping to mentor the next group of leaders. We understand life happens, so please communicate if any changes occur, as soon as possible. It is our hope that one may complete a full calendar year term if possible.
• Contributing to the development of the agenda and content for each action group meeting by attending virtual meetings or via email.
• Fostering the established group etiquette.
• Facilitating discussions and decision-making during meetings.
• Contributing to action group member management-including addressing member concerns outside of meetings and reporting them back to the coalition coordinator in a timely manner. 
• Cultivating a focus on equity by recruiting diverse membership, fostering conditions for inclusion, engaging in community, and using data to understand disparities and develop strategies.
• Serving as a bridge for the initiative's work in the community by seeking input from partners, speaking at community events, and updating members on progress. 
• Attending 80% of working group meetings, which will typically occur at least once monthly.

Role of a Community Advisory Board (CAB) Member includes: 

• Serving as a member of the Community Advisory Board is a yearlong commitment which may be extended to last the duration of the latest CHIP cycle, depending on when the board member term begins (maximum term of three years). 
• Contributing to the collective strategic direction for the Healthy Williamson County Coalition, strengthening county wide relationships, identifying assets, gaps, and collaborative opportunities in Williamson County, Texas.
• Attending 80% of CAB meetings, which will occur as needed and as often as twice monthly.

Community Advisory Board members provide advice and consultation on Coalition activities.

All leaders meet periodically to monitor activities of the community health improvement process as well as recommended strategic direction and priorities for improving the health of Williamson County and its communities. 

If you are interested in applying to be in a leadership role, complete this application. Deadline for the 2025 cohort is November 1, 2024.