Janis Richardson

Co-President

Janis is a passionate believer in democracy and the power of everyday people to make their communities more welcoming, resilient and just. A native Texan, Janis and her husband Merle returned to Texas in 2003 after living many years in Memphis, TN. She now lives in Hallettsville where her maternal family first settled after emigrating to the United States from Germany,

Janis spent the last part of her career as Executive Director of Grassroots Grantmakers, a network of grantmaking organizations in the United States and Canada who support volunteer-led neighborhood groups with micro-grants and technical assistance. After retiring, Janis gathered four friends who shared her interest in democracy and together they founded the League of Women Voters of Lavaca County, now the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas. Janis now also serves on the board of LWV of Texas.

Janis' first loves are her best friend and partner Merle, her children and grandchildren, and her canine sidekick, Ace the Wonder Dog. She enjoys Thai food, baking, gardening, learning about family history, traveling to new places, baseball, and yoga. And, of course, the League of Women Voters!

Cindy Meredith

Treasurer/VOTE411 Coordinator

Cindy Meredith is the owner of The Herb Cottage, a herb and succulent nursery located in rural Lavaca County, Texas. Cindy also teaches a Yoga class at the Lavaca Medical Center's Fitness Center in Hallettsville.

Cindy's interest in herbs and wellness has led her to being involved in community issues. She is one of the founding members of the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas. She believes the League can enhance the community's interest and understanding of how important it is to be an educated voter.

Karen Bookout

Director/Fayette County Liaison

Jaci Elliott

Director/Membership Chair

Jaci Elliott and her husband Doug retired from teaching in the Houston area and moved in 2019 to their barndominium in Schulenburg, TX. 

Delighted to find like-minded, civically engaged women in her new surroundings via the League of Women Voters, Jaci enthusiastically joined her local league and has been active ever since. 

Jaci is a former docent with the Fort Bend Museum Association, a current Brazos Bend State Park volunteer and Master Naturalist, an avid reader, environmentalist and political junkie. She also enjoys songwriting, hiking and paddling.

Jaci credits her father, who taught American history, and some amazing women educators in high school and college for instilling her with a longstanding interest in government and journalism.  

Helen Niesner

Co-President/Women's Leadership Chair

Helen joined the League of Women Voters because she cares deeply about people, community and country. 

She is grateful for the privilege and the honor of experiencing life in many different roles and of interacting with people in diverse environments. Helen grew up in Fayette County, TX in a large family on a small farm and is a first generation college graduate. She and her spouse have two sons of whom they are immensely proud and a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren who are a joy. 

Helen’s first career was in service to the Austin community as an auditor for city government, an “accountability watchdog” and a promoter of effective and ethical governance. Subsequently she went back to school to pursue a counseling degree. Her most cherished work was with students of all ages through Communities in Schools. “It is amazing how having someone to listen or an encouraging word, a nudge, some love can make learning in the classroom more productive and can make the next steps in our life journey a more welcome and meaningful adventure.”

Helen has been described by her peers as quietly assertive and solution oriented. She hopes to bring these leadership qualities to her work with the League to build community and a democracy that works for all.

Belinda Pustka

Development Coordinator/Lavaca County Liaison

Belinda White Pustka has served as public school teacher and administrator in Texas.

Following her retirement from public education as a superintendent for the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City school district in the San Antonio area, Belinda taught at UT Austin, conducted research for a military organization, worked as a policy analyst during the 82nd and 83rd session of the Texas legislature, and was the executive director for a non-profit in San Antonio for seven years before retiring to her farm in Lavaca County.

Along with her husband James, Belinda now raises racing quarterhorses as a hobby. 

Marilyn Vandeveer

Director/DeWitt County Liaison

Marilyn is an eighth generation Texan.  She moved to DeWitt county in 2008 to be close to her grandchildren.  She is a I am a retired Massage therapist of 25+ years and prior to that was a business and office manager for an alternative medicine physician. She has been married for 51 years and has 3 sons and 2 grandchildren.  

Marilyn enjoys spending time with my family, friends and  traveling when I can. She has been active in politics all her adult life and has enjoyed working on several different campaigns.  She believes in being involved and that YOUR  SILENCE IS  YOUR ACCEPTANCE.