WE OPEN DOORS. TODAY.

Leadership

Maryum Boyd, Executive Director

A true Austinite with a heart devoted to community service from a young age, Maryum's journey is rooted in compassion and dedication. Growing up with a pastor father and missionary mother, she embraced service early on—volunteering in nursing homes, engaging in street ministry, and offering prayers to those in need. (Romans 12:10)

Maryum's commitment to making a difference has grown stronger with time. As a first-generation college graduate and the first in her family to earn a master’s degree, she has accumulated extensive experience in administration, community relations, fund development, and operations across education, health & wellness, and national nonprofit sectors. Her most recent role as Director of Community Engagement at Community Resource Centers of Texas, Inc. reflects her passion for creating hope and transforming lives. (1 Peter 4:10)

Maryum is a natural born leader who embodies the spirit of service and community that defines River City Hope Street. She is determined to create a brighter, more hopeful future for all.

In her downtime, she enjoys journaling, traveling and creating new experiences, and spending time with her husband and children.

Our River City Hope Street Board

Marianne Golden, Board Chair & Secretary

With over 35 years of experience in engineering and project management across automotive, semiconductor, and IT sectors, Marianne Golden brings a wealth of expertise and a collaborative spirit to her role as Chairperson of the Board. Her career has been defined by her commitment to understanding and nurturing individual talents, helping people leverage their unique skills to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Since joining the Board in 2019, Marianne has served as Board Chair since 2021, where her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the organization's mission. Beyond her work with River City Hope Street, Marianne is actively involved with several other charitable organizations, including Meals on Wheels and More, Education Connection, Austin Bulldog Rescue, and Mobile Loaves and Fishes.
In her personal life, Marianne cherishes time with her family, especially her three granddaughters, and enjoys the company of friends and her two rescue bulldogs, Reba and Charlotte. Her dedication to both professional and community endeavors reflects her deep commitment to service and leadership.
Simone Pollard, Board Member

Simone has built a career centered on fostering community and personal growth through her 23 years of dedicated service with the City of Austin Parks & Recreation. Her passion for working with children and empowering women shines through her extensive involvement in various ministries and Central Texas organizations.
Simone's commitment extends beyond her professional life into her community work. She actively facilitates a Marriage Ministry, organizes an Annual Women’s Conference, and provides entrepreneurial services to new business owners. Her leadership is evident in her roles on the Boards of the Austin Bat Cave, Self Help and Advocacy Center (SHAC), and River City Hope Street Ministries. Since joining the Board in 1999 and serving as Board Chair from 2016 to 2021, Simone has been a driving force in the organization's growth and impact.
Guided by her mottos, "Control life, don’t let it control you" and "Always smile, no matter what you’re going through," Simone embraces each challenge with optimism and grace. Her favorite scripture, Psalms 100, reflects her joyful spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the name of Christ.
Garland Cole, Board Member

Garland has been in the business community of the greater Austin area for over 40 years. As the co-owner of an insurance agency specializing in employee benefits, she has encountered the challenging issues of organizations, both large and small. She has been involved in many volunteer efforts in the community and with her church.
Her desire to see River City Hope Street expand to serve more people across this area has led her to the Board position. Seeing people become more employable with greater potential for better paying jobs or following their path to full citizenship or learning to communicate more effectively are the benefits of River City Hope Street Garland wants to promote.
Jay Garriss, Board Member

Jay joined the RCHS Board with extensive executive-level experience in health care management and human resources consulting, and currently works for a Christian university in Virginia. He has served as a board member for non-profit organizations in education, mental health services, health care, and Christian ministry.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Finance and a graduate degree in Public Policy. In addition, Jay is also an Ordained Minister.
Chris Rowley, Board Member

Chris is now a Board Member! Chris founded River City Hope Street in 1999 and served as the executive director for 22 years. RCHS was originally known as Christian Women's Job Corps and expanded into Life Bridge Job Corps before becoming now River City Hope Street. She brings tremendous experience in nonprofit work along with a heart and passion to showcase God’s love.
Chris currently serves as a state consultant for Christian Women’s & Men’s Job Corps and in her downtime enjoys spending time with family.
Heidi Eichenauer

Heidi currently serves as secretary of the Board and as an ESL teacher for our organization. She is a very active member at LIFE Church Leander and brings a wealth of HR and operations experience from various sectors, primarily healthcare. She also has the added experience of having a grandson who completed our Trades program a few years ago.