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 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 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 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 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 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.

Jose M. Zamora is the owner operator of Pro Veterans Plumbing and serves as a board member for River City Hope Street.

Before becoming an owner operator, Jose was the operations director for the Central Texas Food Bank, Brother’s Food Service and Buckhead Meat and Seafood, a subdivision of Sysco Foods Houston TX. He was responsible for all end-to-end management of the supply chain, warehouse activities, and inventory accuracies.  He played a key role in implementing six sigma data driven methodologies to improve logistical processes by reducing defects, variation, and errors. 

Prior to being named director of operations, Jose served 20 years in the US Navy, where he earned the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class under the rate of Logistics Specialist. He served as department head for various logistical commands such as Supply Logistics Command New Orleans LA, Fleet Reserve Center Lemoore CA, and Patrol Squadron 69 Whidbey Island WA. Jose was decorated with meritorious achievement medals such as a Navy Commendation Medal, 7- Navy Marine Corp Achievement Medals, and 5- Good Conduct medals. 

Jose earned an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Columbia College of MO.