We believe that our employees are the most important resource that we have available to support us daily in the fulfillment of the “aviation” mission for the State of Texas. They are, as team members, our winning hand. We will continue to showcase employees in Wingtips, so that you can get to know them, their responsibilities and their interests.
By Marie C. Peinado
… “Show me the money … now!” A common call from the wilds of Texas, Margarita Garcia, the unofficial handler of our purse strings, performs her job as assistant grant manager, in our Grant Management Section, with calm and collectedness. Flying at Mach speed through the execution of voluminous contracts with airport consultants … those lovable entities that faithfully help us to accomplish our mission in Texas, she makes sure that they are paid in earnest and on time. Margarita is a stickler for figures, a figure herself, she handles our accounts payable, petty cash fund and assorted duties in her realm of action.
Considered a veteran, a I 0-year “faithful” state employee, Margarita began her hitch with the State of Texas at the Texas Department of Transportation, formerly known as the “Highway Department.” In a moment of uncertainty, Margarita chose to leave us and surfaced at Texas Department of Public Safety for a short time, but promptly returned to Aviation, where she has safely been for the last four years. Some of you will recognize Margarita as our distinguished door prize coordinator at our annual aviation conference.
Margarita, a Rio Grande Valley native from Pharr, Texas, lives in Round Rock Texas , a suburb of Austin with her husband, Felipe, who works for City of Austin Transportation. The couple has three daughters: Florence, 24, a recent graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio; Jennifer, 11, and Jessica, 12, both girls attend Brushy Creek Elementary School.
A consummate and talented arts and craft aficionado, Margarita has been known to give Martha Stewart a challenge in design. Most importantly, Margarita is a civic-oriented person, who is actively involved in school PTA affairs, a dedicated Girl Scout Leader, and a strong advocate for Children with Disabilities, namely autism.
It is a pleasure to have Margarita in Aviation and to enjoy her cheerful disposition and contribution to our division.
By Bob Woods
We are pleased to introduce Deborah Ann Luna as our new Human Resource Officer in the Aviation Division, she replaces Nona Gold who retired in May.
Deborah has been in the Human Resources (HR) field for over 10 years. She began at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and then joined TxDOT in December 1994. She was previously employed in the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division (VTR) as a Payroll, Insurance and Training Coordinator. She also was Chairperson for the VTR Employees Activities Committee. In addition, she has recently received her certification as a Defensive Driving Instructor for Texas Department of Transportation.
Deborah was born and raised in Austin. She comes from a family of five siblings with strong family ties. A single parent, Deborah has three children, two boys and a girl. Gabriel, age 16, and Timothy, age 14, both attend Crockett High School in Austin; and Megan, 3, attends day care. An expert in the chauffeuring business, Deborah is now getting plenty of miles in with her young and energetic family.
If you have time, ask Deborah how the Spurs are doing now that fabulous San Antonio basketball team! A faithful fan to both the Spurs and UT Longhorns, Deborah enjoys these sporting events, a predilection acquired from attending her sons’ football and basketball games.
Next spring, Deborah will restart her efforts of reaching her educational goal: a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. She plans to shortly complete her basic coursework at Austin Community College and then, her specialization coursework from the University of Texas.
Good luck Deborah!
