Members

Chair

Thomas Martinez is a lifelong Taylor resident and has a passion for this community and held many leadership positions over his lifetime including President of the Temple College at Taylor (TCAT) Foundation, Taylor ISD Board Trustee,  Taylor Chamber Board Member, Chamber President and Development Chair of the Taylor Education Enrichment Foundation.

Vice-Chair

Tim Mikeska started his 47 year career in Emergency Services in 1978.  He has been certified as an EMT, EMT Paramedic, State EMS Instructor/Examiner, and Adjunct Professor of EMS Programs.  He also had a 26 year career in the Fire Service retiring as Chief of the District.  In 1980, he was the Director and President of East Williamson County Emergency Care Team, the very first EMS Volunteer First Responder Organization in the county.   As a pilot, rated in both airplanes and helicopters, he is currently a Command Pilot for Angel Flight and a CERT Instructor.  He currently teaches numerous Emergency Care Certification Courses as the Director of the Taylor Heartsaver Foundation.  In 2001, the State of Texas Military Forces awarded him the "Texas Eagle Award" and in 2002, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded him the  "Seven Seals" National Award.   In 2025, he was named Taylor's Outstanding Citizen.  

Secretary

With over 30 years of experience in education, Lisa Baum has served as a teacher, curriculum specialist, and principal. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with students, families, and the broader community, building strong partnerships to support academic success and community well-being.

A proud resident of Taylor, Lisa values the strong sense of connection within the community and is committed to giving back through service. She believes deeply in the mission of GTCOAD—ensuring our community is prepared for disasters and able to respond with resilience and unity. Her background in education, leadership, and community engagement makes her a valued member of the GTCOAD team.

City of Taylor Fire Chief

Chief Daniel Baum leads the City of Taylor Fire Department, overseeing both emergency response operations and administrative functions. He also serves as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator, working closely with regional, state, and federal partners to enhance public safety and community resilience.

Chief Baum has over 25 years of experience in the fire service and EMS. He began as an EMT and volunteer firefighter while working full-time in the information technology field before transitioning to a career in the fire service.  

A U.S. Army veteran, Chief Baum is committed to leadership through service, accountability, and preparedness. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety & Health and a Master’s Degree in Emergency & Disaster Management. He is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program at Texas A&M TEEX/Mays Business School.

Honorary Chair/ Consultant

With a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Texas State University, Jesse has a strong foundation in government and public administration. His career began as a Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison, where he evaluated state policies, management practices, and fiscal affairs across key areas, including local government, criminal justice, and transportation. Transitioning to the private sector, he now applies his analytical expertise and strategic communication skills to entrepreneurship. 

Taylor ISD

Ron Verano serves as the Executive Director of Operations for Taylor ISD, overseeing district-wide maintenance, facilities, transportation, and operational planning. A former U.S. Army Officer, he led large-scale logistics operations across the United States and Europe and later served as a Company Commander and Director of Operations for Army Basic Training.

Bringing that same focus on planning, preparedness, and teamwork to public education, Ron is deeply committed to serving the greater Taylor community. He grounds every decision in what best supports students and believes strong partnerships between the district and community are key to long-term success and resilience. 

Stacey Clements made Taylor her home in January 2023 and is an involved member of the community. She is an RN currently working part-time as a pediatric home health nurse. Her husband, Bruce Clements, is currently the Emergency Management Chief for Williamson County. As a family, they are dedicated to planning for and responding to disasters. Stacey heads up the volunteer management team for the Greater Taylor COAD. 

City of Taylor

Shelli Cobb was elected to City Council, District 2 in May 2024. She was first sworn in May 14, 2024. Her current term expires in May 2027

Mrs. Cobb grew up in the small town of Dalhart in the panhandle of Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech University and served 31 years as a teacher, coach and assistant athletic director. Twenty-five of those years were spent in Taylor, before she retired in May 2023. She is an active member of First United Methodist Church where she serves on several committees, is a member of the TEE Foundation, a volunteer of Shepherd’s Heart and the Taylor Animal Shelter, and an official of both the UIL State Track and Field Meet as well as the Area Special Olympics Track Meet. 

Mrs. Cobb and her husband Brian are the proud parents of their oldest son, Clayton, who is a Texas State Trooper stationed in East Georgetown and Taylor, and their youngest son, Conner, who is attending college in College Station. She is currently the Marketing and PR Specialist at S & D Plumbing in Taylor.

Taylor Fire Dept.

Baylor Scott and White

Taylor Compress