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 from Germany to the United States.

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 that 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 recently completed four two-year terms on the LWV of Texas Board of Directors and is the 2026-2028 Chair of the LWVTX Nominating Committee.

Janis' first loves are her best friend and partner, Merle; her children and grandchildren; and her canine sidekicks, Ace the Wonder Dog and aspiring therapy dog Lacey. She enjoys Thai food, baking, gardening, learning about family history, home renovation, traveling, baseball, and yoga. And, of course, the League of Women Voters!

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, whom they are immensely proud of, 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.

Cindy Meredith

Treasurer/VOTE411 Coordinator

Cindy Meredith is the owner of The Herb Cottage, an 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 become involved in community issues. She is a founding member of the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas. She believes the League can strengthen the community's interest in, and understanding of, how important it is to be an educated voter.

Susana Weber

Secretary

As a sixth-generation South Texas native, Susana understands the barriers minority families face in securing economic stability, safety, and educational opportunities. Through her LWV work, she aims to amplify underprivileged voices to improve their success.

Susana was born the fifth of eight children to parents with limited formal education who moved from their Texas ranch to the city. Her family's strong work ethic helped all six surviving children achieve professional success in fields from statistics and pharmacy to psychology and public service.

After studying chemistry and biology at the University of Houston, Susana married and worked in research laboratories at Texas A&M and Iowa State while supporting her husband's graduate studies. In 1970, they joined the Peace Corps with their two sons, serving in Honduras where she taught laboratory procedures. She later established analytical laboratories for beef exportation across Central America and the Caribbean through USDA-supported consulting work.

Returning to complete her B.S. in psychological counseling, Susana later earned her M.A. from the University of Houston-Victoria and opened a private practice. The Department of Defense contracted her to counsel military families at bases across the U.S. and Germany.

Currently, she serves as an officer for the Lindenau Rifle Club, Secretary/Treasurer for DeWitt Lavaca Democratic Women, and Secretary for her quilting guild. Her hobbies include painting, gardening, quilting, and cooking.

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 in her a longstanding interest in government and journalism.  

Janice MacBride

Director/Colorado County Liaison

Janice’s life has been shaped by service, curiosity, and a deep love for community. Growing up in South Dakota and later studying psychology and sociology in Illinois, she developed an early understanding of people and the systems that shape their lives. Her career — spanning social work, juvenile probation, and teaching — reflects her belief that even small acts can make a meaningful difference.

When she retired in 2011, Janice embraced one of her greatest joys: caring for her four grandsons. After her husband’s passing in 2019, she found strength and connection through a Columbus book club, leading an exercise group, and joining a Christian women’s group that visits nursing homes each month.

A devoted animal lover, she has raised llamas for more than 30 years and cherishes her pets, especially her little dog Gertie. She enjoys gardening, reading, birdwatching, traveling, and spending time with friends.

A lifelong follower of politics, Janice discovered the League through years of using the Voters Guide. She is honored to support the League’s work to strengthen democracy at a time when civic engagement matters more than ever.

Belinda Pustka

Development Coordinator/Lavaca County Liaison

Belinda White Pustka has served as a 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 sessions of the Texas legislature, and was the executive director for a nonprofit in San Antonio for seven years before retiring to her farm in Lavaca County.

Along with her husband James, Belinda now raises racing quarter horses 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 retired massage therapist of more than 25 years and, before that, a business and office manager for an alternative medicine physician. She has been married for 51 years and has three sons and two grandchildren.  

Marilyn enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and traveling when she 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.