Texas Volunteer Management Conference Leadership

Dr. Hillman Evans IV, VolunteerNow

Conference Chair

Dr. Hillman Evans IV, “Hill,” is committed to helping others cultivate a happier, healthier workplace culture that facilitates staff retention, leadership development, and an improved overall experience for both employees and the community.

In his role as the Senior Director of Programs at VolunteerNow™, Hill possesses the opportunity to research, design, develop, and implement programming both internally and externally. Originally hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Hillman has integrated his professional pursuits with what he considers his true calling. He aids professionals at all levels and across sectors in advancing their leadership development. He maintains an unwavering enthusiasm for his endeavors, which promote a rewarding future for himself and all those with whom he collaborates.

Hill has proudly chaired the last three conferences. He’s thrilled to continue blending innovative and exciting elements to create memorable experiences for all attendees.

Rachel Walsh, Cohere Life

Vice Chair

Rachel Walsh is the Director of Community Life for Veramendi with Cohere Life, where she leads community engagement, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives designed to strengthen connection and belonging within master-planned communities. With 15 years of experience in volunteer management and nonprofit leadership, Rachel focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for residents to serve, lead, and support one another.

Throughout her career, she has built volunteer programs, organized fundraising events for students at Oakdale Joint Unified School District, and taught reading and writing to students in special education. Rachel is passionate about the power of volunteerism to bring people together and strengthen communities. She was also a speaker at last year’s Texas Volunteer Management Conference.

Ryan Jackson, Visiting Nurses Association

Sponsorship Chair

Ryan Jackson is a Community Relations Specialist with experience in volunteer management, event coordination, and strategic communications. He currently serves as the Corporate & Community Engagement Liaison at VNA, where he builds partnerships and strengthens community impact.

Previously, Ryan was Volunteer Manager at Ascend Dallas, where he led recruitment, engagement programs, and volunteer coordination. His background also includes roles with GRACE, the State Fair of Texas, and i9 Sports, focusing on youth sports, outreach initiatives, media relations, and social media strategy.

He holds a B.A. in Communication (Public Relations) with a minor in Broadcasting from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he served as Vice President of PRSSA.

Ryan is passionate about community engagement and is known for his creativity and results-driven approach. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife, family and friends, playing with his dog Nova, and hosting a Texas sports podcast.

Allyson Venable, Ballet Austin

Communications Chair

Ally Venable is the Senior Manager of Community Impact at Ballet Austin, where she leads community programming, volunteer engagement, and strategic partnerships to expand access to the arts across Central Texas. Her work centers on creating inclusive, movement-driven experiences that foster connection and well-being.

She has grown a dynamic Volunteer Corps, led large-scale community initiatives, and built meaningful partnerships with nonprofit and civic organizations. As Communications Chair for the Texas Volunteer Management Conference, she focuses on strengthening storytelling and connection across the field.

Meghan Delaney, VolunteerNow

Website Chair

Meghan Delaney is the Director of Volunteer Services at VolunteerNow, one of the largest volunteer centers in the country.

She has been using her passion for service and community building in the nonprofit sector for over a decade.

Meghan grew her love for hands-on work while serving in two National Service AmeriCorps programs. She is a former Texas State Park Ambassador and was previously awarded the Outstanding New Volunteer Administrator Award for her work with the City of Dallas Volunteer Program.

At VolunteerNow™, Meghan leads a team that provides volunteer solutions to more than 4,200 nonprofits and 700 school campuses through VOLY.org and VeriFyi background checks.

This is Meghan’s third time serving on the TVMC Planning Committee.

Whitney Tolliver, The Teacher Retreat

Hospitality Chair

Whitney Tolliver is a nonprofit leader and educator with over 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator. As Founder and CEO of The Teacher Retreat, a nonprofit dedicated to educator wellness, she designs meaningful experiences that help educators feel supported, valued, and recharged.

Her events range from appreciation experiences and wellness mixers to on-campus visits for educators. Whitney is passionate about creating thoughtful, welcoming spaces that bring people together.

As Hospitality Chair for the Texas Volunteer Management Conference, she brings a blend of educational leadership, nonprofit expertise, and strong event coordination to ensure an engaging, memorable experience for all attendees.

Tracy Gardner, Dallas Zoo

In-Person Volunteer Chair

With 16 years at the Dallas Zoo, including 11 as a volunteer coordinator, Tracy Gardner believes everyone deserves a chance to contribute and make a difference. By fostering confidence, skill-building, and communication in volunteers who might not otherwise have the opportunity, she creates meaningful connections and experiences that inspire both people and the animals they support.

As Volunteer Chair for the TVMC Conference for the second year in a row, Tracy demonstrates the power of collaboration, leadership, and community engagement to transform volunteer programs into truly magical and impactful moments. She is also actively involved in the Zoo’s intern program, including a pilot initiative that empowers interns to raise awareness and funds for conservation partners.

Tracy is especially passionate about creating hands-on experiences that connect volunteers to conservation efforts, with a focus on supporting Texas native wildlife. When she’s not at the Zoo, she enjoys volunteering and stepping back into history—crafting historically accurate meals and sharing immersive interpretations of how our ancestors lived.

Lisa Varholy, Meals on Wheels Montgomery County

Virtual Volunteer Chair

Lisa has been an integral part of Meals on Wheels Montgomery County for more than a decade. Her lifelong passion for volunteering and community service continues to inspire her work today. As Director of Volunteer Relations, Lisa leads initiatives to meet the evolving needs of diverse volunteer roles, ensuring the organization remains equipped for both current and future demands.

Throughout her tenure, Lisa has built and nurtured a thriving volunteer program, emphasizing connection, communication, and engagement. Under her leadership, the Volunteer Relations team develops strategies that keep volunteers informed and involved through meaningful opportunities.

Beyond her local impact, Lisa actively contributes to the broader volunteer management field. She serves on the Meals on Wheels Texas Membership Committee, the Planning Committee for the Texas Volunteer Management Conference in Dallas, and is a proud member of AL!VE (Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement). In addition to her professional role, Lisa is a dedicated community volunteer herself, with a special passion for hospice and end-of-life care.

The speaker was amazing, extremely knowledgeable, knew how to keep the audience’s attention and gave a lot of very valuable information in a very well presented and fun manner!