Austin

Mortgaga Market Manager at UFCU

After growing up in the Austin area and graduating from Texas State, I began my career in the mortgage industry. I've gained extensive experience in every part of the mortgage process and now lead an amazing team of mortgage loan officers at University Federal Credit Union. I'm passionate about serving our members, my team, and my community. I have devoted countless hours volunteering with various organizations, believing that giving back is the most fulfilling way to have a joy filled life. On a personal note, my husband Bryce and I are proud parents to three wonderful sons who have grown into amazing men.
 

VP of Insights and Innovation at UFCU

Esther Edevold is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in finance, data analytics, and innovation. Her passion for using data to solve member challenges began during her time as an accountant, where she questioned how to support members struggling with loan payments. This curiosity evolved into a career focused on leveraging data to improve lives.

As Vice President of Insights and Innovation, Esther leads the organization’s data and AI strategy, driving hyper-personalized experiences and advancing data literacy. She oversees a team of data scientists and analysts who develop machine learning models to address member risk, retention, attrition, and CD renewal behavior.

Her notable initiatives include automating credit decisions, optimizing check hold policies, and building predictive models to enhance member engagement. Esther began her career at Government Employees Federal Credit Union and joined UFCU in 2006, where she has held several leadership roles.

She holds a Finance degree and an MBA from Texas State University and is a Vistage Emerging Leader graduate. Esther volunteers at Seton Hospital and her church, and lives with her family in Buda, Texas.
 

CEO at The Trail Conservancy

Julie Fisher is a dedicated community leader and nonprofit executive based in Austin, Texas. As of February 2025, Julie is serving as the CEO of the Trail Conservancy, where she leads efforts to protect, enhance, and connect the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake. In this role, she is focused on building partnerships, expanding community involvement and ensuring the long-term preservation of these vital green spaces.

Before joining The Trail Conservancy, Fisher was the Senior Manager of Global Community Impact at National Instruments (NI), where she led strategic philanthropy initiatives and community engagement efforts. She previously managed Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s community affairs team for over seven years, earning recognition for the company as an “Outstanding Large Philanthropic Corporation” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

A lifelong Austinite and Texas State University alumna, Fisher is deeply committed to education, civic engagement and environmental stewardship. She has served on the boards of Leadership Austin, Keep Austin Beautiful, and Breakthrough Central Texas, and has been honored as a finalist for the Austin Under 40 Awards. Julie lives her life by her motto “there is nothing too small to celebrate” and her passion for life shines through anything she sets her mind to.

Attorney and Founder at Morales Law Office

Novert “Mo” Morales is a seasoned criminal defense and personal injury attorney based in Austin, Texas. As the founding partner of Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, he has over 30 years of experience representing clients in state and federal courts across Texas. His practice areas include criminal law, personal injury, family law, and DUI/DWI cases. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing him to serve a diverse clientele.

Throughout his career, Mo has held leadership roles in several legal and community organizations. He served as Chair of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and as a Director with the Texas Young Lawyers Association. He has also been involved with the State Bar of Texas, including the Hispanic Issues Section, and has served on the boards of the Capital Area Public Defenders Service and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Mo has been recognized for his contributions to both the legal profession and the community. He has received multiple accolades, including the "Business Man of the Year" award from both the Midland and Greater Austin Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and the "Distinguished Alumni" award from St. Ann’s Catholic School in Midland. In 2019, he was honored with the Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico de Texas – Service and Leadership Award for his work in the Austin area.

EVP of Finance and Risk / CFO at UFCU

Rhonda Pavlicek serves as the EVP of Finance and Risk / CFO at UFCU. With over 30 years of experience, she is a strategic executive in the financial services sector, adept at balancing strategic goals with business requirements to achieve long-term stability and performance. Rhonda's dedication to continuous learning and professional development is reflected in her robust educational background, including a CPA certification, an MBA from Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas State University. She is also a graduate of the Credit Union Executive Society CEO Institute and the CBA Graduate School of Retail Bank Management, where she later served as a faculty member. 

Director of Marketing and Communications at The Texas Tribune

Kerri Qunell is a marketing and communications leader based in Austin, Texas, with over 30 years of experience. She currently serves as Director of Marketing and Communications at The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit newsroom known for its commitment to public interest journalism. Her career includes leadership roles at organizations such as the Trinity Episcopal School and the Central Texas Food Bank, where she led strategic marketing, branding, and communication initiatives. 

Kerri holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics from St. Edward’s University, where she was honored as the Outstanding Graduate, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas State University. She was also an adjunct professor at St. Edward's University. Her expertise spans nonprofit advocacy, education, public service, and media relations.

Deeply committed to community involvement, Kerri is a graduate of Leadership Austin and a past president and board member of the Young Women’s Alliance. She has served as a civic fellow, guest speaker, and advisory council member at Texas State University. Her contributions have earned her accolades such as the "Austin Under 40" award and recognition as a “Profiles in Power” honoree by the Austin Business Journal.