Yoakum Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors welcomes three new members

At its August 16th meeting, the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation (YEDC) welcomed three new members and one reappointment to the seven-member Board of Directors. Yoakum City Council appointed the new directors at its August 10, 2021 regular meeting. YEDC directors serve two-year terms. All natives of Yoakum, the new appointments include Mayor Carl O’Neill, Mr. Layne Brandt, and Mr. Michael Trojcak. Dr. Whitney Boone was reappointed for an additional term on the board.

Mayor O’Neill became Yoakum’s mayor on May 11, 2021 and is replacing former Mayor Annie Rodriguez on the board. O’Neill, a civil engineering graduate of Texas A&M University, retired from the Texas Department of Transportation in 2010 after a long and distinguished career. He presently serves as a Funeral Assistant at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum.

Layne Brandt currently serves as President of Crossroads Bank in Yoakum. He is a 27-year veteran of Crossroads Bank, and has served as the bank’s President since 2013. Additionally, Brandt is an entrepreneur and owner of several laundromats and car washes.

Michael Trojcak is a Loan Officer at Yoakum National Bank and cattle rancher. He is the father of two and has been with Yoakum National Bank for 16 years. He has been active in local organizations including the Yoakum Lions Club and Little League.

Dr. Whitney Boone serves as the board’s Vice President. She is employed as a physical therapist at Complete Hometown Physical Therapy in Yoakum. Boone has a BS in Applied Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.

"We are thrilled to welcome these leaders to the YEDC. Each of them has a wealth of experience, talent, and civic mindedness that will help strengthen the organization. I am incredibly grateful for their leadership and look forward to working closely with each of them," said Terry Stokes, YEDC’s Executive Director.

Additional members of the YEDC board include the following: Board President Gery Maneth, a local ranch owner, business consultant, and retired employee from Occidental Chemical Corporation. Sean Mooney, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School and member of Yoakum City Council. Linda Schmidt, President and CEO of Hochheim Prairie Insurance.

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The mission of the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation is to ensure that Yoakum is a premiere business destination for opportunity and growth via new business attraction, land acquisition and development, progressive infrastructure development, business expansion, and job creation.