Field Services Representatives

Home: Dripping Springs, Regions: 1, 6, and 13

Before joining TASB in 2013, Jack Damron served for 37 years in public education as a teacher, coach, and high school principal, and was a field service agent in Region 1 Education Service Center (ESC). He also served as the superintendent of Lyford CISD and executive director of Region 1 ESC. Damron received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and his master’s degree and midmanagement and superintendent certification from The University of Texas-Pan American.

Home: Rockport, Regions: 2 and 3

Cara Cooke retired as Aransas Pass ISD superintendent in July 2023, after more than 35 years in public education as an elementary teacher, principal, and superintendent. Before serving in Aransas Pass starting in 2018, she was the Kilgore ISD superintendent and assistant superintendent in West Oso and Industrial ISDs. She has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University, and superintendent certification from University of Houston at Victoria.

Home: New Braunfels, Regions: 4 and 20

Craig Stockstill served as a superintendent for 23 years, with 15 of those years spent in the South Texas districts of Marion and Floresville. His career as an educator spans three decades across Texas. Prior to joining TASB, he worked as a field services agent in Region 20 Education Service Center. He received a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and his master’s and superintendent certification from North Texas State University.

Home: Longview, Regions 5, 7, and 8

Joe Dan Lee served public schools for 37 years, with 28 of those as superintendent at Redwater, Pine Tree, and Georgetown ISDs. He also served as a teacher, principal, and on many committees including the Commissioner’s Cabinet of Superintendents. Lee earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and superintendent certification from East Texas State University. He previously worked as a TASB field service representative serving regions 12 and 13 from 2007 to 2010.

Home: Comanche, Regions: 9, 14, 16, and 17

Rick Howard, named 2007 superintendent of the year for Region 14, served as the Comanche ISD superintendent for more than 12 years. He also served as a principal for Ira ISD in 1990 and superintendent in 1991. Prior to that, he was an athletic trainer and teacher for 12 years at Snyder ISD. Howard earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University and his superintendent certification from Sul Ross State University.

Home: Greenville, Regions 10 and 11

William Smith served in Greenville ISD for 35 years, including five as its superintendent. He held many positions in the district, including assistant superintendent for administration, assistant superintendent for operations, principal, assistant principal, and counselor/teacher. He has a bachelor’s degree from Jarvis Christian College and received his master’s and superintendent certification from East Texas State University.

George Kazanas began his career at TASB as division director of Field Services. In December 2023, he was named Executive Search and Field Services Officer as the two divisions were combined to streamline services to members. Kazanas has 32 years of experience in public education, and prior to his work at TASB, he served as Midway ISD’s superintendent. Kazanas was named Region 12 Superintendent of the Year in 2018 and 2004, while serving in Midway and China Spring ISDs.  

He is the former president of the Texas Association of Suburban/Mid-Urban Schools and a former executive committee member for the Texas Association of Community Schools. He previously served two different terms as a TASA Executive Committee member. Kazanas earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with teacher certification and a master’s degree in educational administration from Baylor University. He also holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Tarleton State University.  

Home: El Paso, Regions: 15, 18, and 19

Ruben Cervantes has served in public education for 35 years. He began his career as an elementary bilingual teacher and served as coach and counselor before entering administration. Through his 22 years of administration experience, Cervantes served as assistant principal, principal, associate superintendent, and superintendent. He has worked in multiple school districts throughout West Texas before retiring in South Texas. Ruben earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees at Sul Ross State University.