Staff & Board

With 30 years of experience in Main Street, Tourism, and Community and Economic Development Genora Young serves as the Executive Director of the City of Yoakum’s Economic Development Corporation. In her role,Genora leads the City’s Community and Economic Development efforts focusing on retention and expansion of existing business, new investment, entrepreneurial enterprises, and job creation.

Genora is a Certified Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED), Business Retention Expansion Professional (BREP), graduate of OU Economic Development Institute, and Community Development Institute.  Genora serves as Texas Ambassador for Business Retention Expansion International.

A native Texan and passionate advocate for rural communities, Genora has worked with communities including Fort Stockton,Midland, San Angelo, Eden, Gonzales, Bastrop, and Yoakum.  As Director of Outreach and Special Programs for the Texas Department of Rural Affairs, Genora worked with rural communities, counties, private sector industries, and Councils of Government across the State.

Projects she has facilitated include a joint effort with ED professional Tex Toler resulting in the recruitment and establishment of the Big Bend Open Road Race, the first high speed open road race in Texas; the creation of Frontera Healthcare Network (FHN), Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers in Concho, Mason, and Menard Counties; the relocation of Susie’s South Forty Candy Factory in downtown Midland; and the $50 million expansion of BYK USA, Inc. in Gonzales.  She also collaborated with regional West Texas partners to facilitate the creation of the Concho Valley Angel Network (CVAN).

Genora and husband, Greg, have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Layne Brandt is the President of Crossroads Bank, a community-based bank serving individuals and businesses in the local area with locations in Yoakum, Victoria, Hallettsville, and Moulton. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston – Victoria.

Whitney Boone is a dedicated member of Yoakum EDC’s Board of Directors, where she brings her interest in community growth and perspective shaped by sectors outside of government. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Whitney balances her professional career with her role as a mother of three, staying active in the local community. As the daughter of entrepreneurs, she grew up with a strong understanding of the importance of supporting small businesses and economic vitality. This upbringing has fueled her commitment to fostering economic opportunities and supporting local business development with the Yoakum EDC. Whitney is proud to contribute her experiences to the committee’s mission of enhancing the town’s prosperity.

Linda spent 47 years working for Hochheim Prairie Insurance before retiring on May 31, 2024.  She began in the Accounting Department where she held various positions.  From 1990 – 2000, she served as Manager of the Accounting and Underwriting Departments.  In 2002, she served as the Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and in 2013, she was appointed President of Hochheim Prairie Insurance.

Schmidt was an active leader in the insurance industry serving on the Communications and Public Affairs Committee for the Insurance Council of Texas and the Legislative Committee for the Texas Association of Mutual Insurance companies (TAMIC).  She also served as past President of TAMIC and past board member of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC).

Schmidt is a native of Yoakum and has been very active in the community serving in several local leadership positions including Chair of the Yoakum Chamber of Commerce, President of the Yoakum Community Hospital District Board, and Director of Yoakum EDC Board.  As a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Yoakum, Linda served on the Church Council as well as Director of Lord’s Little Angels Daycare Board.  Linda served as President of the DeWitt-Lavaca Texas A & M University Mothers’ Club and President of the Federation of Texas A & M University Mothers’ Clubs.

Schmidt is the 2020 recipient of the Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce’s Paul F. Gustwick Award for her outstanding contributions to the community as a whole.  This award was established in 1973 to honor Yoakumite Paul F. Gustwick for his outstanding community service and leadership.

Mayor Carl O’Neill is a native of Yoakum, attended Yoakum Schools, and upon graduation from YHS, he entered Texas A & M University, majoring in Civil Engineering.

After graduation from Texas A & M University, O’Neill embarked on a 37-year career with the Texas Department of Transportation which led him to Del Rio, Wharton, and full circle to the District Headquarters in his hometown of Yoakum, TX.  Retiring in 2010 didn’t slow Carl down.  He works part-time as a funeral assistant for Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.  He has served many years on the Board of Directors for the Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as a deacon at the New Life Baptist Church.  He serves on the Yoakum City Council and as Mayor of Yoakum.

Carl has a passion to serve others whenever and wherever God leads, especially in church activities and the Yoakum Food Pantry.

Mayor O’Neill loves spending time with his wife, their adult son and daughter, and their grandsons.  When time permits, he enjoys fishing.

Michael Trojcak brings years of financial experience to the Yoakum EDC Board of Directors as the Vice President of Yoakum National Bank.  Michael is a native of Yoakum and has been employed with YNB for 19 years.  In addition to his service on the Yoakum EDC Board of Directors, Michael is the Treasurer for the Shiner Academic and Athletic Foundation and is a member of the Yoakum Lions Club.  He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Michael enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with his wife and two daughters

A native of Yoakum, Pam brings knowledge and years of real estate experience and proven results to the YEDC Board.  Her expertise, dedication, and hard work have made her one of the top producing Realtors at the Ron Brown company and in Victoria for many years.  She holds numerous real estate and relocation certifications, including the prestigious Graduate, Realtor Institute designation held by only 10% of the nation’s Realtors.  Her ability to meet the needs of the clients has earned her numerous awards and accolades.  She has been named in the annual, The Ron Brown Company International President’s Premier, awarded to only 2% of CB agents.  Pam also offers clients invaluable information and knowledge about Yoakum and the surrounding area that she’s gained as a lifetime resident and community volunteer.  Ward served on the Victoria Board of Realtors and numerous community boards including the Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lord’s Little Angels Daycare, Yoakum Housing Authority, and EDC.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Houston.  She has one daughter and one granddaughter.

Tanya Wenzel, a life-long resident, invested for over 30 years in the financial world working with Yoakum National Bank, THD District 13 Credit Union, and T.D.E.C.U.

An outstanding swimmer, Mrs. Wenzel served as the first instructor for the City of Yoakum Summer Recreation Program, and she continues to teach private swimming lessons to Yoakum children each Summer.  She is currently serving her second term on the City Council and holds the position of Mayor Pro-Tem.

In addition to her service on the City Council and Yoakum EDC Board of Directors, Mrs. Wenzel has a long history of volunteering in the community having served as Treasurer of the Bulldog Booster Club, Treasurer of the  DeWitt-Lavaca Texas A & M University Mothers’ Club,  City of Yoakum Fire Department Pension Board, and several terms on St. Joseph’s Catholic School Advisory Council