Executive Director

Janice grew up in Lyndhurst, Ohio, graduated from Kent State University and retired as a US Army Colonel, with 30 years of military service in communications/logistics for the Army, and Texas Army National Guard. Janice has been in Bastrop County for over 35 years and has lived in String Prairie, Rosanky and currently lives in Smithville. In 2017, she completed her Master of Arts degree at the University of Texas Austin in the Human Dimension of Organization (HDO) innovative leadership program. Since 2015, Janice has served as the Smithville Community Clinic Executive Director. Janice provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the SCC organization’s strategic vision, mission, goals, and objectives. Since 2017, the clinic has added well women’s, behavioral health, and dental services for the underinsured and/or under-insured population in Smithville and Bastrop County. Her focus is to provide hope and healing to those without means and expand the clinics services daily.

She serves as a Smithville City Council Alderman, Place 5, Executive Committee member for the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), co-chair for the Smithville Workforce Training Center (SWTC) board of directors, member of the Smithville Whole Health Partnership (SWHP), member of the Smithville Independent School District (SISD), Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), member of the Smithville Noon Lions Club and is currently leading the Smithville Housing Huddles for input to the Smithville Economic Development Community Resiliency Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

Janice is married to Gerard Hynes, and has seven children (blended family), four grandchildren and another on the way.

Case Manager

Aa Passionate and Empowering Leader in Workforce Development Nirian Benitez is a native of Mexico who was raised in the United States, embracing the rich cultural tapestry of both countries. As a fluent bilingual speaker in Spanish and English, she is a bridge-builder fostering connections across diverse communities. As a devoted mother of two boys, Nirian's unwavering love and support are at the heart of her family life. Her genuine and down-to-earth nature resonates with those around her, creating an atmosphere of warmth and compassion. When she's not nurturing her family, Nirian enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new destinations, and indulging in her culinary passions. Nirian's professional journey embarked in 2013 when she graduated as a Medical Assistant. Since joining the workforce in 2022, she has steadily advanced her career as a Talent Engagement Specialist to a Talent Development Specialist. Opening new opportunities with Smithville Workforce Training Center. Her dedication to serving others has led her to roles, and Case Manager. In these capacities, Nirian empowers individuals to achieve their career aspirations and reach their full potential.

Bastrop County Coordinator

Alan Butler grew up in Dubuque, Iowa and comes from a family who has a long history in the skills trades. Throughout high school Alan worked for builders and roofing companies. When he graduated high school he started out taking courses in construction management while working full-time building banks and custom homes.

While that work was interesting he learned you could go to school to go fishing all day and actually get paid for it. Alan holds a B.S. Environmental Science from the University of Dubuque and has worked all over the country and internationally doing fisheries biology work in some unique places such as Alaska, Paraguay, Coastal Louisiana conducting research after the BP oil spill.

When he moved to Bastrop, Texas in 2012 he and his wife fell in love with the community and Alan started his own contracting business to payoff student loans and have extra income while working for Texas Parks and Wildlife. His business exploded into more than he ever expected and quickly realized the need for the skills trades in the community.

Alan served on the Smithville Workforce Training Center Board for nearly 2 years before jumping into the day to day operations at the beginning of the summer in 2023. Alan is passionate about the community and is proud to be a part of the Smithville Workforce Training Center. He said, “The program at the Smithville Workforce Training Center is a program that will set the stage for citizens and businesses to have amazing opportunities going forward as our community grows.”

Alan wants to make sure people in the community get the training and opportunities that can change their family tree and do work that matters. As a business owner he understands the difficulty in finding highly skilled employees, and is also passionate about helping business owners get the qualified employees they need to help grow their businesses and the community. Alan enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 children traveling around Texas visiting parks and historical sites, hunting, fishing, eating good BBQ, and in his busy schedule even finds time to coach Little League.

Fayette/Lee County Coordinator

Case Manager

Becky is a lifelong resident of Smithville, Texas and currently resides in one of Smithville’s rural communities. She attended Smithville ISD from kindergarten to graduating high school. After graduating high school, Becky attended Blinn Jr. College and later transitioned to cosmetology school which led to a successful career for 20+ years as a licensed cosmetologist. On a whim, she decided to “try something different” which led her to a career as a Case Manager at SWTC. Becky has been married for 29 years and is the proud mom of three boys which are all grown and starting families of their own. She thoroughly enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons and their families.

Becky has volunteered throughout the years for several different organizations. She would prefer to be a “behind the scenes” volunteer but is not afraid of stepping up to the occasion when asked. She said “It is extremely gratifying helping people reach their goals and become successful. Lending a helping hand is sometimes the only thing between success and failure.” Becky’s attitude and work ethic makes The Smithville Workforce Training Center the perfect organization for her to aid and encourage others in need. She looks forward to being part of this successful and growing organization that will be beneficial to so many individuals in and around our community.

Case Manager/Mentor

Ronnie is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and has been a part of the Smithville Community for over a decade. He served as a member of the Smithville Housing Authority Board and is a member of the Smithville Ministerial Alliance.

Ronnie graduated from Mt. Olive Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. Prior to joining the Smithville Workforce Training Center, he worked for the University of Texas at Austin Charter schools in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement for the past 16 years. He served as an instructional aide providing computer-based education to students with disabilities within various treatment centers throughout Austin and in Bastrop.

Ronnie has been married for 24 years to his sweetheart Lenora Holt. He has two children and two grandchildren and loves spending time with them. Ronnie has volunteered with many organizations in the Smithville Community and serves as Senior Pastor at Abundant Grace Community Church. He is excited to help people meet their career goals through the SWTC.

CASE MANAGER

Ramon Rivera has been part of the Smithville community for the last 11 years where he has served the community through Churches and the Smithville ISD Athletic department. He was born and raised in Puerto Rico and move to Texas 22 years ago when He join the United States Army where He and his family felt in love with Texas and raised their children. His career reflects over 25 years of Management experience with the Federal Government, private sector and Pastoral Ministry. He is excited to continue to contribute to trained and mentor people through the Smithville Workforce Training Center.

Accountant/Human Resources

Case Manager