The Board
Paul Rutowski
Foundation Director
Paul Rutowski is a passionate advocate and leader within the Deaf community, with a legacy of service and impact spanning decades. Since 1997, he has been deeply involved in what was then known as the Travis County Council for the Deaf (TCCD). Under Paul’s leadership and vision, the organization underwent a major transformation—evolving into what is now the Greater Austin Foundation for the Deaf (GAFD), better reflecting its broader mission and growing reach within the community.
Paul brings a remarkable range of experience to his work, from entrepreneurship as a restaurant owner to creative pursuits like photography and landscape design. His leadership extends well beyond GAFD—he is President Emeritus of the Texas Association of the Deaf, a former board member of both the American Foundation for the Elderly Deaf and the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation, and he has been enshrined in the United States Deaf Golfers Association Hall of Fame.
A tireless advocate and fundraiser, Paul has helped raise over $1 million for worthy causes, always driven by his deep commitment to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. He is also a devoted family man, sharing his life with his wife, Avonne, and their two children—Alexandria, who is deaf, and Andrew, a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).
Dr. Jerry Paul Katz
Investments
Dr. Jerry Paul Katz, DDS, is a highly respected dental professional whose dedication to excellence is evident in every facet of his career. He earned his BA from the University of Texas at Austin and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston.
His dedication to the profession is further highlighted by his fellowships with the Academy of General Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists. Dr. Katz has been recognized multiple times for his outstanding contributions to dentistry, including being named “Dentist of the Year” three times by both the Central Texas Academy of General Dentistry and the Capital Area Dental Society. He has also been honored as a Texas Monthly Super Dentist, a testament to the respect he commands among peers and patients alike.
Rooted in the values instilled by his deaf parents, Joe and Rosie Katz, Jerry is known for his tireless work ethic—often the last to leave and always ready to serve. As a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), he carries their legacy forward with humility, dedication, and heart.
SheLLEY OISHI
Treasurer
Shelley Oishi is a seasoned professional in the telecommunications industry, with a rich background that spans over a decade. Starting her career as the Business Development Manager for Relay Texas at Sprint, Shelley has demonstrated her commitment to enhancing communication for the deaf and hard of hearing community. With a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling, she spent three years in mental health counseling and has extensive experience in job development.
Before her current role, Shelley made significant contributions at the Texas School for the Deaf, first as a work training specialist and later as a Parent Liaison. In 2015, she joined Purple Communications, managing enterprise accounts across 12 states, and played a pivotal role during the ZVRS merger as Regional Director.
Currently, as the Business Development Director at Communication Service for the Deaf, Shelley continues to drive forward initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and inclusion, showcasing her enduring dedication to the community.
Peggy Ann St. John
Peggy Ann St. John, originally from a deaf family in Florida, is a dynamic individual bursting with enthusiasm. Her unwavering passion drives her to actively contribute to the deaf community, participating in a wide range of activities, from galas and fundraising to social events and more.
Peggy Ann proudly graduated from the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington DC and holds a degree from Gallaudet University. Her commitment to the deaf community extends to her family as well; she is the proud parent of two CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) children, Emma and Trey. Recently, she entered a new chapter in her life as she tied the knot with Allen Hamilton. Both Peggy Ann and Allen are dedicated professionals who work full-time at the Texas School for the Deaf, further solidifying their commitment to the community.
Mark Seeger
Mark Seeger is the proud CODA son of Julius and Ruth Taubert Seeger and a lifelong communication advocate. Born in Austin and a graduate of the University of Texas, he began his career at the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where he was instrumental in the State Legislation for setting a standard for 24/7 Relay Services nationwide. Mark is happily retired and does volunteering, gardening and traveling with his husband, Jeff Harper.
Cathy Williams
Cathy Williams, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), has dedicated her life to the world of American Sign Language interpretation. Her career resumed at the Texas School for the Deaf, where she not only provided but also coordinated interpreting services for the Athletic Department, Superintendent's office and legislative affairs.
Currently, Cathy serves as a Co-Director and Board Member at the Austin Sign Language School, where she continues to make significant contributions to the Deaf community. Beyond her professional commitments, she passionately devotes her personal time to humanitarian work. Cathy has undertaken missions to various parts of Africa, where she has played an instrumental role in establishing the first deaf congregation in Malawi. Her dedication to both her profession and her mission work showcases her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Deaf individuals.
Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins
Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins hails from a Deaf family and boasts an impressive educational background. She obtained her BA degree in Psychology and later pursued a Master's in Administration and Supervision from CSUN. Furthermore, Bobbie Beth holds an Ed.D. in Institutional Management from Pepperdine University.
In addition to her academic achievements, she has made significant contributions in various fields. Bobbie Beth is a distinguished actress with a noteworthy tenure at the National Theatre of the Deaf. She has also held the prestigious position of President at the USA Deaf Sports Federation. Furthermore, she has served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Notably, she is the fourth woman to assume the role of President at the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Vince DiMare
Vince DiMare is a proud alumnus of Stephen F. Austin State University and has built a successful career in commercial private lending since 1990. He currently serves as the principal of Equity Secured Capital, a firm specializing in private bridge loans, where his decades of experience and deep industry knowledge continue to guide clients through complex financial solutions.
Outside of work, Vince is a licensed pilot who enjoys flying recreationally. He and his wife, Jan, share a happy life together and are the proud parents of two sons. Their son Vincent is a graduate of the Texas School for the Deaf and also holds a degree from Gallaudet University, continuing a legacy of resilience and achievement that reflects the family’s values.
Evan Winegard
Evan Winegard, an accomplished financial professional in Austin, Texas, serves as CFO for various organizations, offering expertise in accounting, equity development, and mergers. With over a decade of experience, he aids businesses of all sizes across diverse industries. Evan owns Abstract CFO, assisting startups, nonprofits, and established companies with accounting, strategic planning, and process enhancement. He's also the CFO for CHILMarketing and TRUE+ WAY ASL. Evan holds degrees from the Rochester Institute of Technology, is fluent in ASL, and actively supports causes, serving on boards like the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation. Beyond his professional pursuits, Evan enjoys sports and coaching basketball, and he co-founded the Deaf Pickleball Association
Jon Wolf
Jon Wolf is a proud alumnus of Texas A&M, known affectionately as an Aggie. His expertise in the wine industry has made him the go-to authority on all things wine-related. In recent years, Jon has broadened his horizons by venturing into a distribution company that extends beyond wine.
In his personal life, Jon is happily married to Angie, who has made significant contributions as a member of the Texas School for the Deaf Board. Together, they are parents to three children, two Amanda and Travis of whom are deaf and have received their education at the Texas School for the Deaf.