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2026 Annual Meeting

Monday June 15, 2026 7pm - 8pm

Science Spectrum Reception Room

2579 S Loop 289, Lubbock, TX 

Meet The Nominees

Kay Rogers, Secretary

Kay Rogers is a Preschool teacher with Sonshine Preschool in Lubbock, Texas with more than 45 years of experience in education, has a bachelor's degree in Human Relations, and has served on the Camp Rio Blanco Circle of Friends Board as the Recording Secretary for 3 years.

 

Her connection with Camp Rio Blanco spans over 50 years as a camper, a counselor, a Troop Leader, and has served on the Camp Committee with the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains Council. She has also served as both an Assistant Day Camp Director and Day Camp Director previously with the Council and has remained connected with many camp alumni with a shared
vision for the future of Camp Rio Blanco.

 

As the current Recording Secretary, Kay has demonstrated a strong commitment to the organization. Her accuracy and attention to detail of meetings and records and her organizational skills have been essential to this role. Kay also has strong time management and communication skills which have been shown through her prompt correspondence with donors,
members and stakeholders as needed.

 

In addition to her Board role, Kay is also a program volunteer as well as a grounds maintenance volunteer at camp. Her camp and educational experience has been instrumental in assisting with program planning and teaching during camp events where she continues sharing her knowledge and love of camp.

Rebecca Gaitan, VP of Communications 

Rebecca Gaitan is a Senior Graphic Designer for the corporate marketing department at UMC Health System in Lubbock, Texas, with more than 20 years of experience in graphic design, branding, marketing, and communications.

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As a lifelong Lubbock resident and former Girl Scout, Camp Rio Blanco holds a very special place in Rebecca’s heart. During her years involved in Girl Scouts, the camp became a place of refuge, friendship, growth, and unforgettable memories. It was a space where she learned leadership, service, creativity, and community. These experiences stayed with her long after her time at camp ended.

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Rebecca is passionate about helping preserve and grow Camp Rio Blanco so that future generations, along with the broader regional community, can experience the same sense of connection and belonging that made such an impact on her own life. The opportunity to serve on the Circle of Friends Board is especially meaningful because it combines both her professional communications background and her personal love for the camp and its mission.

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In addition to her professional career, Rebecca has served on the Board of the American Advertising Federation – Lubbock for the past four years, including roles as Vice President and President. She served two terms as President from 2023–2025, helping lead the organization through strategic initiatives, member engagement, and community-focused programming.

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Rebecca is excited for the opportunity to use her creativity, leadership experience, and passion for storytelling to help share the mission and future vision of Camp Rio Blanco with the community.

Valerie Newton Mailhot, Member-at-Large

Valerie Newton Mailhot is a Licensed Insurance Agent with skills in finance, marketing, website and social media management.  She is also a Certified Ropes Course Facilitator for Camp Rio Blanco where she has guided both girls and adults in overcoming fears and to develop new skills.

 

Her connection to Camp Rio Blanco started as a young Girl Scout raised in Littlefield, Texas and attending camp each summer.  Valerie later became a camp counselor during two of her college years, and is now sharing her love and passion for Camp Rio Blanco with her daughter.  As a Camp Rio Blanco camper and counselor alumni, Valerie knows the value of camp and the impact that it has had in her life and others.  

 

Valerie is a leader in her community and has been a strong ambassador to the mission of Camp Rio Blanco Circle of Friends.  She is eager to serve on the Board and utilize her skills in whatever capacity she can to help grow Camp Rio Blanco for the future.

Johanna Daniel, Parliamentarian

Johanna Daniel has been involved with Camp Rio Blanco for four years and brings previous experience serving as a parliamentarian for another nonprofit organization. Professionally, Johanna works as a Registered Behavior Therapist, supporting children with special needs and helping them reach their goals.

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Johanna's love for camp began during her time as a camp counselor in Massachusetts while in high school. Today, she enjoys volunteering with Girl Scouts, working in the kitchen at Camp Rio Blanco, and spending time with her family. She is known for being organized, dependable, creative, and exceptionally calm in tense situations. When she's not volunteering, she enjoys visiting the beach, spoiling her two beloved dogs, and admiring her favorite animal, the sea turtle.

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