Lacy Wolf is the Principal Industry Liaison at the Texas Gulf Coast Workforce Board for Employer Engagement in Building & Construction.  He relies on experiences and certifications developed in part by years of apprenticeship program training, through his leadership and member as Business Manager of the Insulators, Local 22, for 40 years, Vice President of the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council, and President of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, Lacy now brings his talents to all employers in the Gulf Coast Region, helping develop programs for their economic growth, and the growth of their workers.  He serves on the Harris County/ Houston Sports Authority as a Director and Chairman of the Construction Committee and has served on the City of Houston’s Mayor’s Policing Task Force.

A lifelong resident of Houston, Lacy grew up as one of eight siblings, a father of 9, and now a grandfather of 3.

He retired from the Harris County Sheriff's Department after working 20 years as a reserve Deputy. For 10 years, he taught classes, volunteered, and coached for St. Christopher’s Catholic School, Mt. Carmel High School, and Houston Community College. He is widely known as Coach Wolf to the many athletes he served after 26 years of coaching both junior high and high school sports teams. He has mentored many students through apprenticeship instruction, as well as coaching football, basketball, softball and baseball teams, and continues to serve communities through new development and engagement processes.

Lacy believes in trying to do what's right and equitable for all people. From working hard to expand contractors and workers economic development, to coaching and law enforcement, he approaches all his endeavors as opportunities to show people their growth matters.

Paul J. Puente serves as the Executive Secretary of the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council, representing construction unions across a 20-county jurisdiction. Elected in January 2013, Paul oversees 18 unions, 15 crafts, and 13 apprenticeship programs, each with a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC). 

A journeyman wireman electrician and member of IBEW Local Union 716, Paul began his electrical career in 1990, earning a degree in Electrical Technology from San Jacinto Jr. College. He's also an Organizer and Assistant Business Manager for his local. 

Paul is a proud family man with his wife, Janie, their six children, and two grandchildren. He is active in numerous organizations, including the Harris County AFL-CIO, Houston Business Roundtable, LCLAA, the Maritime Trades Department, and serves as Labor Liaison for Congressman Al Green. He also holds leadership roles in the Building Trades MC3, Port of Houston Small Business Advisory Board, and other key local initiatives.

Eric M. Goodie currently serves as Executive Vice President for the Houston Area Urban League. He is responsible for Affiliate operations and provides vision, leadership, organizational governance, and strategic direction for the agency. In his role, he directs Urban League internal and external operations, corporate relationships, program planning, and development, identifies and facilitates funding or charitable opportunities, and secures program resources. 

Eric has a successful track record of managing and leading complex multi-million dollar projects and has worked and/or partnered with the nation’s largest companies. He provides direct oversight for business management, skills training, and business consultation enabling entrepreneurs to obtain SBE/MWBE and HUB certification. He directs HAUL’s Entrepreneurship Center contracts providing technical assistance in areas of Business Development, Pre-venture Business Strategies, Business Branding, Market Analysis, Access To Capital/Financing, Procurement, and Contracts. Additionally, Goodie helped to develop and implement the HAUL Center for Social Justice and Education which provides experiences that build awareness, develop leaders, and accelerate change among individuals, teams and groups as we seek best and next practices in the social justice space. 

Prior to Urban League service, Mr. Goodie’s corporate experiences include American General, Century Development Corp., Centeq Equities (now Camden Properties) and Shearson Lehman Brothers. 

Eric also serves as President of Harris County Utility District No. 15 and Lincoln Green Advisory Committee responsible for District operations, tax assessment, asset management, community development, and water systems infrastructure. His expertise results from experience as a Securities Broker and Analyst where he helped plan and develop Real Estate acquisitions, syndications and marketed Real Estate Limited Partnerships. 

His past and present credentials and involvement include Asset Management Certification; National Association of Workforce Professionals; NCCER Master Trainer; Member, Association of Water Board Directors and American Water Works Association; American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow; Registered Insurance Representative; Licensed Securities Broker; and Texas Real Estate Agent. 

Goodie, a native Houstonian, attended Prairie View A&M University, University of Houston, and received certifications from Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy and NeighborWorks America. Eric is married to his wife of 32 years, Venora and has two children, Ashley and Eric II.

Rommell Williams is a distinguished leader in Workforce Development and Training, serving as the Director for the Houston Area Urban League. With over two decades of experience, Mr. Williams has established himself as a pivotal figure in shaping employment opportunities and career advancement initiatives in the Greater Houston area. 

As a seasoned professional, Rommell has successfully managed local, state, and federal programs, demonstrating exceptional skills in program implementation, fiscal responsibility, and strategic oversight. His expertise spans both juvenile and adult programs, allowing him to address workforce development needs across diverse demographics. 

Mr. Williams is a trainer for Career and Workforce coaches, where he imparts invaluable knowledge and best practices to enhance the quality of employment services throughout the region. His influence extends beyond direct service delivery, as he holds seats on various Workforce Advisory Committees, contributing to policy discussions and program innovations at a broader level. Currently, a highlight is his leadership of the innovative Urban Energy and Urban Tech jobs programs. These initiatives have been instrumental in bridging the gap between Houston's evolving energy sector and its tech industry, creating new pathways to access high-growth, high-wage careers. Under his guidance, these programs have not only provided valuable skills training but have also fostered important partnerships with industry leaders, resulting in increased job placements and career advancements for program participants. 

At the Houston Area Urban League, Mr. Williams continues to lead transformative initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth. His commitment to excellence and passion for workforce development make him a respected voice in the field and a valuable asset to the Houston community. 

Rommell started his passion for serving others with the Los Angeles Urban League at the age of 16. He has a bachelor’s degree in human services, and certifications in Workforce development from Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University and Offender Workforce Development Specialist form the Department of Justice-National Institute of Corrections.

Juliet is a native Houstonian who graduated as valedictorian of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. She earned a B.A., magna cum laude, in Political Science, Policy Studies, and Religious Studies from Rice University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. Her legal career focused on medical malpractice defense and civil litigation, culminating in her role as president of Nagorny & Stipeche, P.C. in 2007. She was elected to the Houston ISD Board in 2010 as the District VIII Trustee. In 2016, Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed her as Houston’s inaugural Director of Education, where she spearheaded initiatives for educational equity and was a key advisor during crises including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Juliet transitioned to the Houston-Galveston Area Council as the Director of Human Services, overseeing Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions and the Area Agency on Aging. As the executive director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, she drives strategies to meet the region's diverse employment and training needs, supporting economic development and workforce competitiveness in a service area encompassing thirteen counties and over 7.2 million residents.

Leonard Aguilar  started his career as a pre-apprentice with UA Local 142  in San Antonio Texas.  He then worked his way from the field to becoming an organizer then political Director with the Southwest Pipe Trades Association which covered the states of Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.  After his time at the pipe trades, Leonard became the Executive Director of the Texas Building Trades. Where he focused on the needs and rights of the construction workers in Texas.  Now Leonard is the Secretary Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO where he fights for ALL workers in our great state. Leonard is the first latino to hold the offices mentioned above and works day after day to make sure all workers in our state have a fair shot.