Our organization was born out of a shared desire to address the common questions and concerns of our community’s over 6,000 residents. We are a group of active, engaged citizens and volunteers dedicated to fostering a strong, connected, and autonomous community.
Our core mission is to improve communication and increase awareness of the valuable resources available in our area. By working together, we aim to facilitate greater engagement among citizens and with other local organizations. We believe in providing a clear pathway for residents to voice their suggestions and concerns, ensuring these ideas are given the weight they deserve.
Community engagement is the foundation of our work. We are committed to building a future for our community that is shaped by the people who live here, prioritizing our collective interests and strengthening our autonomy. This is a critical time to take advantage of our ability to chart our own course before external forces define it for us.
To achieve our goals, we will use a variety of tools to gather input and drive progress, including town hall meetings, community surveys, and committee meetings. We are also developing this website as a central hub for information. We will research outside developments that could affect our community. Through these efforts, we will ensure that our community’s future is guided by the voices of its own people.
Lakehills Looking Forward is represented by a steering committee, with sub-committees for each focus area. Our committees are not decision making organizations, but rather act as conduits for our community and facilitators for action by our citizens.
Steering Committee Members
Kelly Beedle
MemberMy husband and I have been blessed to raise 5 children in Lakehills. We are highly engaged in positive community outcomes through local organizations like Hill Country Samaritans, Lakehills Community Center, Medina Lake Fire Department, Lakehills Baptist Church, 4H, and Bandera County Interagency Coalition.
Neil Middleton
MemberCurrently a Senior Project Manager with a non-profit statewide telecommunications organization. A coast guard veteran, family oriented and outdoor enthusiast. Lakehills Looking Forward has offered an opportunity to become actively engaged in the community that I live in and love.
Angela Robertson
MemberA homeschool mom with a background in surgical assisting and military working dogs. My husband and I are raising our children and pursuing a sustainable homestead goal. I’m thrilled to participate in an association that actively seeks out ways to engage our community!
Greg Spengler
MemberI am first and foremost an avid fisherman! Currently, I am the Bandera County Precint 2 Constable. Working in this community for years as a general contractor, it has also been my privilege to serve in the Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department both as a fire fighter and as President. My desire is to leave this place better than I found it.
(Position Open)
Member
(Position Open)
Member
Sub-Committee Chairs
Debbie Reile
Government & Community RelationsMore recently, I retired from a 35 year long career as a teacher and counselor. I am very committed to and active within the community serving as Lakehills Looking Forwards Government and Comminity Relations Chair; on the Executive Board of the Local Garden Club; Lakehills Area Library Board member (prior president for 5 years); and the Program Manager to the Community Garden at Lakehills United Methodist Church. I enjoy collaborating with like-minded citizens to promote progress in our community.
(Position Open)
Economic & Land Development.
(Position Open)
Health & Human Services
(Position Open)
Infrastructure & Environment
Rise’ Martin
Safety & SecurityRise’ Martin is a retired dentist (serving the Lakehills Community for over 20 years) and is currently serving on the Lakehills Library Board as the fundraiser chair and the Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department Treasurer since 2022. Rise’ was committed to serving the Lakehills community as a Nagel clinic volunteer and has been recently been active with the Cajun Festival as a volunteer for many years, Lakewood Estates Homeowners Association Secretary, church activities and various other organizations. She commonly states that “she is working for the Lord and her paycheck is in the mail.” Since our school schedule is only 4 days per week, Rise’ volunteers to prepare lunches for approximately 400 students every Friday at the Out of the Way Café. In her spare time, Rise’ enjoys golfing with her husband, Sam.
(Position Open)
(TBD)