CU & T.L.L. Temple Foundation

Senior Economic Development Loan Officer

Chris Ranniger

Chris Ranniger is a Senior Economic Development Loan Officer for Communities Unlimited (CU). On top of commercial loans, Chris also handles CU’s infrastructure lending. He meets with borrowers to develop relationships, helps them get all accurate documents, and ensures they are properly prepared for the loan process. He guides clients through the loan process and works with the loan committee to ensure that everything is ready for loan closing.

Chris has a B.A. in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Chris works out of CU’s East Texas office.

Area Director for Broadband

Catherine Krantz

Catherine Krantz joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2022 as Area Director for Broadband. She leads a team providing broadband planning, technical assistance, and digital opportunity support in underserved communities. Catherine also manages CU’s broadband strategy, including program development, advocacy, and grant funding.

She brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development, nonprofit management, and international business, with over a decade focused on rural broadband. Catherine holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Arlington.

Area Director for Field Operations

DeAnna O’Malley

DeAnna O’Malley is the Area Director for Field Operations at Communities Unlimited (CU), where she works with communities to secure funding, deliver training, and implement projects. She partners with CU and other organizations to provide technical assistance and resources that help communities achieve their goals.

Previously, DeAnna worked for the Arkansas Department of Health, supporting community grants and providing technical assistance. She attended Kaplan University and Texarkana College and lives in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Management Consultant

Trent Thomason

Trent Thomason, MBA, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2023 as a Management Consultant. He works with small businesses to identify challenges, build capacity, and connect them to funding and training opportunities.

Trent has more than a decade of experience as an entrepreneur, including launching Fit Camp Austin and Enlightened Eating seminars. He previously worked in event logistics and tour management. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Senior Community Facilitator

Kristy Bice

Kristy Bice, Senior Community Facilitator (T.L.L. Temple), joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2023. She helps organize communities through stakeholder engagement, resource mapping, and connecting local leaders with opportunities across areas like broadband, water, healthy foods, and small business. She also supports CU staff, develops peer learning opportunities, and provides one-on-one support to East Texas team members.

Kristy was promoted to her current role in 2025 after starting as a Community Resource Manager. She holds a Master of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M University’s Bush School and lives in Lufkin, Texas.

Community Resource Manager

Timeka Mayfield

Community Resource Manager

Yadira Hernandez

Yadira Hernandez started with Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Resource Manager in March 2024. Yadira works with Southeast Texas communities and helps bolster civic infrastructure across the area. She develops and maintains relationships with community members and businesses and assists them in finding resources and tools to achieve goals for their community. 

Yadira attends Lamar University working towards her Bachelor of Applied Arts & Science. She lives in Port Arthur, TX. 

Area Director Community Strategies

Russ Garner

Russ Garner joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2023 and is the Area Director Community Strategies. In his role, Russ provides field leadership and support for Community Sustainability initiatives across CU’s seven-state service area. He works with communities, partners, and cross-functional CU teams to strengthen strategic blending efforts, support emerging initiatives, build partnerships, and advance rural community development strategies that help communities move toward long-term prosperity.

Russ holds an M.P.P.A. from Mississippi State University and has a background in research and rural development. He earned his Professional Economic Developer certification through the Community Development Institute in October 2023.

Community Resource Manager

Yolanda Martin

Yolanda Martin is a Community Resource Manager for Communities Unlimited (CU). She is located in Southeast Texas and joined CU in February 2024. Yolanda works with Southeast Texas communities and helps bolster civic infrastructure across the area. She develops and maintains relationships with community members and businesses and assists them in finding resources and tools to achieve goals for their community. 

Yolanda attended Texas Woman’s University and earned a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Business Administration.

Broadband Interstate Coordinator

Mark Pearson

Mark Pearson, Broadband Coordinator, is based in Austin, Texas, and joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2004. Working across CU’s seven-state footprint, Mark helps expand broadband access in underserved communities.

Previously, he worked with local governments and utility boards to improve financial management, regulatory compliance, and public health. He also coordinated with state and federal agencies to address critical infrastructure needs. Mark holds a B.A. in University Scholar/Liberal Arts and an M.S. in Economics from Baylor University, with additional studies at the University of Texas at Austin in public financial management and water resources planning.