normal">A native of Brownsville, Lizzy graduated
from Duke University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, a Certificate
in Markets & Management, and a Minor in Dance. For the last 17 years, Lizzy
has been passionately working and volunteering in the Rio Grande Valley. She is
currently the Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Titan
Fuel, a vertically integrated company dedicated to maritime logistics and fuel exports.
Before joining the oil and gas industry, Lizzy was an Account Executive for
Fortune Global 500 company, Schneider Electric, where she specialized in energy
management consulting and energy-efficient capital improvement projects. Prior
to joining the private sector, Lizzy worked for the Brownsville Economic
Development Council, fulfilling various roles including Director of Business
Recruitment and Site Selector Network, Director of Business Retention and
Expansion, and Market Development Specialist. She was instrumental in the
recruitment of many companies to Brownsville that have created thousands of
good-paying jobs, including the recruitment of SpaceX. She has worked closely
with school districts and post-secondary education institutions in
collaborative efforts to help ensure our region develops an educated and highly
skilled workforce. Lizzy has been a Keynote Speaker and panelist for multiple
regional, state, and international conferences.normal"> normal">In 2023, Lizzy received the Leadership
Brownsville “Distinguished Alumni Award” in recognition of her outstanding leadership,
vision, dedication, contributions, and exemplary service to the community which
has had a lasting impact on making Brownsville a better place for all. In 2022,
Lizzy was awarded the “Women Empowerment Award” by the Greater Chamber of
Harlingen in recognition of her strength, confidence, and advocacy that
inspires others. She also received the “Women of Distinction” award presented
by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her professional
performance and community participation. Furthermore, she was featured as one
of four “Women on the Rise in the RGV” in Woman2Woman Magazine. In 2021,
Lizzy was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State Technical
College System Board of Regents, which provides leadership for its ten campuses
throughout Texas. In 2020, Lizzy received the “Distinguished Service” award presented
by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Cameron and Willacy Counties in
recognition and appreciation for her exemplary leadership and distinguished and
compassionate service. normal"> normal">In addition to serving as Board Regent
of TSTC, Lizzy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Business
Development Fund of Texas, the Children’s Museum of Brownsville, United Way of
Northern Cameron County, and the Brownsville Community Foundation.
Additionally, she serves as a Student Mentor for the Brownsville Community Foundation
Youth in Philanthropy Initiative, and she serves on the Duke University Alumni
Admissions Advisory Council and interviews South Texas students aspiring to go
to Duke.normal"> normal">Formerly, Lizzy served as Board
President of the Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development, Board
President of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Cameron & Willacy Counties,
Board Chairwoman of Leadership Brownsville (and a graduate of Class XXVI),
Secretary and Co-founder of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos Brownsville Chapter, and Board
Member and Co-founder of Crayons2Calculators in Durham, North Carolina.
Additionally, she is a former member of United Way of Southern Cameron County’s
“All In” - Partners for Postsecondary Success Leadership Team, Rio South Texas
Economic Council Industry Advisory Committee, and the Brownsville Worker
Cooperative Development Advisory Board. As someone who is passionate about engaging
and empowering students, she has served on Brownsville ISD Advisory Committees and
is often invited to present to students and educators. Above all roles, Lizzy
is the proud wife of Steven Putegnat and the proud mother of Isabella and Elliana.
In her spare time, Lizzy enjoys running, dancing, fishing, hunting, traveling,
and spending quality time with her family and friends.