Adrian Carrasco
Interim Executive Director
Adrian Carrasco was raised one of ten children in Kermit, TX. The importance of education was instilled in Adrian and his family and all 10 family members went on to graduate from Midland College and receive 4-year degrees at various universities. After graduating from UTSA with a degree in Political Science, Adrian returned to Midland, TX and went to work with Midland College as Recruitment Coordinator and Admissions Director. Adrian enjoys sales and marketing and was able to work in the pharmaceutical industry with companies such as Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Johnson and Johnson, and Novo Nordisk. With the downturn in the healthcare industry, Adrian started JTC Construction that specializes in residential and commercial construction. After four years, Adrian diversified into the oil and gas industry and has been a business owner in this industry over 14 years. Adrian’s philosophy in business is to provide a one-stop shop approach with services that will make it easy on the customer. The past eight years Adrian has owned Premier Energy Services LLC. Adrian enjoys spending time with his family, committed to his businesses, committed to his faith, committed to improving higher education opportunities for all, enjoys volunteering, and being involved in the community.
Sara Saleem
PBIZ Director
Pakistani Immigrant. Advocate. Educator. My greatest passion is empowering others and creating pathways for all community members to receive equitable access to opportunities. To this end, I have worked in education for over a decade as a teacher, department leader, and instructional coach. In addition to my primary job functions, I was recognized for my commitment to education by being awarded Midland High School PTA Teacher of the Year, Student-Choice Teacher of the Year for 5 years, and the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment.
My educational background includes a master’s degree in English Literature from the University of the Permian Basin and a postgraduate degree in Education Leadership from Lamar University. I spend my spare time enjoying time with my daughter, traveling, and building furniture.
I am extremely excited to embark on this new adventure as Director of the PBIZ and work with the community to ensure all students have equitable access to opportunities that will not only propel them towards successful and sustaining futures but also bolster the local economies and communities.
Advisory Board
Michael Valencia
Superintendent, McCamey ISD
Mr. Michael Valencia is the Superintendent of McCamey Independent School District. Mr. Valencia has served in various positions throughout his 22-year educational career. Mr. Valencia began his career with Pecos Barstow Toyah ISD as a teacher and coach. Mr. Valencia continues his teaching and coaching career with Brady ISD and Alpine ISD. Mr. Valencia began his administrative career with Alpine ISD serving as Alpine High School Dean of Students. Mr. Valencia then moved to Monahans Wickett Pyote ISD as Sudderth Elementary Principal. Prior to becoming McCamey ISD Superintendent, Mr. Valencia served as McCamey High School Principal. Mr. Valencia has been instrumental in growing the relationships between school and communities to continue to increase learning opportunities for all students. Mr. Valencia is married to his wife Ashley Valencia. Together, they share six wonderful children. Together they have three sons, Ethan, is a senior at Texas State University and plans to begin his career in education next year, Bodhi, age 8, and Reece, age 8, as well as three daughters, Bella, 16, Kendal, 14, and Ava, 11.
Dave Lewis
Superintendent, Crane ISD
Dave Lewis is a veteran Texas educator. He was named Crane ISD Superintendent in April 2023. Before coming to Crane, Mr. Lewis was the superintendent of Rochelle ISD. Recognized as an innovative educator, he was named the 2021 Texas Association of School Boards Region 15 Superintendent of the Year. Mr. Lewis previously served as the middle school principal for San Saba ISD prior to his work as superintendent in Rochelle iSD.
Jennifer Myers
Associate Vice President of Workforce Education, Midland College
Dr. Jennifer Myers spent 7 years as a Crime Scene Technician with the Odessa Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit and spent another two years working with the US Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, TABC, and the Secret Service to assist prosecution of federal crimes. Dr. Myers began her career in higher education in January 2012 at Odessa College, where she served as a Department Chair of Criminal Justice. In August 2015, Dr. Myers became an Associate Dean over career and workforce education. In June 2018, Dr. Myers was promoted to a dean position that oversaw the School of Business & Industry. Dr. Myers is passionate about workforce education and the opportunities it provides to all individuals. She has been at Midland College for just over 2 years and serves as the Associate Vice President for Workforce Education, where she currently oversees the college’s Adult Basic Education and Literacy programming, all Continuing Education programming, and the Criminal Justice, Paralegal, and Cosmetology programs..
Amanda Griswold
Director of Nursing, McCamey Hospital
Amanda Griswold is the Director of Nursing (DON) for McCamey Convalescent Center of McCamey, TX. Before becoming DON, Amanda was the Chief Nursing Officer of McCamey County Hospital District for 3 years. Amanda has worked in many specialties throughout her career as a nurse primarily specializing in Interventional Cardiology as a charge nurse and Emergency Care. Amanda started working as a housekeeper at a nursing home in 2009 where she decided to further advance her career becoming a CNA. Amanda then obtained her LVN and her RN from Cisco College in Abilene and continued her education at Texas Tech Health Sciences for her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing Administration. She has always been very passionate about education and never misses an opportunity to teach or learn. Amanda is the proud parent of two daughters ages 14 and 15 and has been married for 15 years.
Adrian Carrasco
Owner, Premier Energy Services
Adrian Carrasco is an experienced entrepreneur. As the owner of Premier Energy Services, Mr. Carrasco has a demonstrated history of hard work and customer service in the oil & energy industry.
He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science degree with an emphasis in Political Science and Government from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He also earned an associate’s degree from Midland College, where he was a member of the Latin American Student Society.
Brian Stubbs
Board Member, Education Partnership of the Permian Basin
Brian Stubbs is the owner and president of Air Compressors Solutions based in Odessa. Brian was a board member of Educate Midland when they merged with the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin (EPPB). Brian has been in the role of Secretary of EPPB since the combination of the two organizations.
Born and raised in Southeast New Mexico, Brian pursues his passion for helping bring education to everyone by serving on a few boards in the Permian Basin in addition to EPPB, including Communities in Schools of the Permian Basin and REACH School Board. He is actively involved in his two son’s activities, including church, Boy Scouts, swimming, and soccer.
