The Better Business Bureau (BBB), along with the BBB Southeast Texas Foundation, announced the appointment of a chairman and new members to the BBB Southeast Texas Foundation Board of Trustees for 2026.
Elton Hollis was named chairman of the foundation. Hollis is the owner of Hol-Tech Resources LLC and vice president of RT Technical Solutions LLC. A veteran of the oil and gas construction industry with 27 years of experience, Hollis specializes in strategic consulting, executive coaching, and comprehensive safety management and compliance services across industrial and commercial sectors.
He is recognized for his pioneering work with Lamar Institute of Technology, where he has spearheaded critical small business training grants. An advocate for entrepreneurial growth, Hollis is a co-founder of the Golden Triangle Industrial Group and serves as vice chair of the Contractors Business Development Group and president of the Port Arthur Education Foundation Board.
Newly appointed members of the board of trustees include:
• Paul Koester, regional director of business development, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System — Koester currently serves on the Orange Chamber of Commerce Board, the Beaumont ISD Career and Technical Advisory Board, and the Beaumont Chamber Foundation, where he is chair-elect. He also serves as vice chair of the Beaumont Housing Authority Commissioners Court and as board chair of the Salvation Army. He previously served as chairman of the board for Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle. Koester is an active member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, a graduate of Leadership Beaumont, and a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio.
• Christopher Kovatch, vice president of commercial lending, Rave Financial — A native of Orange, Kovatch brings more than 20 years of experience in banking and financial leadership. He is a former chairman of the Orange Chamber of Commerce and has been recognized as Orange’s Best Banker and Citizen of the Year. Kovatch also served as president of the Orangefield Music Boosters. A community advocate, he resides in Orange with his wife, Christi, and their six children. He is a graduate of Lamar University.
• Jackie Padgett, president and CEO, Accent Compliance LLC — With more than 27 years of professional experience in the energy industry, Padgett is among the industry’s most experienced and recognized environmental management professionals. She currently serves on multiple energy and environmental advisory boards as an external subject matter expert. In 2014, Padgett founded Accent Compliance LLC, where she serves as CEO.
• Jill Wedekind, chief executive officer, By You Promos — Wedekind is the CEO and owner of By You Promos and By You Advertising. She currently serves as president of the Buna Chamber of Commerce and is also co-owner of Copper Bullet Lodge with her husband, Herb. She is an active member of BNI and resides in Buna.
The incoming trustees will help guide and oversee initiatives across the foundation’s eight-county service area.
“We are thrilled to welcome these accomplished individuals to our Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Darren Erwin, president and CEO of BBB Serving Southeast Texas. “Their diverse expertise, community involvement and commitment to ethical leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our signature programs across the region.”
In 2026, the BBB Southeast Texas Foundation will host a series of events focused on high-impact regional initiatives, including:
• Spark Leadership Summit, Feb. 26 — An immersive leadership experience designed to equip emerging and established leaders with tools rooted in trust, integrity, and ethical decision-making.
• Students of Integrity Scholarships — The foundation is accepting applications from high school seniors who exemplify strong ethics, leadership, and academic excellence. The application deadline is March 15. Applications are available at bbb.org/local/0845/setx-student-scholarships.
• Diamond Awards for Excellence, June 4 — An annual celebration recognizing businesses and leaders who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to trust and excellence in the marketplace.
• Brunch & Learn Series, beginning March 19 — Educational sessions offering timely topics, professional development, and networking opportunities for business and community leaders.
• Professional Women’s Conference, Sept. 10 — A premier event focused on leadership development, empowerment, and advancement for women across Southeast Texas.
For more information, visit bbb.org.
