A broad coalition of private, public, and community partners are working together to close the digital divide.
Executive Director
Rhia Pape was born and raised in San Antonio and has a great affinity for her city. A desire to serve others has always been the driving force in her personal and professional life. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, and a MBA from Texas Tech. Previously at the City of San Antonio, Rhia led digital inclusion initiatives in the Office of Innovation. She has also served on the Bexar County Child Welfare Board and is a recent past President of the Urban Management Association of South Texas (UMAST). With a passion for people and problem solving and creating lasting positive change, Rhia leads with intention and centers her community in every decision. While she spends most of her free time with her family, you can also find her enjoying the outdoors or reading a good book.
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Chair
Luisa Casso has over 20 years of public affairs experience in the private, public and non-profit arenas. Ms. Casso is the manager of corporate communications for Toyota Motor North America, Inc. where she leads a dynamic team of professionals responsible for the external and internal communications for Toyota Texas.
Luisa Casso
Chief of Staff, Trinity University
Vice Chair
Brian Dillard is currently Vice President of Technology and Innovation, VIA Metropolitan Transit. He began his career in public service in 2018 as the Smart City Administrator for the City of San Antonio. Prior to joining the local government sector, Brian was a Cybersecurity consultant in the private sector working with Shell Oil, Chevron Oil, Lockheed Martin, and Delta Risk. Brian began his career as a member of the United States Air Force where he served ten-years Active Duty as a Cybersecurity Operations Specialist. Brian is a third-generation Eastside San Antonio native. Upon returning to San Antonio toward the end of his military career, Brian became a neighborhood advocate and community leader.
Brian Dillard
Vice President of Technology and Innovation, VIA Metropolitan Transit
Secretary
Originally from Minnesota, Laura has spent 15 years in County Government. She us Director of Biblio Tech responsible for development, implementation and expansion of Biblio Tech through numerous community partnerships including SAHA, Via Metropolitan Transit, UHS, 14 area school districts as well as Laredo Housing Authority and Housing Authority City of Brownsville. Laura holds an MPA from UTSA and MLS from Texas Woman's University. Laura enjoys running, reading, cooking, bad jokes and her family.
Laura Cole
Director, Bexar County Biblio Tech
SUPPORT TEAM
Diane Warren, Bounceology - Operations/ Funder Relations Consultant
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Baltazar Serna - Government Relations Consultants
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Ximena Castro - Communications Consultant
“The team and I wake up every day with a passion to connect every resident in our community. Some residents are merely surviving by using the internet on their cell phones, but SA Digital Connects is committed to making sure all residents are thriving with fast, reliable and affordable internet in their home."
- Rhia Pape