Our Board of Directors
We exist to whole-heartedly serve our members!
Keith Whitfield
City Manager, City of Italy - ARCIT Board President
Keith Whitfield served as the City Administrator for the City of Rosebud for eight and half years, City Manager for the City of Daingerfield for two and half years, and for four months for the City of Marlin. He currently serves as the City Administrator for the City of Italy, Texas. Additionally, Keith served on the Board of Directors for the Central Texas Water Supply and the Heart of Texas Council of Government. Keith has been married to Janice for 27 years and is father to a son, Darrell, a daughter Keauna, and grandfather to Deja.
Nichole “Nikki” Bermea
Business Development Manager, Ratliff Utilities - ARCIT Executive Director
Nikki, an Army veteran, began her journey in local government in 2013 as a certified court clerk for the Natalia Municipal Court. By 2014, she transitioned into overseeing the city’s finances and later advanced to Assistant City Secretary in 2019 and City Administrator by 2022. Nikki served as the City Administrator until 2025. Beyond her professional roles, Nikki has contributed to multiple local boards and clubs. Nikki served on the ARCIT Board of Directors from 2023-2025 and was appointed the Executive Director in 2026. She is the proud mother of two sons and a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Mark Meuth
Bastrop County Commissioner, Pct. 3 - ARCIT Board Treasurer
Mark is currently serving as Bastrop County Commissioner for Precinct 3. He was first elected to the position in November 2016. He worked for Texas Department of Transportation for 29 years before retiring on October 2017. He was a transportation specialist and was involved in designing and maintaining roadway, bridge, maintenance and construction projects, developing budgets and analyzing data for cost analysis.
Bert Cunningham
City Manager, City of Bowie
Bert has been involved in City Government for over 40 years serving in several capacities both elected and appointed including Council Member, Mayor Pro-Tem, Mayor, Chairman of the Bowie Economic Development Corporation, and now as City Manager. He has overseen many projects in his tenure including the expansion of Amon Carter Lake, the building of an electric substation, the building of both a Water Plant and a Wastewater plant on the same site, a multi-million-dollar sewer line project, and the rebuilding of bridges on two main thoroughfares in Bowie. He owned three private businesses during his tenure in elected office and has worked for a corporation after selling most of his businesses to them. His best asset is the experience he has gained over the years of managing the operations of these ventures and the employees who made them all successful. He has also served on several local and statewide boards as well as local civic clubs. Bert has a wife, Toni, and two grown children.
Rhett Parker
City Manager, City of Post
J Rhett Parker currently serves as the City Manager in Post, Texas. He has been in local government since 2001 where he began his career serving as City Secretary in Ralls, Texas. He later moved to Cameron, Texas to serve as their City Manager for eight years. He is proud to be home in West Texas where he was born and raised. His passion has always been fighting for small cities needs and concerns. As an Eagle Scout he always believes in leaving a place better than where you found it.
He works closely with SPAG, South Plains Association of Governments serving on several committees for the region pertaining to grants, solid waste, and economic development. He serves as vice president of WTCMA, West Texas City Managers Association and the Post Rotary Club.
He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from West Texas A&M University. GO Buffs! He has a CPM, Certified Public Manager diploma from Texas Tech University and an MPA, Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas in Arlington.
Rhett and his wife Stacy have two teenage daughters that keep them very active in the community.
Eric Kleinsorge
CEO/Chairman, Global Site Location Industries
Eric Kleinsorge is the founder and CEO of Global Site Location Industries (GSLI), which he established in 1994. With over 30 years of experience, Eric has worked with more than 2,500 companies, helping them secure successful new locations for job-creating projects. His expertise lies in understanding what truly motivates companies in their expansion and relocation decisions, making him a trusted advisor to both businesses and communities. Eric is also the owner and publisher of Global Trade Magazine and GlobalTradeMag.com, a leading resource for international trade insights. The magazine's website attracts over 1,000,000 unique visitors annually, reflecting its influence in the global trade and logistics industries.
In addition to his work with GSLI, Eric is the host of two highly acclaimed podcasts: Logistically Speaking and Community Connection, where he highlights opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive.
Eric is also the creator and host of GSLI Prospect Live Events, a platform where active projects are showcased, allowing communities to directly engage with and learn about potential economic development opportunities. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and Communications from Texas Tech University. Eric is happily married and the proud father of five children, balancing his professional success with a fulfilling family life.
Robbin Kearsey
Client Services Manager, Pape-Dawson
As the Business Development Representative for Municipal Services in the Austin area, Robbin spreads the good news of Pape-Dawson throughout the region. Her passion for people, and thus sales, goes back to her first job out of college where she was working for a developer of office buildings in Houston. Robbin thoroughly enjoys meeting people, so a career in sales allows her to interact with many people. She’s worked in professional sales for over 24 years.
While specifying in selling airport Department of Transportation work, Robbin worked with KSA for many years. As a member of the Pape-Dawson team, she would like to foster a notable growth in sales and market share in the Austin area. She has great compassion for her clients and wants each person to feel that she has understood their needs and helped them accomplish their goals. Robbin considers herself determined and says she can usually find a winning strategy when she sets her sights on a goal. She is the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Austin Chapter's Past President and the Past President of the CSI's South.
Ashley Adauto
Executive Director, Monahans EDC
Ashley Adauto holds the position of Executive Director at the Monahans Economic Development Corporation. She began her career as a secretary and progressively acquired the necessary expertise and skills, ultimately leading to her current role as Executive Director when the position became available. Since 2013, she has worked with the City of Monahans, actively contributing to the community. Ms. Adauto is an active member of the Monahans Ambassadors, the Monahans Rotary Club, and the Monahans Women's Division. A native of Del Rio, Texas, she proudly now considers West Texas her home, where she is dedicated to continuing to make a positive impact to the community and raise her daughter.
Kim Little
Director of Economic Development, City of Coleman - ARCIT Secretary
Kim Little is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Coleman and has been employed in Coleman since 2015. Little has been working in the Economic Development and Hospitality industry for 33 years. She has worked for the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, served on the board for the Marfa Chamber of Commerce, and also served as the Executive Director of the Murray County Development Authority and Chickasaw Country Marketing Association from 2003-2014. Kim serves on the WCTCOG Business Development Loan Program committee, serves as an officer for the Circle C Cattlewomen, and manages the Coleman County Youth Activity Center/Goree Expo Center. Little previously served as Chair of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and Oklahoma Lakes & Trails Organization. Kim attended Oklahoma State University majoring in Agricultural Communications. Little is mom to Braden & Bali, enjoys supporting youth in Agriculture and following the OSU Cowboys/Cowgirls.
Tammy Cockrum
City Manager, City of Rogers
Born and raised in Rogers, Tammy began her public service in 2007 as a member of the City Council, serving one term before being elected Mayor in 2013. She held the office of Mayor until 2019, at which time she was voted back onto the City Council and re-elected in 2021. In 2022, she stepped down from the Council to accept the position of City Administrator. Over the years, she has completed extensive municipal training and served on numerous steering committees for both the city and county.
Kimberly Judge
Kimberly Judge currently serves as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Ames and is also the Ames Economic Development Corporation Board President. Kimberly has more than 40 years of combined municipal government experience with Beaumont, Baytown and Sealy, and the last 10 years with Dayton.
“She not only has the experience and knowledge, but she also has the love and connection with our community that made her a successful City Manager for the City of Dayton. During her time working for the City of Dayton, Kimberly served as Director of Planning, Assistant City Manager and Interim Public Works Director. Throughout her tenure, she has always had involvement in Community Development and Planning, but she has also worked with parks, planning and zoning, economic development, and has served as the department head over Public Works, the community center and the library.
Judge earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University and has numerous hours of municipal government training in leadership development and planning. She has an extensive background that comes from working in many different city departments.
When she isn’t working, Judge participates in many civic and social activities, and has a passion for gardening, raising farm animals, antique cars, roasting coffee and mead-making.
