Alisha Betancourt is the Founder and President of The Jacob Betancourt Memorial Foundation, and most importantly, Jacob’s mom. Alisha chose to transform her grief into a mission of hope. She wanted to turn Jacob’s loss into opportunity for others.

Professionally, Alisha has been the Director of Supply Chain at Geospace Technologies for 19 years, where she is known for her steady leadership, focus, and commitment to helping her teams thrive. She brings that same dedication and heart to the foundation’s work every day.

Alisha graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. She currently resides in Richmond, Texas with her husband, Steven, and their children Luke, Ava, and Eli - who continue to be her greatest source of strength and joy.

Every part of Alisha’s journey reflects her belief that even in the deepest heartbreak, purpose can rise.

Chad Watasek is a Director and Treasurer of The Jacob Betancourt Memorial Foundation.

With more than 20 years of experience leading global finance, accounting operations, and shared‑services organizations, Chad Watassek brings a deep commitment to financial stewardship and operational integrity to nonprofit governance. His career includes senior leadership roles such as Director of Global Accounting Operations, Financial Controller, and Director of Shared Services, where he managed multi‑million‑dollar budgets, strengthened internal controls, and implemented enterprise‑wide financial systems that improved transparency and accountability.

Throughout his career, he has successfully consolidated international finance functions, led major technology transitions, and developed clear reporting frameworks used by executive leadership and boards. His strengths in financial analysis, budgeting, compliance, and process optimization allow him to support mission‑driven organizations in maintaining fiscal responsibility and building sustainable long‑term operations.

He holds degrees from the University of Houston, including a Master of Business Administration in Finance. His strong educational foundation, combined with extensive real‑world financial leadership, positions him to contribute meaningfully to The Jacob Betancourt Memorial Foundation by ensuring wise management of donor resources, robust governance, and strategic financial oversight.

Chad and his wife, Karen, live in Richmond, Texas with their two sons, Brady and Luke. Chad’s hobbies include coaching youth baseball and serving as a TASO umpire. He has been a close family friend of the Betancourt’s since 2018, when Jacob’s younger brother, Luke, joined his 9U baseball team and his dad Steven stepped in as assistant coach. The Watassek and Betancourt families have spent many hours together at the baseball field and traveling to out-of-town tournaments, creating countless memories that will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Christy Voss is a Director and Secretary of the Jacob Betancourt Memorial Foundation.

Christy is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2003 and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate in 2005. She began her career in multifamily acquisitions and finance before stepping away from the industry to focus on raising her family.

Christy lives in Richmond, Texas, with her husband, Chip, and their daughters, Layla and Sally. She is actively involved in her community, volunteering on the PTA boards at her daughters’ schools and serving on the board of The Darkness into Goodness Foundation.