Penn State Alumni Association, Central Texas Chapter
Board of Directors 2024

CHRISTEN HEINLY, PRESIDENT

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GRACE DESJARDINS, VICE PRESIDENT

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Grace graduated from Penn State in 2018 with an honors degree in Marketing and minors in International Business and Psychology. During her time at Penn State, you could find her walking backwards as a tour guide, running around the BJC at THON, or coordinating networking events for Penn State Prime. She could also frequently be found at the library, Waffle Shop, Gaff, and Champs.

After graduation, Grace moved to Boston to start her career at TJX in the e-commerce division. She moved to Austin to begin a new role in Operations for Apple. While in Beantown, Grace had been an active member of the Penn State Alumni Board, so she was excited to get involved in the CenTex chapter!

Outside of work, Grace enjoys traveling, golfing and going to concerts. She also loves catching up with her book club and volunteering through the Junior League.

DEREK TURNER, SOCIAL CHAIR

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Derek attended his lifelong dream school in Penn State from 2013-2017 and graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from The Smeal College of Business and a Minor in Military Science. During his Penn State years, Derek split his time between Lion Ambassadors and Army ROTC.

After graduation, Derek Commissioned as an Army Officer and spent 4 months recruiting for ROTC at Penn State before being stationed at Fort Hood, TX in January of 2018. Upon completing his Military service, Derek decided to stay in Central Texas and currently works in medical device sales for Intuitive Surgical.

Derek spends his free time playing sports and piano, being outside, and hanging out with friends. He's passionate about meeting new people, making others happy, and of course, Penn State.

"Love helping this Chapter continue to grow! We have big things planned for Austin!" ​

MARIELLE BALZ, TREASURER

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Marielle is a Central Pennsylvania native, born and raised in Mechanicsburg, PA.  She is a 2013 graduate of Penn State University, with a Bachelors and Masters in Accounting.  Marielle chose Penn State for the school pride and endless opportunities that a big school has to offer.  At Penn State you could find Marielle at the McCoy Natatorium practicing with the Club Swim Team or the Smeal Business Building.

After graduation, Marielle worked for KPMG in New York City in their audit practice.  After 5 years, she was ready for a new adventure and transferred to Austin, TX.  Marielle now works as the Controller of a software company.

Marielle served as our Chapter President from 2019-2022 and is excited to continue her involvement with the alumni community in Austin as Treasurer.

SARAH STOVER - SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR

NICOLE RAMIREZ, DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS

BEZ DAHDAHEE - COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

ITATI SALCEDO - SECRETARY

Wanted:  Capable, Passionate Leaders and Volunteers

Interested in developing new skills or building your professional network?  Do you love all things Penn State and want to help bring folks together? 
​Whatever drives you, we'd love to have you be a part of the PSU Central Texas chapter!   

If you have the interest in social media, event planning, or just a bit of time each month to contribute to our chapter, contact us and let us know.  
We'd love to work with you!  ​

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