Meet the Board

Katie Jackson is the founder of Pineywoods BEYOND Foundation and a lifelong Zavalla resident. As a Systems Administrator with a bachelor's degree in IT and multiple certifications, she brings strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills to the nonprofit.

Katie has long been involved in community service, volunteering with food pantries, park cleanups, and book drives. She started the Pineywoods BEYOND Foundation to revitalize public spaces, promote education, and support families in need. She is currently leading projects like the Little Free Pantry and the park revitalization initiative, with a vision of making Zavalla a thriving, connected community again.

Outside of her nonprofit work, Katie enjoys photography and reading. 

She lives by the motto: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Brittany Tarkington was born and raised in Zavalla and remains deeply connected to the town - her mother still lives there, and her son is active in a local church. She’s passionate about giving back and helping rebuild the community she grew up in.

She works as a Social Worker and Case Manager for teens in the state’s permanent conservatorship. A Zavalla High School graduate, Brittany holds an associate’s degree from Angelina College’s Paralegal Program and a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.

Through her job, she often partners with local churches and organizations, gaining a clear view of both the challenges and opportunities in the community. Her passion for service was inspired by her mother, who regularly brought her to volunteer growing up. Now, she’s committed to modeling the same values for her son.

Brittany believes in restoring Zavalla’s sense of unity and creating a more family-friendly environment. Outside of work and parenting, she enjoys reading, writing, and binge-watching shows with her three dogs.

Fun fact: She’s a published author.

She lives by the motto: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Nickey Bordelon is the Co-Founder and Secretary of Pineywoods BEYOND Foundation.

Nickey was raised between Houston and Zavalla and considers both her hometown. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Stephen F. Austin State University and worked as a medical social worker in Angelina County for many years. Her profession as a social worker has equipped her with a vast knowledge of community outreach, assessing the needs of others and providing the tools that empower change.

The roles that Nickey is most proud of is that of wife and mother. She and her husband have been married for 19 years, share two daughters and an 18 month old granddaughter. Family and friends are the two most important priorities in her life, she and much of her family reside in and around Zavalla.

Outside of family life Nickey is passionate about social justice. It was the driving force behind her choosing a career in social work. She aspires to live in a world where everyone has equal rights and equal access to opportunities. Starting this foundation has been a lifelong dream and the hope is to provide a service based on the needs of the community. Giving back to the place that has given her so much is the truest way to show her gratitude.

Outside of her nonprofit work Nickey enjoys politics, writing and music. She tries to attend all the concerts and music festivals that she can. Her heroes are Maya Angelou, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

She lives by the motto: “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” …(RBG)