Field Services Representatives

Home: Rockport, Regions: 2 and 3

Cara Cooke retired as Aransas Pass ISD superintendent in July 2023, after more than 35 years in public education as an elementary teacher, principal, and superintendent. Before serving in Aransas Pass starting in 2018, she was the Kilgore ISD superintendent and assistant superintendent in West Oso and Industrial ISDs. She has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University, and superintendent certification from University of Houston at Victoria.

Home: Comanche, Regions: 9, 14, 16, and 17

Rick Howard, named 2007 superintendent of the year for Region 14, served as the Comanche ISD superintendent for more than 12 years. He also served as a principal for Ira ISD in 1990 and superintendent in 1991. Prior to that, he was an athletic trainer and teacher for 12 years at Snyder ISD. Howard earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University and his superintendent certification from Sul Ross State University.

George Kazanas began his career at TASB as division director of Field Services. In December 2023, he was named Executive Search and Field Services Officer as the two divisions were combined to streamline services to members. Kazanas has 32 years of experience in public education, and prior to his work at TASB, he served as Midway ISD’s superintendent. Kazanas was named Region 12 Superintendent of the Year in 2018 and 2004, while serving in Midway and China Spring ISDs.  

He is the former president of the Texas Association of Suburban/Mid-Urban Schools and a former executive committee member for the Texas Association of Community Schools. He previously served two different terms as a TASA Executive Committee member. Kazanas earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with teacher certification and a master’s degree in educational administration from Baylor University. He also holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Tarleton State University.  

Home: El Paso, Regions: 15, 18, and 19

Ruben Cervantes has served in public education for 35 years. He began his career as an elementary bilingual teacher and served as coach and counselor before entering administration. Through his 22 years of administration experience, Cervantes served as assistant principal, principal, associate superintendent, and superintendent. He has worked in multiple school districts throughout West Texas before retiring in South Texas. Ruben earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees at Sul Ross State University.