Meet the Candidates - Jackson County Judge
DONNA COLEMAN
Position sought: Jackson County Judge Resident of the precinct since: Lifelong resident of Jackson County Name of spouse and children: life partner Jason Kucera and son, James.
Education: She graduated from Edna High School in 1990 and after receiving the HO Galloway Scholarship she attended Wharton County Junior College to study Agriculture Chemical Technology.
Ms. Coleman’s diverse career allowed her to experience all facets of opportunities that aligned with the scope of her college studies and degrees.
Ms. Coleman received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Occupational Safety and Health in 1996. In 2006 she went on to complete her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. In 2011 she advanced her studies and completed her Master of Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Gerontology. In 2007 she was awarded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission a Nursing Facility Administrators License by the State of Texas.
Coleman’s extensive studies and training also allowed her to receive an Emergency Response Certification previously working directly with the Industrial Plants and local emergency response teams throughout Jackson County and the State of Texas. She has completed training for Texas Division of Emergency Management for Incident Command, Public Information Officer, and Texas Public Officials Workshop. She also completed training with the US Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency for Incident Command for Initial Response, Introduction to National Incident Management Systems, Introduction to Incident Command Systems, and National Response Framework.
Employment: Chief Operating Officer at Coastal Engine and Compression Inc; Small Business Owner.
Clubs/organizations: Jackson County Precinct 1 Republican Chair, President, Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission – Regional Health and Human Services Advisory Committee (Region 17), serving Calhoun, Dewitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, and Victoria counties, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture – Past President and Committee Member, Jackson County Relay for Life – Committee Member, Jackson County Cares – Past Vice President and President, Friends of Elder Citizens (Jackson & Matagorda Counties) – Past Board Director and Vice President, and Warriors Weekend – Texas – Volunteer supporting U.S. combat veterans.
Qualifying previous experience: I have dedicated decades to serving Jackson County through work with local and state agencies in emergency response, healthcare oversight, and community support programs. My training includes Incident Command, Public Information Officer coursework, and multiple FEMA and Homeland Security certifications, giving me real-world experience coordinating during emergencies and supporting public safety efforts.
As President of the Region 17 Health and Human Services Advisory Committee, I help oversee critical regional programs such as 211 Texas, benefits counseling, in-home services, long-term care advocacy, and senior nutrition services across seven counties. This role has given me a deep understanding of how county decisions impact families, seniors, and vulnerable residents.
In addition to my public sector and volunteer work, I bring smallbusiness experience as both the COO of an oil and gas company and the owner of a local venue. These roles provide firsthand insight into economic development, job creation, and the challenges local businesses face.
Together, these experiences have prepared me to lead with transparency, accountability, and a strong understanding of the day-to-day needs of our community.
Reasons seeking the position: I am seeking the position of County Judge to restore trust, strengthen transparency, and ensure county government remains accountable to the families of Jackson County. I believe our residents deserve leadership that communicates openly, handles taxpayer dollars responsibly, and makes decisions with honesty and fairness at the forefront.
Jackson County has given me so much throughout my life, and this role allows me to continue serving our community in a meaningful way.
Other pertinent information: I was raised in Edna by my parents, Fred and Charlene Hubenak, who taught me the values of God, Family, and Country—values that guide every aspect of my service. My longstanding volunteer work supporting children, families, seniors, and the disabled community has been recognized by local school officials and parents. I believe strongly that every resident deserves to be treated with honesty, respect, and equality, and that children are our most cherished assets. I also want voters to know how grateful I am for the support of my son, James — my proudest accomplishment — and my life partner, Jason Kucera, who has been my strength throughout my years of service to this county.
