Staff

JoLisa Hoover joined Raise Your Hand Texas in 2019 as the regional advocacy director for Central Texas. She was later promoted to senior regional advocacy director for the region, and in 2022 Hoover transitioned to the newly created role of teacher specialist.

Hoover brings 26 years of teaching experience in Bryan ISD and Leander ISD, as well as policy experience as a U.S. Teaching Ambassador Fellow and Texas Teach Plus Senior Fellow that serve her well in her role for Raise Your Hand advocating for teacher needs and helping others understand challenges facing our educators today. As an educator with policy experience, she is passionate about the importance of investing in public education and was recognized through the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards as a Lifetime Achievement Award finalist and a Leadership Award finalist.

Hoover holds a master’s degree from Texas A&M University in educational psychology and a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University in Abilene. McMurry awarded Hoover a Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2012. She previously served as president of the McMurry Alumni Association and currently serves on the McMurry Board of Visitors.

Born in Fort Benning, Georgia before her dad deployed, she got to Texas as fast as she could and is proud of her generations of Texas roots. Central Texas has been home since her family moved to Georgetown in 1978. Hoover enjoys being an aunt, singing, serving her community and spending time with her tiny rescue dog, Max.

What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly? - Erin Hanson