Gala Committee


The Chairs:

The Co-Chairs of the first annual Masquerade Gala benefiting the American Diabetes Association Central Texas (ADA) are Nad Elias and Matt Valdez. Friends since 2001, their relationship has evolved with the addition of their wives Elizabeth and Kelley, respectively, and into the non-profit world.

Nad’s primary volunteer focus has been the American Diabetes Association, serving alongside Matt as a board member. In the past, he also served on the committee for the Austin Under 40 Gala as well as the Race Director for the Austin Bun Run benefiting the Sunshine Camps helping underprivileged children in the Austin community. He is a Managing Partner and owner at HT Staffing.  Elizabeth has been involved with many organizations and events around Austin including the Westlake Relay for Life, March of Dimes, Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, Austin Film Festival, Austin Children's Shelter and The Junior League of Austin. She recently joined Charfen Institute as an Event Manager.

Matt is actively involved with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Seton Forum in the past. He is a Partner and VP of Operations at Focused Advocacy. Kelley has been involved in The Junior League of Austin, Camp Bluebonnet, Coats for Kids and Ballet Austin.  She is an Account Executive at Boundless Network.