MEET GRETCHEN

My name is Gretchen Vance, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for Lake Travis ISD School Board Place 5. Lake Travis has been my home for years—a community where I raised my children, each of whom has achieved remarkable success through Lake Travis ISD education from GT to IEPs. As a candidate, I bring a steadfast commitment to transparency, strong leadership, and a visionary approach to shaping the future of our district.

I believe most of us share the same desires: we want to feel safe, valued, and heard on the issues that matter most to us. These principles have guided my life and my work, and they will continue to guide me as your representative on the school board.

Early in my career, I learned the importance of service, respect, and excellence when I began my journey as a management trainee with the Ritz-Carlton, where the core value of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen” left an indelible mark on me. This foundation of integrity and professionalism propelled me through roles in convention services, special events with Saks Inc., and later as Director of Sales and Marketing for my family’s irrigation firm. In these roles, I led contract negotiations, managed diverse teams, and successfully navigated high-level partnerships with companies like Walmart and Toyota, as well as government and municipal entities.

As a business leader, entrepreneur, and mother, I know firsthand what it takes to foster success in both personal and professional pursuits. My youngest daughter, Bailey, is a Senior at Baylor University (Hankamer School of Business) and a 3-time Collegiate National Champion in Acrobatics & Tumbling and also holds individual titles. She is also a 2-time Big XII Academic First Team athlete, Dean’s List student and a proud graduate of Lake Travis High School (2021-Varsity Cheerleader). My son, Barrett, serves as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas after earning degrees from Lake Travis High School (2018-Percussion Sergeant LT Band), the University of Alabama (Summa Cum Laude & Blount Scholar and Million Dollar Band 2020), and Baylor Law School (2023). My eldest daughter, a graduate of UT Austin’s prestigious Plan II Honors Program and member of the 2015 Texas 4000 team, is now a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.

In 2011, my husband and I moved to Lakeway with our two youngest children (I am a mom to 3 and bonus mom to 5 adult children and “Gigi” to 5 grandchildren) and established Aquafly, a premier jetboarding and jetpacking training facility. Under my leadership, Aquafly produced three world champions and became a global leader in water sports training and entertainment. Following its sale in 2018, we channeled our passion and vision into Electric Avenue Athletics (EAA), which has grown from 15 students to over 700. Through EAA, I dedicate myself daily to empowering young athletes to achieve their goals, build confidence, and become the best versions of themselves.

First elected to the Lakeway City Council in 2019, I have had the honor of serving the citizens of Lakeway for nearly six years, including two years as Mayor Pro Tem. During my tenure, I have been deeply involved in shaping the city's future, from being an integral part of the Transportation Committee that guided the passage of the transportation bond to serving on the Comprehensive Plan Committee, helping to outline the long-term vision for our community. I have worked through six budget cycles and served as the City Council liaison for the City Building Commission, Economic Development Committee, and Board of Adjustment. Serving the city of Lakeway has been a privilege and a passion, and as my term comes to an end due to term limits, I am excited to continue my commitment to public service as an LTISD Trustee, where I will advocate for the success and growth of our local schools.

As a candidate for the Lake Travis ISD School Board, I am driven by a passion for education and a vision of excellence for every student. I will bring my leadership experience, my deep understanding of what it takes to raise successful, well-rounded children, and my commitment to transparency and collaboration to serve our district. Together, we can ensure that every student has the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.

I currently reside in Lakeway with my husband and our three dachshunds—Zap, Hazel Mae, and Theo. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, reading, and pursuing creative projects that keep me energized and inspired.

Let’s work together to champion the future of Lake Travis ISD with leadership, trust, and vision.