The Team

"The team and I wake up every day with a passion to connect every resident in our community. Some residents are merely surviving by using the internet on their cell phones, but SA Digital Connects is committed to making sure all residents are thriving with fast, reliable and affordable internet in their home."

Rhia Pape

Executive Director

Rhia Pape was born and raised in San Antonio and has a great affinity for her city. A desire to serve others has always been the driving force in her personal and professional life. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, and a MBA from Texas Tech. Previously at the City of San Antonio, Rhia led digital inclusion initiatives in the Office of Innovation. She has also served on the Bexar County Child Welfare Board and is a recent past President of the Urban Management Association of South Texas (UMAST). With a passion for people and problem solving and creating lasting positive change, Rhia leads with intention and centers her community in every decision. While she spends most of her free time with her family, you can also find her enjoying the outdoors or reading a good book.

Rhia Pape

Globe

Mail

SUPPORT TEAM

Baltazar Serna - Government Relations Consultant

Ximena Castro - Communications Consultant

Greater: SATX- Fiscal Agent

Board of Directors

Brian Dillard

Chair

Brian Dillard is the Vice President of Technology and Innovation, at VIA Metropolitan Transit. He oversees VIA’s departments of Transportation Technology, Information Services, Technology Operations and Information Technology Client Services. Brian has extensive experience in leading teams to maximize effectiveness, leverage existing systems, and critically examine innovative solutions. He began his career in public service in 2018 as the Smart City Administrator for the City of San Antonio and was quickly promoted to Chief Innovation Officer. Previously a Cybersecurity consultant in the private sector working with Shell Oil, Chevron Oil, Lockheed Martin, and Delta Risk, Brian began his professional career as a member of the United States Air Force where he served ten-years Active Duty as a Cybersecurity Operations Specialist. Brian is a third-generation Eastside San Antonio native. Upon returning to San Antonio toward the end of his military career, Brian became a neighborhood advocate and community leader.

Brian Dillard

Vice President of Technology and Innovation, VIA Metropolitan Transit

Laura Cole

Secretary

Originally from Minnesota, Laura has spent 15 years in County Government. She us Director of Biblio Tech responsible for development, implementation and expansion of Biblio Tech through numerous community partnerships including SAHA, Via Metropolitan Transit, UHS, 14 area school districts as well as Laredo Housing Authority and Housing Authority City of Brownsville. Laura holds an MPA from UTSA and MLS from Texas Woman's University. Laura enjoys running, reading, cooking, bad jokes and her family.

Laura Cole

Director, Bexar County Biblio Tech

Dan Geddes

Regional President, Frost Bank San Antonio

Dan Geddes is the region president in Frost Bank’s San Antonio region. In that position, he oversees all aspects of banking operations in the region. Dan was appointed to the region president position in 2021 after leading the Commercial Real Estate Group in Frost’s Houston region for seven years as sales manager. Dan has been with Frost Bank since January 1997. Dan is active in the community serving as Chair of the Finance Committee of The Remember the Alamo Foundation, an advisory board member of UT Health San Antonio Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics and was a member of Leadership San Antonio’s 46th class in 2022. His ties to San Antonio go back to the fall of 1992 when he enrolled at Trinity University graduating in 1996, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in accounting and finance.

Board Member

Past Chair

Luisa Casso has over 20 years of public affairs experience in the private, public and non-profit arenas. Luisa is the Chief of Staff for Trinity University with a mission to foster collaboration, internal alignment, and strategic advancement. With a diverse background spanning private, public, and nonprofit sectors, including roles at Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Coca-Cola, and revitalizing downtown Albuquerque, NM, Luisa offers extensive experience in economic development and partnership building.

Luisa Casso

Chief of Staff, Trinity University