MISSION GRANBURY'S SPEAKERS BUREAU
At Mission Granbury, every program
has stories
Across each of our programs are countless stories of hope, resilience, and new beginnings - stories made possible by people like you.
Our Speakers Bureau was created to help local organizations, churches, civic groups, businesses, and community partners connect more deeply with the work happening every day across our programs. Groups can request knowledgeable speakers with firsthand experience and expertise in specific areas of service, including domestic violence and sexual assault, child advocacy through CASA, food insecurity, emergency assistance, volunteerism, nonprofit leadership, governance, and the ongoing vision of Mission Granbury.
Whether you are looking for a brief program presentation, a community awareness discussion, a volunteer recruitment opportunity, or a more in-depth conversation about the challenges facing vulnerable families in our community, our team and board members are honored to share their experience, insight, and passion for this work.
We would love the opportunity to share the work we do, the lives being changed, and the ways our community continues to make a difference together.
To request a speaker for your organization, click here to email Cheshe Langford
Mission, Vision, Strategic Growth, and Organizational Sustainability
Kurt Turner
Executive Director
Kurt has more than 18 years of nonprofit leadership, with a professional background that includes strategic planning, program development, operations management, staff leadership, and community engagement through multiple YMCA organizations across the country. Since joining Mission Granbury as Executive Director, Kurt has immersed himself in every area of the organization, working closely with staff and programs to gain a deeper understanding of the people we serve and the challenges facing our community. Kurt primarily speaks about the overall mission, vision, and future direction of Mission Granbury, as well as the organization’s operational structure, sustainability, and fiscal soundness. His presentations offer insight into how Mission Granbury continues to evolve to meet growing community needs while remaining committed to compassionate service, responsible stewardship, and long-term organizational strength.
C.A.S.A., Child Advocacy
Jo Stanford
CASA Program Director
Jo Stanford began her journey with Mission Granbury as a CASA Volunteer Supervisor and was promoted to CASA Program Director earlier this year. From the beginning, it was evident that Jo possessed a deep and enduring passion for child advocacy and a heartfelt commitment to children navigating the foster care system. Over the past five years, Jo has supervised and supported numerous volunteer advocates, assisted with and conducted CASA training, and personally managed multiple CASA case assignments herself. Her professional background also includes years of experience in caregiving, customer advocacy, conflict resolution, and business management—experiences that strengthened her compassion, communication skills, and ability to advocate for individuals facing difficult circumstances. As part of the Mission Granbury Speakers Bureau, Jo speaks passionately about child advocacy, the realities facing children in foster care, the critical need for additional CASA volunteers, and the rewarding journey of becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Her presentations offer meaningful insight into the role CASA volunteers play as the voice for abused and neglected children, while also inspiring others to become involved in creating hope, stability, and brighter futures for children in our community.
CASA, Family Violence, Food Pantry, Emergency Assistance, Senior Care
Justin Rossner
Deputy Director
Justin has more than a decade of leadership experience in social services, program management, and community care. With a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a professional background that includes both child welfare and nonprofit leadership, Justin has developed deep expertise in serving vulnerable children, families, and individuals in crisis. As Deputy Director, Justin is closely involved in nearly every Mission Granbury program, including Emergency Assistance, the Food Pantry, CASA, and family violence services. Because of his hands-on involvement with clients and case management teams, he has a uniquely personal understanding of the growing needs within our community and the barriers many families face every day. Justin speaks about the realities facing families in our community, the interconnected nature of poverty and crisis services, and the impact of programs designed to provide stability, safety, advocacy, and hope. His presentations combine professional expertise with firsthand knowledge of the people Mission Granbury serves, offering audiences both meaningful insight and powerful stories of resilience and compassion.
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault services
Rebbecca Freeman
Ada Carey Shelter Program Director
Rebbecca Freeman began her career in family violence services in 2018 when she joined Mission Granbury as an advocate for the Ada Carey Shelter. Her compassion for survivors, commitment to advocacy, and strong leadership abilities quickly became evident, leading to her promotion to Senior Case Manager just two years later. In late 2022, Rebbecca was named Shelter Program Director, where she now oversees both the residential shelter program and Mission Granbury’s rapidly growing non-residential domestic violence program. Through her years of direct client advocacy and leadership, Rebbecca brings a deeply personal, hands-on perspective to her presentations. Her work places her at the forefront of the growing challenges surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault, allowing her to speak with both professional expertise and firsthand understanding of the barriers survivors face every day. As part of the Mission Granbury Speakers Bureau, Rebbecca speaks about domestic violence, sexual assault, survivor advocacy, safety planning, crisis response, and the evolving needs of both residential and non-residential survivors. Her presentations provide meaningful insight into the realities of family violence, while also highlighting the importance of compassionate, trauma-informed support systems that help survivors move toward safety, stability, and healing.
Community Engagement, Volunteerism, Business and Organization Partnership Opportunities
Cheshe Langford
Director of Community Relations and Development
Cheshe Langford brings a diverse background in communications, community outreach, education, event coordination, marketing, and nonprofit engagement to Mission Granbury. With more than two decades of experience in public relations, writing, teaching, community education, and event development, Cheshe has spent much of her career helping organizations connect meaningfully with the communities they serve. Since joining Mission Granbury, Cheshe has focused on strengthening community awareness, building partnerships, and helping individuals, churches, civic organizations, and local businesses discover ways they can become part of the mission. Her presentations highlight not only the needs facing vulnerable families in our community, but also the powerful impact that volunteers, donors, and community partners can have when they choose to get involved. As part of the Mission Granbury Speakers Bureau, Cheshe speaks about community engagement, volunteerism, partnership opportunities, nonprofit collaboration, and the collective impact of serving together. Her presentations are informative, encouraging, and relationship-centered, helping audiences better understand how compassionate community involvement can create lasting change.
Governance, Vision, Strategic Growth, and Organizational Sustainability
Monty Lewis
President of the Board
Monty Lewis serves as President of the Mission Granbury Board of Directors and brings a strong commitment to servant leadership, community involvement, and organizational stewardship. As a longtime supporter of Mission Granbury and its mission, Monty has played an important role in helping guide the organization through growth, change, and increasing community need. Known for his thoughtful leadership style and genuine heart for service, Monty believes strong nonprofits are built through collaboration, accountability, and meaningful community partnerships. His leadership reflects Mission Granbury’s belief that sustainable impact happens when compassionate people come together to serve others with purpose and integrity. As part of the Mission Granbury Speakers Bureau, Monty speaks about nonprofit governance, community engagement, board leadership, volunteerism, and the important role community partnerships play in strengthening local services. He also shares insight into Mission Granbury’s vision for the future and the shared responsibility of building a stronger, more compassionate community for those in need.
Marilyn Luton
Immediate Past President of the Board
Marilyn Luton has been a devoted leader and passionate advocate for Mission Granbury for nearly a decade, serving on the Board of Directors for nine years, including four years as Board President. In 2025, Marilyn stepped into the additional role of Interim Executive Director for five months while the organization conducted a search for new executive leadership, giving her a uniquely comprehensive understanding of both the governance and day-to-day operational sides of Mission Granbury. Known for her unwavering commitment to the mission and the people Mission Granbury serves, Marilyn has been a steady source of leadership, encouragement, and vision during times of growth and transition. Her passion for the organization and its impact on the community is evident in every aspect of her service. As part of the Mission Granbury Speakers Bureau, Marilyn speaks about nonprofit leadership, board governance, organizational stewardship, community involvement, and the evolving needs facing local families and individuals in crisis. Drawing from both board leadership and executive experience, her presentations offer a unique perspective on the importance of compassionate leadership, strong community partnerships, and sustaining organizations that serve as a lifeline for those in need.