The Good Sam Team

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Simon Salas

Chief Executive Officer

Simon is passionate about the education of youth. He joined Good Sam in 2017, after serving as a chief executive for more than 30 years. He received his BA from Columbia College, his JD from Columbia Law School, and an MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

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Cynthia Cardenas

Senior Director of Family Services

Cyndi is passionate about education and service leadership. She joined the agency in 2020 with 32 years of experience. Her background includes a Master’s of Education degree in School Administration from Trinity University and a Master of Education degree from Our Lady of the Lake University.

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Amanda James

Senior Director of Youth and Teens Services

Amanda James believes in the transformative power of education and community support to shape the futures of youth and teens. She joined the agency in 2023 with over a decade of experience. Her background includes a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work from Texas State University and is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW).

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Elva Castañeda

Senior Director of Human Resources

Elva strongly believes in being of service to others. She first joined the agency in 2019 and returned in 2022 in her current position with over 20 years of professional experience. She holds a BBA in Human Resource Management from Texas A&M University—San Antonio. She also earned and maintains her HR professional certification from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

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Rebecca Garcia

Senior Director of Finance

Rebecca believes in giving a hand up and being a servant leader to others. She joined the agency in 2022 with a decade of experience in banking and financial services. Her background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University—San Antonio.

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Mercedes Moreno

Senior Director of Development and Communications

Mercedes believes you must be the change you wish to see in the world. She joined the agency in 2024 with more than 12 years of experience in nonprofit services. Her background includes a Bachelor’s in Business and Master’s in Organizational Development from the University of the Incarnate Word.

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Jacqueline Guzman

Executive Assistant

Jacqueline has a strong sense of devotion to the non-profit sector or organizations with a focus in assisting children and families. She joined Good Sam in 2024 with over 17 years of experience. She received her AA from Northwest Vista College and earned the professional certification as a Legal Secretary from International Business College.

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