Board Members

Michael Cummings is a Vice President with the Housing Authority of The City of
Austin (HACA) and is responsible for leadership and oversight of two HACA
subsidiaries, Southwest Housing Compliance Corporation (SHCC) and Blueprint
Housing Solutions.
Mr. Cummings has over 25 years affordable housing experience and primarily oversees
the Performance Based Contract Administration (PBCA) work for the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for approximately 65,000 units of Section 8
Multifamily housing in Texas and Arkansas. SHCC’s mission as a partner with HUD is to
ensure all families are afforded safe, healthy, and accessible homes. Mr. Cummings has
worked on several organizational strategic initiatives directly impacting the Housing
Authority and its subsidiaries, and has provided his insights at various industry panels,
stakeholder meetings and working groups on preserving and improving affordable
housing.
A dedicated community volunteer, Mr. Cummings has served as a volunteer and board
member for Micah 6 of Austin and the Central Texas SPCA. He is a graduate of
Leadership Austin Class of 2011 and was recognized in 2021 as the ‘Industry Partner of
the Year’ by the National Assisted Housing Management Association (NAHMA). He and
his wife, Lydia, are the proud parents of 3 children and 2 dogs. In his free time, he
enjoys rooting for his beloved Boston sports teams and watching his kid’s baseball,
cross country, soccer, and tennis endeavors while coaching from the sidelines in all.
Mr. Cummings is excited about the opportunity to serve aspiring and existing business
owners in overcoming barriers to growing a successful business.

Daniel Bennett is a dedicated leader with over ten years of experience in finance, currently managing the Central Austin branch at WaFd Bank. Originally from Mossville, Louisiana, Daniel holds a BS in management and an MBA, embodying a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

In addition to his financial expertise, Daniel is a visionary advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He chairs the BIPOC DEI ERG at WaFd Bank, Chairs the board of  A Little Bit of Good nonprofit, and serves as the secretary of the Austin CenTex Chapter of the NABA, fostering community impact and empowerment.

Daniel‘s creative pursuits include Snapshots by D. Bennett, where his storytelling skills shine through photography and videography, adding depth and resonance to his impactful work. He is also recognized for his work on the award-winning film ‘Mossville: When Great Trees Fall,’ a powerful exploration of environmental justice issues.

Eduardo Miramontes serves as a Branch Manager III for A+ Federal Credit Union and is a Board Member for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He has more than twenty years of experience in the financial industry and is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor. Eduardo is a co-leader of the A+FCU LatinX Employee Resource Group and a member of the credit union’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council. With more than 15 years in leadership positions, he’s actively engaged in developing the future leaders of the credit union and helping others get involved in their community. Eduardo graduated from the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program in 2019 and was recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2019. He has been named a 2021 Generous Business Award Honoree in the category of Volunteer of the Year.

Laura Ramos James is the founder and owner of Ramos James Law, PLLC, a prominent personal injury law firm based in Austin, Texas. Specializing in cases involving serious injury and death, Laura has a particular focus on serving Spanish-speaking clients in the state.

She is an active member of various legal associations, including the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, where she contributes to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Laura’s dedication to her profession has earned her recognition, including being named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers™ for five consecutive years and receiving accolades such as Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars and Up-and-Coming 50: Women Texas Rising Stars.

Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, as she volunteers her time and resources to local nonprofit organizations. Laura’s achievements and contributions have been celebrated by both legal and community organizations, cementing her reputation as a top attorney and community leader in Austin.

Mike Lancaster was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned a degree in Business Management. Mike is a 25-year veteran in the banking industry. He is currently a Senior Vice President for Broadway Bank’s Business Banking Group.

Mike’s primary role at Broadway Bank is to deliver the best banking experience and build lasting relationships with his business customers. His goal is to provide a personalized banking experience to his customers. Some of Mike’s responsibilities are Business Development, Commercial Lending, SBA lending, medical lending, succession planning for business owners, and Treasury Management.

Mike lives in Round Rock, TX with his wife Kelly, their twin boys Zane and Tyler, and his dog Rocky. In his free time, Mike likes doing outdoor activities with his family, he also Coaches YMCA Sports, as well as traveling and trying out new restaurants. He is a graduate of Leadership Round Rock Class of 2014. He is also heavily engaged in his community. He serves on the Board of EGBI and as Board Member of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Robert Shipman is an Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking for Frost Bank in Austin and the surrounding areas.  In this capacity, Robert has responsibilities including business development, commercial lending, client management and community engagement.  Robert also serves as Community Leader in North Austin.

During his 15-year banking career, including 7 years with Frost Bank, Robert’s primary focuses are to build long-term relationships as a trusted advisor with his clients and the community, to manage a portfolio of commercial clients and have a strong understanding of his client’s banking, investment and insurance needs.

Robert is a multi-generational Texas native and a graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX.

Robert is an engaged community volunteer who currently serves on the board of EGBI Austin and supports various other community organizations in the North Austin area.

Daniel Bennett is a dedicated leader with over ten years of experience in finance, currently managing the Central Austin branch at WaFd Bank. Originally from Mossville, Louisiana, Daniel holds a BS in management and an MBA, embodying a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

In addition to his financial expertise, Daniel is a visionary advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He chairs the BIPOC DEI ERG at WaFd Bank, Chairs the board of  A Little Bit of Good nonprofit, and serves as the secretary of the Austin CenTex Chapter of the NABA, fostering community impact and empowerment.

Daniel‘s creative pursuits include Snapshots by D. Bennett, where his storytelling skills shine through photography and videography, adding depth and resonance to his impactful work. He is also recognized for his work on the award-winning film ‘Mossville: When Great Trees Fall,’ a powerful exploration of environmental justice issues.

Eduardo Miramontes serves as a Branch Manager III for A+ Federal Credit Union and is a Board Member for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He has more than twenty years of experience in the financial industry and is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor. Eduardo is a co-leader of the A+FCU LatinX Employee Resource Group and a member of the credit union’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council. With more than 15 years in leadership positions, he’s actively engaged in developing the future leaders of the credit union and helping others get involved in their community. Eduardo graduated from the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program in 2019 and was recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2019. He has been named a 2021 Generous Business Award Honoree in the category of Volunteer of the Year.

Laura Ramos James is the founder and owner of Ramos James Law, PLLC, a prominent personal injury law firm based in Austin, Texas. Specializing in cases involving serious injury and death, Laura has a particular focus on serving Spanish-speaking clients in the state.

She is an active member of various legal associations, including the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, where she contributes to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Laura’s dedication to her profession has earned her recognition, including being named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers™ for five consecutive years and receiving accolades such as Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars and Up-and-Coming 50: Women Texas Rising Stars.

Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, as she volunteers her time and resources to local nonprofit organizations. Laura’s achievements and contributions have been celebrated by both legal and community organizations, cementing her reputation as a top attorney and community leader in Austin.

Mike Lancaster was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned a degree in Business Management. Mike is a 25-year veteran in the banking industry. He is currently a Senior Vice President for Broadway Bank’s Business Banking Group.

Mike’s primary role at Broadway Bank is to deliver the best banking experience and build lasting relationships with his business customers. His goal is to provide a personalized banking experience to his customers. Some of Mike’s responsibilities are Business Development, Commercial Lending, SBA lending, medical lending, succession planning for business owners, and Treasury Management.

Mike lives in Round Rock, TX with his wife Kelly, their twin boys Zane and Tyler, and his dog Rocky. In his free time, Mike likes doing outdoor activities with his family, he also Coaches YMCA Sports, as well as traveling and trying out new restaurants. He is a graduate of Leadership Round Rock Class of 2014. He is also heavily engaged in his community. He serves on the Board of EGBI and as Board Member of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Robert Shipman is an Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking for Frost Bank in Austin and the surrounding areas.  In this capacity, Robert has responsibilities including business development, commercial lending, client management and community engagement.  Robert also serves as Community Leader in North Austin.

During his 15-year banking career, including 7 years with Frost Bank, Robert’s primary focuses are to build long-term relationships as a trusted advisor with his clients and the community, to manage a portfolio of commercial clients and have a strong understanding of his client’s banking, investment and insurance needs.

Robert is a multi-generational Texas native and a graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX.

Robert is an engaged community volunteer who currently serves on the board of EGBI Austin and supports various other community organizations in the North Austin area.