Create Healthy Announces New Board Leadership for 2026–2027

Longtime Fredericksburg resident and current Board Secretary to lead next chapter of community health investment

Create Healthy announced today that Joel Junker has been selected by fellow board members to serve as chair of the Create Healthy Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term, beginning January 1.

Junker, a partner at Cameron-Brooks and a Fredericksburg resident for more than 25 years, has served as Board Secretary since Create Healthy’s inception, and has been an active leader in advancing Create Healthy’s mission to strengthen health and wellness across the Hill Country.

“Joel has been a thoughtful and committed advocate for Create Healthy’s mission,” said Jayne Pope, president and CEO of Create Healthy. “His understanding of our community, combined with his strong leadership background, will help guide Create Healthy through our next phase of investment and impact.”

Junker succeeds Jenny Wieser, PhD, owner of Fischer & Wieser, who completes her term as Board Chair at the end of 2025.

Under Dr. Wieser’s steady leadership, Create Healthy established itself as the region’s preeminent philanthropic entity.  As Board chair, Wieser oversaw the initiation of community and mental health summits, publication of the Hill Country Resources Directory, and establishment of funding priorities and grantmaking procedures, resulting in nearly $15 million in giving in just two years across Gillespie, Blanco, Llano, and Mason Counties and Comfort.

“On behalf of everyone at Create Healthy, I extend my deepest appreciation for Jenny’s exceptional service and the time and care she has dedicated to ensuring Create Healthy is well-positioned to benefit the health and well-being of everyone in the Hill Country for years to come,” said Pope.

“Create Healthy is doing unprecedented work to strengthen the Hill Country by investing in the people and organizations who care for our communities every day,” Junker said. “I’m grateful to follow Jenny’s leadership and look forward to continuing to work with an exceptional board, staff, volunteers, and partners to build on that progress.”

Create Healthy will announce additional board appointments and council updates in early 2026.