Jessica Vestal, MBA
Jessica Vestal, MBA, is the Human Resource Director for Angelina County in Lufkin, Texas, where she has served for over four years. In this role, she oversees more than 40 county departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Services, Road and Bridge, Elections, and Tax Collection. She leads all aspects of human resources operations, including hiring and termination, employee relations, workers’ compensation, benefits administration, training and development, policy management, and temporary staffing. Her leadership ensures that the county operates efficiently while fostering a supportive and professional environment for employees.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Jessica brings discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking to her HR career. Following her military service, she pursued extensive studies in business and human resources, earning two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration—Management and Human Resources—and a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Strategic Human Resource Management. She has also earned OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications, highlighting her commitment to workplace safety and compliance in highly regulated environments.
Jessica is deeply committed to service, both professionally and personally. Her faith serves as the foundation for her leadership philosophy, guiding her approach to building inclusive, compassionate workplaces where employees feel seen and supported. She also volunteers with her church’s Women’s Fitness Ministry and emphasizes mentorship, resilience, and perseverance for the next generation of women entering the workforce. Recognized as one of Texas’s Influential Women for 2026, Jessica continues to lead with integrity, purpose, and an unwavering dedication to her community.
• MBA – Strategic Human Resource Management
• OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 Certified
• Texas A&M University–Central Texas – Master of Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Human Resource Management
• Texas A&M University–Central Texas – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Human Resources Management and Services
• Texas A&M University–Central Texas – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Management
• Influential Women 2026
• Women's Fitness Ministry at Church
What do you attribute your success to?
Women’s Fitness Ministry at Church
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If it feels like a door closes, keep pushing and don’t give up — another one will open. Expect setbacks and failures, but always get back up, keep learning, and persist through hardship. The business world can be challenging, especially for women, but perseverance and continuous learning are key.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
If it feels like a door closes, keep pushing and don’t give up — another one will open. Expect setbacks and failures, but always get back up, keep learning, and persist through hardship. The business world can be challenging, especially for women, but perseverance and continuous learning are key.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Setbacks and failure are inevitable in HR leadership, particularly in large, regulated environments. A major opportunity is cultivating perseverance and resilience amid a cultural expectation for easier paths. Leaders who embrace grit and resilience can make meaningful, lasting impact.