Meet the NISOD Staff

Meet the staff who work hard to bring you the exceptional NISOD benefits and tools that promote teaching, learning, and leadership excellence! They share their thoughts regarding the future of NISOD, their favorite NISOD benefit, what they do when they aren’t working, and their favorite spot to hang out in Austin, Texas.

Sheryl Powell
Interim Executive Director

  • My favorite NISOD benefit is the Student Essay Contest. I enjoy reading about how faculty, staff, or administrators at our member institutions can so positively impact a student’s academic journey.
  • When I’m not in the office, I am usually doing something with my family. I have been married for nearly 30 years and have two daughters, Megan and Chloe.
  • I enjoy hanging out at a local river or lake in the summer, which in Texas lasts for about 6-9 months! During the cooler months, I can often be found at an amusement park with my family.
Sheryl Powell headshot

Victoria Rios
Membership and Partnerships Manager

  • Favorite NISOD benefit and why?

Just as a significant driver for student success is establishing strong connection, I believe the same goes for colleges that serve them.

The opportunity for colleges to support their teams with professional development and also connect with other member colleges through the variety of webinars and programs is my favorite thing about NISOD.

Building and supporting a community has always been important to me, and I’m excited to build on the long NISOD legacy of supporting our member colleges in being strong economic engines for their communities.

  • Where can we find you when you’re not at the office? I’m probably getting my hands dirty in my garden or planting trees as a volunteer with regional nonprofit TreeFolks, getting our dog out on one of Austin’s many trails, or road tripping to check out central Texas’ cool towns.
  • Favorite hangout spot in Austin? The Hike & Bike trail and Barton Springs Pool are both pretty special places. I also love cooking for guests or trying out a new recipe at home.
Headshot of Victoria Rios

Kris Tolman
Education Programming Manager

  • My favorite NISOD benefit is the multiple modalities through which members can access professional development. I like the many options that people are given to address their learning preferences.
  • When I’m not in the office you can find me in the outdoors. I love hiking, walking, bird watching, camping, backpacking, and many other forms of connecting with nature.
  • My favorite hangout in Austin is kayaking on Lady Bird Lake.
Headshot of Kris Tolman

Meredith Riechmann
Education Programming Associate

  • Favorite NISOD benefit and why? I love the variety of webinars available to members. There is such a broad range of topics covered – everyone can find something relevant to their needs.
  • Where can we find you when you’re not at the office? While some people consider the fall football season, it’s marching band season for our family! Marching contests and halftime shows fill the weekends. When marching season ends, I love to get out and hike, or stay in for a family movie night with my husband and our three daughters.
  • Favorite hangout spot in Austin? The Hike and Bike Trail around lady Bird Lake holds so many memories and a special place in my heart.
Meredith Riechmann Headshot

Dyhanara Rios
Marketing and Communications Coordinator

  • My favorite NISOD benefit is the Excellence Awards. The NISOD Excellence Awards recipients I have met inspire me with their outstanding work ethic and passion for what they do.
  • When I’m not at the office, I’m either out on the town listening to live music or I’m writing music and poetry at home. I also enjoy exploring the diverse cuisine of the Austin food scene!
  • My favorite hangout spot in Austin is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Whether I’m wandering the walking trails alone or enjoying the company of friends and family amidst the beautiful gardens, it’s a place where I find peace and connection with nature.
NISOD's new communication and marketing coordinator.

Michael Dobecka
Senior Information Technology Coordinator II

  • I believe the future looks great for NISOD. We have started to offer regional and campus workshops, will be introducing some new technology after this year’s conference, and we continue to expand our benefits, all while keeping member colleges’ dues low.
  • The Excellence Awards is my favorite NISOD benefit. All year we work toward the Excellence Awards Dinner and Celebration held in conjunction with NISOD’s annual conference. It’s very rewarding to see those outstanding educators honored for their hard work and dedication to their colleagues and communities.
  • When I’m not working, I’m usually spending time with my daughter or trying to find great Mexican food.
  • I think my favorite hangout spot is actually my backyard. I enjoy watching my dog chase squirrels, listening to the birds, and petting the occasional stray cat that visits to watch the sun set with me.
Mike Dobecka headshot