A Q&A series with Williamson County CASA board members and advocates, to learn more about why they support our organization.
Cecil Brown is the current Vice President of the WCCASA board, and Director of Inclusion and Engagement at Jackson – the title sponsor for our 2026 Voices for Children fundraising event.
What do you wish more people understood about the children we serve?
I wish more people understood that children do not choose to be in foster care — circumstances beyond their control bring them there. Most of these children love their families deeply, but difficult situations lead to separation. CASA ensures that each child’s best interests, well-being, and personal wishes are always considered.
My family has experienced this firsthand. We were foster parents to my son, Christopher, after he was left at daycare. He was assigned a CASA volunteer who checked on him regularly and advocated for his needs. Ultimately, we welcomed him into our family. Today, Christopher is 23 years old, serving in the U.S. Army National Guard and coaching football at his former high school. I am deeply grateful that he had a CASA volunteer supporting him during that critical time.
What has surprised you most about our work?
What surprised me most is how much of CASA’s work happens quietly, behind the scenes. Because CASA serves children in foster care, much of the work is confidential and not widely visible to the public. CASA volunteers often make long-term commitments, staying with a child until they are placed in a safe, permanent home. In some cases, those relationships continue well into adulthood. I am continually inspired by the stories of volunteers who go above and beyond to protect and support vulnerable children.
Other than what we’ve talked about: why CASA?
I chose CASA because I have seen firsthand the impact it has on the lives of children. In 2000, my former wife served as a CASA Supervisor in San Antonio, Texas. Through her work, I quickly realized that a CASA volunteer is often the one constant presence in a child’s life when they are removed from their home — someone who can be their voice, their advocate, and their source of comfort. CASA volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for a child’s long-term well-being.
I also completed the Jackson Board Corp. training program, which prepares participants to serve on nonprofit boards. When I graduated, CASA was my top choice among the three organizations I considered.
If someone can’t volunteer right now, how can they help CASA?
If you’re unable to volunteer, please consider supporting CASA in other ways. As a nonprofit organization, CASA depends on the generosity of local community members to help give children a voice. Donations, advocacy, and spread awareness all make a meaningful difference.
How do you spend your time outside of CASA?
Outside of CASA, I enjoy traveling with my wife, Stephanie, staying active in our local church, and playing golf whenever I can.
To learn more about our work at WCCASA, go here.