.png){kind=logo}
-w975.jpg){kind=logo}
.png){kind=logo}
-
2025 Citizen of the Year Finalists
This WESTIE is given to an individual(s) in the Greater Westlake Area who has contributed time, energy, and heart to the community, sometimes unnoticed. They are an inspiration for others to follow as he or she can influence others to accomplish the objective by providing purpose, direction, and motivation. It is in recognition of their outstanding contributions through civic and community service activities that have made them an inspirational role model for the Westlake community.
(see below for past winners)
Finalist: Ellen Balthazar
Ellen Balthazar may not have grown up in Westlake, but for more than three decades she has devoted her time, energy, and leadership to strengthening the community she calls home. Within just two years of arriving, Ellen was already serving as a leader on Eanes ISD campuses through booster clubs and organizing community service initiatives at Westlake United Methodist Church.
Her commitment quickly expanded to district-wide leadership when she was elected to the Eanes ISD Board of Trustees, where she served with distinction for 24 years. During that time, she also became CEO of Any Baby Can, a leading Central Texas nonprofit supporting children and families.
Ten years ago, Ellen discovered her passion for preserving local history as a way to build community and foster a shared sense of place. She led efforts to revive and expand historical collections through partnerships with Eanes ISD and Westbank Community Library, helping create what is now the Ellen Balthazar Eanes History Center. Known affectionately as “the history lady,” Ellen continues to educate, connect, and inspire through talks, writing, and community collaboration. Even in retirement, she remains deeply engaged in service, leadership, and preserving the story of Westlake for future generations.
Finalist: Diane Dealy
Diane Dealy has spent years strengthening the fabric of the Westlake community through dedicated service, leadership, and connection. Her involvement began as a parent volunteer at Barton Creek Elementary, where she coordinated major events and supported families. She later served as Executive Assistant at West Ridge Middle School before transitioning to Westlake High School in 2018, where her role expanded significantly in both scope and reach.
At Westlake High School, Diane’s responsibilities are unmatched. A true jack-of-all-trades, she works closely with administrators, staff, students, and parents to plan and support the school’s largest community-building events, including Student and Staff Appreciation Weeks, Freshman Orientation, Suicide Prevention Week, the Club Fair, Chaps-Go, and Project Graduation. She also played a key role in the multi-year effort to design and construct Westlake’s outdoor classroom, now a daily resource for students and educators. Diane serves on the Campus Leadership Team, contributes to budgeting efforts, and has participated in district committees focused on social-emotional learning and resiliency.
Diane’s greatest strength is building community. Humble and deeply connected, she fosters strong relationships with families, vendors, and partners, radiating warmth, generosity, and kindness. She does not simply support the Westlake community, she is at the heart of it.
Finalist: Cord Shiflet
Cord Shiflet exemplifies the spirit of selfless service within the Westlake community and far beyond. His commitment to helping others was powerfully demonstrated in the aftermath of the devastating Central Texas floods on July 4, 2025. As an Austin-based realtor with deep local ties, Cord immediately mobilized volunteers through social media, rallying thousands of people to support search, recovery, and cleanup efforts across the region.
Leading by example, Cord personally participated in recovery work, including restoring Camp CAMP, a summer camp serving individuals with special needs that was severely damaged by flooding from the Guadalupe River. He also supported recovery efforts at Hope House in Liberty Hill, a residential home for children and adults with severe disabilities that suffered extensive damage and tragic loss. In addition, Cord assisted a multi-generational family ranch on Nameless Road in Leander after floodwaters destroyed their home and primary livelihood.
Through his platform and nonprofit initiatives, Cord helped raise more than $500,000 for emergency supplies, rebuilding efforts, and partnerships such as Found on the Guadalupe, an organization dedicated to reuniting flood-recovered belongings with their owners. His leadership inspired widespread community involvement, creating lasting waves of compassion and support. Cord’s dedication embodies purpose-driven civic service and strengthens the very foundation of the Westlake community.
-
VOTE & PURCHASE YOUR 2026 WESTIES TICKETS HERE
.png)
-
-
-
-
.png)
-
-
-
-
