Chamber of Commerce Board

Lota Zoth is the driving force behind Inspired Services, an organization with a heart for making communities better places to live. While her expertise as a CPA keeps her busy on high-level global boards, her heart is firmly planted right here in Buffalo Gap, where she proudly serves on the board of Camp Able. No matter how far her professional travels take her, Lota’s favorite part of any day is coming home to the Gap to relax with her husband Cary (who many know as our local “Santa Claus”) and their two sweet King Charles Spaniels. For Lota, serving on the Chamber Board is all about bringing that same spirit of service and professional know-how back to the town she loves so much.

As the heart and soul behind Copa at the Gap, Carolyn Landess has a gift for making everyone feel like a local. While she’s well-known for bringing a taste of the Hill Country to Buffalo Gap through her wine bar, her real passion is the people who call this town home. Whether she’s pouring a glass of wine or rolling up her sleeves for a local volunteer project, Carolyn is always looking for ways to give back to the community that has embraced her business. For Carolyn, serving as Vice Chair isn’t just about business—it’s about nurturing the unique charm of Buffalo Gap and making sure our community remains a place where neighbors truly connect.

Austin Petree is a familiar face around town with a deep-seated love for the Buffalo Gap way of life. He and his wife, Paige, recently welcomed their first child, a baby boy, and they couldn’t be more excited to raise their family right here in our close-knit community. Becoming a dad has only strengthened Austin’s resolve to see Buffalo Gap thrive. He wants to ensure the town stays a vibrant, welcoming place for the next generation. Austin brings a friendly, “neighbor-first” approach to everything he does and is dedicated to keeping our community’s future bright for all our families.

Dean Criswell is a firm believer that the best things in life are worth protecting. After retiring from a dedicated career in the service, Dean and his wife, Sarah, took on the meaningful task of maintaining the Cliff Spring Ranch (formerly the Hendrick Ranch). Today, they are busy preserving the land’s heritage while raising their four amazing boys in the heart of the community. Deeply rooted in the Buffalo Gap spirit of hospitality, the Criswells have turned their ranch into a place that celebrates family and connection. Dean brings that same “service-first” mentality to the Chamber Board, where he’s committed to supporting local businesses in ways that honor our history and keep the Gap a great place for families to thrive.

Lisa Perini is a true champion of Buffalo Gap, dedicated to preserving the “country way of life” that makes our town so special. As the co-owner of the iconic Perini Ranch Steakhouse, she has helped put Buffalo Gap on the map, even serving as President of the Texas Restaurant Association and being inducted into their Hall of Honor. Her passion for our local history led her to help develop the Texas Heritage Trails Program, and she continues to support our community’s unique character. Whether she’s managing world-class hospitality at the ranch or welcoming new neighbors to town with her husband, Tom, Lisa’s goal is simple: making sure Buffalo Gap remains a welcoming home for everyone, from longtime settlers to folks just discovering its charm.

Heather Vinson, a dedicated board member of the Buffalo Gap Chamber of Commerce, is the proud owner of Buffalo Gap Hardware and Supply. Alongside her husband, Zane, Heather has poured her heart and soul into the community, not only through their business but also by organizing the Buffalo Gap Farmer’s Market. With their precious children by their side, the Vinsons are committed to preserving the charm and spirit of Buffalo Gap.

Paul Beale is a dedicated advocate for Buffalo Gap who believes that a strong community is built on shared history and lasting connections. With a deep appreciation for the unique character of our town, Paul is a familiar and friendly face committed to seeing local businesses and neighbors thrive together. Whether he’s brainstorming new ways to highlight the Gap’s charm or lending a helping hand to a local project, his approach is always rooted in the idea that we’re better when we work together. As a member of the Chamber Board, Paul brings a steady, community-focused perspective and a genuine passion for ensuring Buffalo Gap remains the welcoming, vibrant place we all love to call home.