Mike Hanks

Mike Hanks is the President and Operations Manager. He started with the company in 1991. He enjoys work and looks forward to the challenges of each day. He spends a great deal of time with family, both at work and in his personal life. In his free time he enjoys working out at the gym, playing soccer, and fishing.

Gary Hanks

Gary Hanks is the CFO of The Valdez Corporation and will soon be completing his 20th year with the company.  He was born and raised in Dallas and graduated from SMU with a BBA and MBA in accounting.  Gary began his career in public accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co. working in the areas of auditing and tax.  Outside of work his interests include reading, fishing, trading stocks, traveling, and playing in a senior softball league.

Nikki Eddings

Nikki Eddings heads the Accounts Receivable and Transportation department.  She has been with the company for 21 years.  In her free time she enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, and volunteering with her church.  She is a graduate of Executive Secretarial School with a degree as a Legal Administrative Assistant.  Nikki is currently enrolled in Tarleton State University pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Management

Cindy Dacus

Cindy Dacus brings to The Valdez Corporation her experience working with Pearle Vision in the Purchasing and Inventory Planning Department for 14 years.  She started at Valdez in the R & D Department and has worked her way up to being the current head of the Accounts Payable department.  In her free time she enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with family. 

Miriam Reid

Miriam Reid is currently the Technical Lab Director. She oversees the Research and Development, Food Safety, and Quality departments. Miriam attended Texas A&M University and graduated Class of 2013 with a degree in Food Science and Technology, Minor in Business. Miriam is currently enrolled in Washington State University where she is pursuing her master’s degree in science of Food Science and Management. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also enjoys visiting wineries and craft breweries, fishing, camping, and hiking; she hopes to visit Yosemite National Park someday.

Laura Estep

Laura Estep attended Texas Women’s University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition with an emphasis in Dietetics in May 2017. She obtained an internship in the Quality and Food Safety Department in January 2016, and has since then transitioned to a Food Safety Lab Technician. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading; she hopes to conquer the Appalachian Trail one day. She ultimately wants to use her Nutrition Degree to incorporate aspects of nutritional research into the food science industry.  

Myron Vaughn Sr.

Myron Vaughn Sr. is the Warehouse Foreman. He has been with Valdez Spice for 15+ years with the past 12 years being Warehouse Foreman. He is a married father of 5 who loves the outdoors. Fishing and camping are at the top of his list as far as hobbies. He is a people person and is great at leading the warehouse team.

Bridgett Bonneaux

Bridgett Bonneaux graduated from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a degree in Food Science and Technology, Minor in Chemistry. She is cross-trained to assist in both the Quality/Food Safety and R&D departments. Her favorite past times include listening to Broadway musicals, hammocking on a sunny day, and traveling to discover the world’s tastiest foods. She is currently enrolled in Lamar University and pursuing her master’s degree in Management Information Systems.

Krista Yum

Krista Yum works in Research & Development. She graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2016 with a degree in Food Science and Technology. Krista enjoys foodie adventures, cooking, and traveling. Coincidentally, her last name matches her passion for food.

Aliza Rizwan

Aliza Rizwan attended Texas Woman’s University and has earned a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition with an emphasis in Business and Industry in May 2019. She came as an intern in Fall 2018 and has now become part of Valdez’s Quality Assurance and Food Safety Team. Aliza’s interest in the field made her pursue a master’s degree in Food Safety Regulation from Johns Hopkins University; she will graduate in December 2020. Besides work and studying, Aliza volunteers at her mosque as a teacher and special events coordinator, and loves spending time with her family.