Our Team

Justin Ball- Executive Director

Justin is an alumni of the History Program at Texas State University. He has recieved his B.A in History and his M.A. in History with a focus in Public History. His research interests include Texas history, the history of the Texas, Mexico border region, and the history of woodworking. He has previously worked at museums and heritage organizations across South, Central Texas including the Alamo and the City of San Antonio's World Heritage Office.

During this time, he worked on projects surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Designation of the city's five Spanish Colonial Missions and helped to foster greater access to heritage tourism. Justin was featured as a guest curator at Alkek Library at Texas State University where he produced a highly acclaimed historic exhibit entitled "Catching the Chain: Life and death in Texas Prisons 1845-2017" as part of Texas State University's Common Experience program.

Alina Ball - Operations Manager

Prior to joining HSNB as the Operations Manager, Alina served as a Program Specialist V with the State of Texas, where she played a key role in developing initiatives to combat the misuse of public assistance funds and co-created a comprehensive training program for field staff. A longtime member and dedicated volunteer at the Heritage Society, Alina brings both institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to its mission.

Originally from Georgia, Alina spent much of her life traveling the world, first as a military dependent and later, serving in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. Her professional interests include marketing, graphic design, art, and non-profit management.

Alina earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Purdue University in 2015 and her Master of Arts in Communications and Marketing from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2025.

Docents

The museum values its Volunteer Docents, whose hard work ensures that guests enjoy a world-class experience each time they visit. Pictured here are Mrs. Jackie Heitkamp and Mrs. Helgard Hollis, the two remaining active Charter Docents who have faithfully served since the museum’s opening in 1985, and whose decades of commitment exemplify the values and dedication that define our mission. After 40 years of dedicated service, Mrs. Helgard Hollis retired this year, leaving behind a remarkable legacy at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture.