Kerr County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Kathy Leifeste says KCAD's purpose is to appraise property to determine the market value for ad valorem taxes and grant exemptions for property owners.

She says, "I was born and raised in Blum, Texas, a small town on Texas Highway 174 between Fort Worth and Waco, and grew up on the Kennedy Dairy farm owned by my parents, John and Carolyn Kennedy. I attended the Blum School, which, at the time and still to this day, is the only school in Blum Independent School District. "During my time in Blum School, I played basketball and tennis while also participating in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, showing dairy cows, steers and beef heifers.

After high school graduation in 1987, I attended Tarleton State University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in business administration, which I earned in 1991." Leifeste says she raised a daughter and a son. Her daughter, Haley Salazar, currently lives in Kerr County with her husband, Alex Salazar, and their 3-year-old daughter Paisley. Leifeste's son, Riley, is newlywed to Mattie, and they currently live in Abilene. Leifeste has many hobbies and favorite pastimes, including going vintage shopping with her friends, playing with her granddaughter and staying busy by keeping a few cows, during her time away from the appraisal district. Leifeste is determined to keep the heritage of 4-H and Future Farmers of America alive. She says, "I was active in the 4-H stock show when my kids were showing animals, and now I mentor one or two 4-H or FFA students per year, teaching them what they need to know.