Advisory Board
The Honorable Ron Simmons
The Honorable Ron Simmons is a businessman, former member of the Texas House of Representatives, and leader in conservative politics. Born in Arkansas, Ron moved to Texas in the mid-1980’s. He co-founded Retirement Advisors of America, which currently manages nearly $3 billion in assets for families across the country, in 1991. He recently retired as its Chairman. The trade publication Investment News has named Retirement Advisors of America among the top thirty financial advisors in the United States.
Ron was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, where he served House District 65 until 2019. He was Chair of the Policy Committee for the Texas House of Representatives Republican Caucus and the sub-committee Chair of the Long-Term Financing and Planning Transportation Committee. In the 85th Legislative Session, Ron was appointed to the House Committees on Transportation, Appropriations, and the Local and Consent Calendars. He also served on Board of Directors for the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI), a conservative Austin-based think tank as well as national think tank American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Charlie Amato
Charlie Amato is the Chairman and co-founder of SWBC, a diversified financial services company. SWBC provides auto and home insurance, life insurance, investments and mortgages to individuals; and commercial insurance, life insurance, corporate retirement plans, employee benefits, PEO and payroll services, and property tax services to businesses. SWBC provides financial institutions with collection services, income generators, insurance tracking, default risk mitigations, and payment technology. With more than 40 years of experience in all aspects of insurance operations, underwriting, and product development, Charlie is known in the business community for his innovative, relationship-building approach.
Amato earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Sam Houston State University and is a former chairman of their College of Business Advisory Council. He is currently serving his third term as a Regent for the Texas State University System (terms expires in 2025) and his second term as Chairman of that System.
Aside from other business ventures, Amato co-owns five automobile dealerships and an interest in five-time NBA champion, The San Antonio Spurs. Amato recognizes the importance of giving back to the community in which he has prospered. Some of his roles include serving as a Board Member for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas – San Antonio branch, Chairman of the Texas State University System Foundation, Board Member of Lone Star Capital Bank, National Director for Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Vice Chairman for the Texas Business Leadership Council, Board Member for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Board Member for Spurs Give (the nonprofit organization of the Spurs).
Throughout his career, Amato has received recognition and several awards, including the Richard W. Weekley Public Policy Leadership Award from the Texas Business Leadership Council; inductions into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame, and the Sam Houston State University’s College of Business Hall of Honor; and the Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion for Entrepreneurship. He was also given the Citation Award from Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, the Pathfinder award from the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and the Legacy Leaders Award from the San Antonio Business Journal. He was also awarded an Honorary Professor of Surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Jeff Austin, III
Jeff Austin III is a seventh generation Texan, fourth generation banker, and currently Vice Chairman of the Board of Austin Bank Texas, N.A. and Austin Bancorp.
After attending SMU as an undergraduate, Jeff earned his MBA and BS degrees from the University of Texas at Tyler. He worked away from the family banks for ten years before returning in 1990 to East Texas. In January 2009, Jeff, along with the rest of the Austin family, celebrated 100 years of being active in Texas banking.
Appointed twice by Governor Rick Perry, Jeff served as Commissioner on the Texas Transportation Commission from 2011 to 2019. Prior to this, Jeff served as Chairman of the newly formed North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority – a post he held from 2005 to 2010. Jeff has also been involved in several transportation projects, and is a member and former Executive Committee Member of the Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association. Jeff is also a long-term member of the Texas Bankers’ Association (TBA), having served on TBA’s Government Relations Council and Board of Directors. He served as Chair of the TBA Board in 2010-2011.
Jeff is community leader and vocal advocate for East Texas. He was awarded the “Texas Government Official of the Year” by the East Texas Council of Governments in March 2017 and was also honored by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce as the “Volunteer of the Year” in 2001.
Jeff currently serves on the board of the United Way of Tyler and is a past member of the board of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tyler Economic Development Corporation and Tyler’s Vision 2010 Steering Committee. In October 2018, he was presented with the “Distinguished Citizen Good Turn Award” by the East Texas Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. He is also past president of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Jacksonville Rotary Club. Jeff is Texas Lyceum alumnus and is actively involved with the University of Texas at Tyler and UT Health Science Center - Tyler.
The Honorable Cindy Burkett
Cindy Burkett is a proud native-born Texan, businesswoman, and former member of the Texas House of Representatives. She currently works as a financial advisor serving the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.
A long-time advocate for the North Texas region, Cindy’s background as a small business owner, real estate agent, and investment advisor give her give her a unique skill set and the ability to bring practical solutions to the table. As a realtor, she has a unique understanding of the importance of transportation to the commercial and residential property owner. As an investment advisor, she understands the importance of transportation to real estate investments and the economic vitality of the community.
Cindy served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2011 through 2019, elected as Vice Chair of the Texas House Republican Caucus by her Republican colleagues for each of the 83rd, 84th and 85th Legislative Sessions. During her tenure, she served three terms on the Transportation Committee, a term on the Appropriations Committee, and three terms on Local and Consent Calendars. In 2014, Cindy was appointed to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission during the Commission’s review of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Cindy has a BA in political science from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she graduated in 2004, while maintaining a full time job. She also has an associate degree in business from Eastfield College and Mediation Certification from the University of North Texas. As an active member of the community, Cindy served on the Mesquite Board of Adjustments and on the Board of Keep Mesquite Beautiful.
Cindy and her husband have lived in the North Texas area for over 35 years where they serve in various community and charitable positions.
Christina Melton Crain, Esq.
Christina Melton Crain, Esq. has dedicated her career to improving all aspects of the criminal justice system and is the Founder of Unlocking DOORS®, an innovative Dallas-based reentry organization. Crain is the also a former Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice - the first and only woman ever to lead the nine-member board and is a current member of The University of Texas System Board of Regents.
As Founder, President and CEO of Unlocking DOORS®, Crain has helped provide road to success for countless men and women wanting to start over after incarceration – through a unique model called “Reentry Brokerage®”, which treats criminal justice reentry as a business, using digital innovation to track deliverables and outcomes. In Unlocking DOORS’ short eight-year history, Crain has sparked an atmosphere of aggressive growth that has quickly pushed forward the organization’s mission – to improve and advance public safety by reducing repeat crime. By keeping people from returning to prison, Unlocking DOORS provides considerable relief to the state’s economy.
In her law practice, Crain specializes in child/juvenile representation, mediation and legislative issues. She served as the 100th President of the Dallas Bar Association, as well as a former president of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, the Dallas Women Lawyers Association and a former Director of the State Bar of Texas.
In March 2019, Crain was appointed to a six-year term on The University of Texas System Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott. She currently serves on the Academic Affairs Committee; the Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management Committee; the Facilities Planning and Construction Committee; and the Health Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Board for Lease of University Lands.
Crain is also the former Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. She has a Texas state prison named in her honor: The Christina Melton Crain Unit in Gatesville, Texas. While at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Crain implemented many successful programs, such as GO KIDS (Giving Offenders’ Kids Incentive and Direction to Succeed) and the widely recognized AMACHI Texas mentoring initiative, which provides hope to the children of incarcerated offenders.
Deirdre Delisi
For the better part of a decade, Deirdre was an advisor to former Governor Rick Perry, most notably as Chief of Staff, overseeing the passage of his tort reform, Medicaid, border security and education initiatives.
Her tenure as Chief of Staff was marked by the successful, bipartisan effort to reform the Texas tax system and conform the state’s school finance system to Constitutional requirements. According to one observer, “The reform of school finance in 2006… was one of the great achievements of the Republican era in Texas politics. It was a responsible resolution of a crisis.”
In May of 2008, Governor Rick Perry appointed Deirdre to serve as Chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission. She served in that capacity for over three years. Her work provided her with unmatched insight into TxDOT and the transportation challenges facing Texas. As Chair, Deirdre championed some of Texas’ most significant and complex transportation projects, including the expansion and reconstruction of I-35 through central Texas, the Grand Parkway in Houston, the U.S. 281/Loop 1604 Interchange in San Antonio, the Chisholm Trail/Highway 121 project in North Texas, the development of U.S. 77 and U.S. 281 at I-69 in South Texas, and major comprehensive development agreements in Dallas/Fort Worth. In recognition of her work, she received the Texas Roadhand Award in 2013, TxDOT’s highest tribute to the citizens who support the department’s efforts to make transportation in Texas the best in the nation.
Deirdre graduated magna cum laude from Duke University in 1994 with a BA, with honors, in Political Science and Comparative Area Studies, and she received her MA in International Policy Studies from Stanford University in 1995.
Alan Hassenflu
Mr. Hassenflu co-founded, and is the Chairman and CEO of Fidelis Realty Partners, Ltd. (Fidelis), which was formed in 2003. Fidelis’ business is providing essential services to its commercial real estate portfolio, which includes retail, healthcare and residential properties. Fidelis was formed with a retail portfolio of 1 million square feet in the greater Houston area, and today has grown to approximately 14 million square feet of retail, healthcare and multi-family properties, which includes approximately 2-3 million square feet of property under various stages of development or redevelopment.
Fidelis services and owns approximately 70 properties in 10 cities in Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee, Colorado and Louisiana. The majority of Fidelis’ holdings are in the metropolitan Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth markets. The Fidelis team is comprised of approximately 80 teammates and is headquartered in Houston. Fidelis’ other major office is in Dallas, with a third satellite office in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Mr. Hassenflu earned his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He started his career at the Price Waterhouse accounting firm and earned his CPA certificate. Mr. Hassenflu began his real estate career after graduate school with the Trammell Crow Company, with tenure there of 15 years. He started as a Retail Leasing Agent and resigned as a Senior Managing Director and member of the Retail Investment Committee.
Mr. Hassenflu is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, and a former member of the Urban Land Institute, where he served on a Retail Council. He currently serves, or has served, on numerous business, educational, non-profit, political, municipal and civic boards and committees, including being a former elected Councilman for the City of Southside Place, where he resides with his wife, Cherie. He and his wife have two adult sons.
Ned S. Holmes
Ned. S. Holmes was born in Houston and is a graduate of the University of Texas with a BBA and a JD from the University of Texas School of Law.
A visionary in banking, land development, and real estate, Holmes began his career at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company in New York in 1969 but returned to Houston in 1971 and entered the real estate business as an independent developer involved primarily in residential, commercial, and subdivision projects. He is currently Chairman and CEO of Holmes Investments, Inc.
In 1980, Holmes founded Commercial Bancshares, Inc., where he served as President until 1985 and Chair from 1986 until 2001. He served as Senior Chairman of Heritage Bank from 1991 until 2001, when Commercial Bancshares, Inc. was merged with Prosperity Bancshares, Inc., a multibank holding company with numerous locations in Texas and Oklahoma. He served as Chairman of Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. from 2001 until 2006. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Additionally, from 1980 to 2005, Holmes was associated with a UK public company in the development and management of various assets and operating companies in various U.S. cities. He also served on the Board of Directors of Archstone-Smith Trust, a New York Stock Exchange Multifamily REIT from 1994 to 2007.
In addition to land development, construction, and banking interests, Holmes has served on public and private commissions, including The City of Houston Planning Commission, Port of Houston Authority, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. In 2000, he was elected Chairman Emeritus of the Port Commission. Holmes has also served as Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership in 1999, having also served on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and on the oversight committee of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
In 2007, Governor Rick Perry appointed Holmes as a commissioner of the Texas Transportation Commission, where he served until 2012. He recently served as Chairman of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s Transportation Advisory Board.
Holmes has served on numerous charitable boards including Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Baylor College of Medicine and M.D. Anderson Board of Visitors, Episcopal High School, The Montessori School of Houston and the Houston Ballet.
W. Wesley “Wes” Hoskins
W. Wesley “Wes” Hoskins is currently Chairman of First Community Bank and Commissioner for the Port of Corpus Christi, serving as the appointee for San Patricio County since 2016.
Wes became a director for First Community Bank in 1992, where he then became President and CEO in 1997. As an avid banking industry advocate, he has served in government relations as Bank Pac Chairman and as a member of the Board of Directors for both Texas Bankers and American Bankers Associations. Wes had the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Texas Bankers Association in 2009. He became a member of the Board of Director for the Federal Home Loan Bank in Dallas in 2013
Wes is a graduate of Southwest Texas University with a Bachelor of Education in communications and a political science, and for the past 45 years, has been a Texas licensed auctioneer. He and his wife are both are actively involved with Driscoll Children’s Hospital fundraising.
John W. “Johnny” Johnson
John W. “Johnny” Johnson is a former member of the Texas Transportation Commission and current member of the board of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Johnson is a respected businessman – having served as Chairman of Permian Mud Service, Inc. and Chairman of the Executive Committee of its subsidiary, Champion Technologies, Inc. Permian and Champion – before merging the two companies to create Ecolab, which at the time earned more than $1.4 billion in sales. Today, Johnson continues to be engaged with the residual companies, Johnson & Lindley, LLC and Athlon Solutions, LLC. He was founding chairman of Amegy Bank of Texas in 1981 and still serves as chair of the bank board’s executive committee.
Appointed to the Texas Transportation Commission by Governor George W Bush in 1999, Johnson left the Commission in 2007, after almost 8 years of service – including serving as Chair. In 2014, Johnson received the “Russell H. Perry Award,” presented by the Texas Transportation Institute for outstanding contributions to transportation in gaining public awareness of the need for, and benefits of, adequate highway transportation facilities in the state of Texas.
Johnson served on the Governor's Business Council and on the Task Force on Charter Schools. In 2001, President George W. Bush named him to serve on the J William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, a position held for more than 10 years. He is a former trustee of St. Luke's Methodist Church Foundation, and served as Chair of the board of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and of St John's School. Johnson is also past director of Goodwill Industries and actively involved with the American Leadership Forum and the Young Presidents' Organization. He currently serves as Chairman of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Board.
A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Johnson is a former member of Vanderbilt Board of Trust and received the Flowers Underwood Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1996. He was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni by the School of Engineering in 2007.
The Honorable William R. “Bill” Keffer
The Honorable William R. “Bill” Keffer is a Janet Scivally and David Copeland Endowed Professor of Energy Law at Texas Tech University School of Law. He is also Director of Energy Law Programs and Director of Texas Tech Graduate School’s Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy degree program.
After obtaining his BA in History from SMU in 1981 and his JD from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984, Keffer practiced law in the Dallas area for almost three decades. Keffer started with the law firm of Vial, Hamilton, Koch & Knox before accepting a position as in-house litigation-management counsel with ARCO Oil & Gas Company – where he presided over a national docket of over 120 cases – specializing in oilfield- pollution cases and environmental claims. After leaving, Keffer joined Gardere & Wynne (now known as Foley Gardere), and focused exclusively on oilfield-pollution litigation for companies such as ARCO Oil & Gas Co, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and Vastar. He also, on occasion, represented various landowners in prosecuting their oilfield-pollution claims in the Permian Basin, South Texas, and the Barnett shale in North Texas.
After leaving Gardere, Keffer ran own practice for thirteen years, where he continued to focus on environmental matters involving the oil-and-gas industry. During that time, he also served in the Texas House of Representatives for two terms from 2003 to 2007, representing District 107 in Northeast Dallas County.
Keffer joined the faculty of Texas Tech University in 2014 where he currently teaches courses in oil and gas law and legislative process. Keffer is also a charter member and former president of the Dallas Chapter of the Federalist Society. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the Maguire Energy Institute, which is part of the Cox School of Business at SMU. He writes a regular column for Shale magazine.
David M. Laney
David M. Laney is a native Texan, attorney, and investor with over 40 years of experience in transportation finance. He has received numerous recognitions for his professional and public service, included being elected to the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor (Texas A&M Transportation Institute) in 2010.
A graduate from SMU School of Law, Laney practiced corporate and financial law at Jenkins & Gilchrist from 1977-2002. Having previously served on the Board of the Texas Turnpike Authority and North Texas Turnpike Authority, Laney was appointed by the Governor George W. Bush as Chair of the Texas Transportation Commission in 1995. During his tenure, he worked with members of the Texas Legislature to create Texas’ first statewide toll road development authority within the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Laney went on to serve on Board of Directors at Amtrak after being nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2002. He was later elected Chair, and in that role was responsible for the development and ongoing implementation of Amtrack’s strategic and operational plans.
Today, Laney is a renowned expert on transportation policy, serving as Co-Chair of Texas A&M University’s Transportation Technology Council. He is also part of the LBJ Infrastructure Group Holding, LLC and North Tarrant Express Mobility Partners, LLC – both integral partners with the State of Texas on transportation projects in North Texas.
Laney is also involved in many civic organizations, including SMU Dedman School of Law, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Board of Trustee, Hockaday School, Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Central Dallas Association, Dallas Assembly, Dallas Citizen’s Council, Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Dallas, Callier Center and Communication Disorders, Dallas Arts District Friends, and Southwestern Medical Foundation.
Carlos Marin, PhD, PE
Dr. Marin has over forty years of consulting experience helping both private and public sector clients identify cost effective infrastructure management strategies that maximize economic development opportunities. He received his B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Rice University and his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Harvard University. Dr. Marin was on the faculty of Duke University’s Schools of Engineering and Environmental Studies and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas (License No. 77473).
He is the author of numerous publications and invited presentations, served on numerous professional and business boards, and was named the U.S. SBA Small Business Person of the year for Region 6 in 1997. He was the chair of the Tropical Texas Emerging Technology Fund Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization whose mission was to create opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship in South Texas and is a founding member of the Rio Grande Valley Angel Investors Network.
As Principal-In-Charge for Ambiotec Group, Inc., Dr. Marin has been responsible for numerous infrastructure projects for the World Bank and the governments of Venezuela, Mexico, Cyprus and Portugal.
Brandy Marty Marquez
Brandy Marty Marquez is a veteran in Texas policy and politics – having served roles in the Texas Legislature, Office of the Governor and Public Utility Commission of Texas. She currently manages her own firm.
Marquez began her two-decade career as a legislative intern in the Texas House of Representatives and rose steadily through the ranks to become Chief of Staff to Governor Rick Perry in 2013. During the 83rd Legislative Session, she shepherded Governor Perry’s priorities, ultimately garnering decisive victories on landmark transportation and water legislation – including Proposition 1, which when passed overwhelming by voters provided addition funding for highways by using existing oil and natural gas production revenues. Marquez served as a top lieutenant for Perry in a variety of official roles including Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Budget and Policy, and Deputy Legislative Director.
In 2013, Perry appointed Marquez to serve on the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Of Marquez, Perry said “Brandy is a passionate public servant with a deep knowledge of state government and the issues critical to Texas’ continued success.” Governor Greg Abbott reappointed Marquez to the PUC in 2015. While at the PUC, Marquez served on the Texas Reliability Entity and the Nuclear Waste Storage Coalition.
Marquez is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and St. Mary’s School of Law
Bill Meadows
Bill Meadows has long been active in public service, including serving as a Texas Transportation Commissioner and State Water Board Director. He also served four terms as a member of the Ft. Worth City Council and as Vice Chair of the North Texas Toll way Authority. Bill currently serves as Chairman of the DFW High Speed Rail Commission and the DFW International Board of Directors.
After graduation from Southwestern University in 1975 and after further study at Harlaxton Institute in Grantham, England Bill began his professional career at Lloyd’s of London in London, England. He returned to Texas in 1978 and begin a career with the Rigg Group, Inc., a financial services and brokerage holding company. He held positions with the company until its sale to HUB International Rigg in 2007. He currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of that entity.
Bill has also been an active Member of the board of Directors and Executive Committee of Summit Bancshares from 1984 until 2006 when SBI sold to Cullen Frost. He has served on a number of other Boards of Directors including First Choice Power/Texas New Mexico Power, Integrated Transfer Systems and Liberty Bancshares among others.
Bill’s civic endeavors include service as President of Fort Worth County Day School , board and executive committee of the Museum of Science and History. He also serves as a director of the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and a trustee of the Sumners Foundation. He has previous served as a director of numerous other organizations including Ft. Worth Chamber, UNT Health Science Center Foundation Board, United Way ,YMCA and Ft. Worth Nature Center. He is a past recipient of the Golden Deeds Award for Fort Worth’s Outstanding citizen and numerous other awards and recognitions.
Rolando Pablos
Rolando Pablos is CEO of Cross-National Advisory Partners, a consulting firm dedicated exclusively to guiding and assisting governmental, private sector and non-profit organizations in their efforts to access domesticandforeignmarkets. Most recently, he servedas the111th Texas Secretary of State and as the Texas Border Commerce Coordinator. Secretary Pablos was the chief international protocol officer for the State of Texas and senior advisor to the Texas Governor for Mexican affairs.
As a former Texas energy regulator and economic development executive, Secretary Pablos understands the importance of leveraging his keen understanding of government for purposes of creating investment and market expansion opportunities for his clients. As a state official and business executive, he has played critical roles in the expansion of direct investment, international relations and global trade with Texas. Secretary Pablos is a strong advocate for North American energy market development through the advancement of a fair, transparent and predictable regulatory policy framework.
After obtaining a bachelorʼs degree from St. Mary's University, Mr. Pablos earned an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonioʼs College of Business, and a Master of Hospitality Management from the University of Houstonʼs Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management. Subsequently, Mr.Pablos earneda JDfromSt.Mary'sUniversitySchoolofLaw and an LLM in Global Energy from the University of Texas School of Law. He has been a member of the State Bar of Texas since 2000.
The Honorable Joe C. Pickett
The Honorable Joe C. Pickett of El Paso was elected in November of 1994 and served with distinction in the Texas House of Representatives a consecutive 12 regular sessions and 13 special sessions. He was instrumental in passing two constitutional amendments - Proposition 1 in 2013 and Proposition 7 in 2015 – which provided the largest influx of cash into transportation infrastructure in the state's history.
Known as a transportation policy expert, Pickett began his political career as a City Council member for the City of El Paso, Texas. During his decade’s long tenure in the Texas House of Representatives, Pickett served as a member of the House Committees on Land and Resource Management, Juvenile Justice and Family Matters, Licensing and Regulation, Investments and Financial Services, Redistricting, Border Affairs, and Criminal Jurisprudence. He was also a member of the House Appropriations Committee and served as Chair as Chair of Environmental Regulation, Defense and Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security & Public Safety, and Transportation – where he served as Chair in 2009 and 2015.
Pickett has spent decades in public and civic service, earning numerous awards and districts including twice being honored with the “El Pasoan of the Year Award” – in both 2003 and 2013. He has also served on the National Board of Directors of the American Metropolitan Planning Organization (AMPO) and as Chairman of the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization. Picket has also served on the boards of the Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso, the Texas YMCA's Policy Council and the Advisory Council for Health Sciences for the University of Texas at El Paso. He is a former member of the Lions Club and the El Paso Crime Stoppers Board.
Pickett has recently formed a non-profit organization that cleans up graffiti and enhances the aesthetics of the community through tree planting and cleanup of public areas, which was awarded a national honor by the "Keep America Beautiful" organization. He holds a Texas Real Estate Broker's license and has been a real estate educator for more than two decades. He is also the author of two children's books and plays the drums for the House of Rock n' Roll, a band made up of past and present Representatives.
Rene A. Ramirez
Rene has a long history of promoting state and local economic development, including service as an Edinberg City Councilmember and Hidalgo County Judge. He also served as Chief of Staff for State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and is current Advisory Board member of the Texas Transportation Institute, a leading transportation research entity in Texas.
During his time as Chief of Staff, Rene helped Senator Hinojosa secure critical funding for regional projects, helped increase the budgets for The University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) by $6.3 million and the Rio Grande Valley’s Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) by $6.5 million. Rene was also at the Senator’s side when the office secured over $170 million in transportation and infrastructure projects that became key to fueling international trade and economic development in the Rio Grande Valley. Known for his easy demeanor and a leadership style focused on producing results, he was lauded as a consensus builder. His work helping pass legislation authorizing the merger of UTPA and the University of Texas – Brownsville - an important step in paving the way for increased higher education and improving healthcare.
As an Edinburg City Councilmember, Rene helped build public support for tourism, business travel, and eco-tourism projects, including a professional baseball stadium, the Los Lagos Golf Course, and the establishment of a World Birding Center. Rene has also served as a Board Member for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Texas A&M PAC, the Lone Star National Bank Board of Advisors, the Hidalgo County Housing Authority Board and the Red Sands Ground Water Conservation District. As Hidalgo County Judge, where he championed improvements of the Emergency Management System and local transportation networks. Working with leaders from the community, the State of Texas, and the International Boundary and Water Commission, Rene spearheaded the effort to mitigate heavy flooding, pre-position assets, reinforce the levees, and preserve $1.7 billion in area infrastructure. His work resulted in successfully protecting thousands of residents from the destructive impacts of storms and hurricanes. In the area of transportation, Rene was able to secure funding for key projects in the region, including $78.5 million for the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority in pass-through financing, and $45 million for the La Joya bypass project.
Rene is a graduate of the University of Texas Pan American with a BA in Economics. He currently President of a consulting firm, specializing in state and local government relations, communications and crisis management.
Diane Rath
Diane Rath has served as Executive Director of Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) since December 2014, and previously served as Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission. She is a physical therapist by background. Rath attended Texas Christian University and graduated from UTMB-Galveston.
In her current capacity with AACOG, Rath oversees 325 employees in 11 program areas with a budget of $75 million. During her tenure, AACOG has been recognized with national awards recognizing both Innovation and Transportation Partnerships. Additionally, the Alamo region was recognized by Association of Defense Communities as a Great American Defense Community in 2017.
Before joining AACOG, Rath served as Senior Vice President at ResCare Workforce Services, with oversight responsibility for operations in over 300 locations in 28 states with 2200 employees and a budget of $230 million.
Her tenure at the Texas Workforce Commission began in 1996 when she was appointed by then Governor George W. Bush as Chair and Commissioner. Rath served until 2008. During her tenure, she oversaw the consolidation of 28 programs from 10 different state agencies to form a $1.2 billion agency with responsibility for services involving federal programs from the U.S Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and two other federal agencies. In 2007, Rath was nominated by President George W. Bush as Assistant Secretary of Administration for Children and Families at U.S. Health and Human Services. During this time she became recognized as a national leader in workforce development, forging partnerships with economic development and educational entities to meet the workforce needs of Texas businesses.
Rath is active in the San Antonio community and currently serves (or served) on numerous boards and committees which include the Association of Defense Communities Board of Directors, National Association of Regional Council - Executive Director Council, and Bexar County United Way. She has received several awards including being recognized as a LULAC Distinguished Texan (2005) and as a Distinguished Alumna, SAHS-UTMB (2008). Rath was also recognized with the San Antonio Business Journal 2019 Women’s Leadership Award.
Carlos Rubinstein
Rubinstein is the Principal member of RSAH2O, LLC – an environmental consulting firm with strong emphasis on water issues – and former Chair of the Texas Water Development Board. Rubinstein is a renowned expert of water policy, and has served as an expert witness on various environmental cases and published several peer-reviewed articles on Texas water policy matters. He is also the Chairman of the Texas Water Foundation and a Board Member of Texas Water Trade.
Rubinstein was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve as Chair of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) from 2013-2015, and during his tenure, oversaw the implementation of the $2 billion State Water Infrastructure Fund for Texas (SWIFT). He also served as the Texas representative to the Western States Water Council and the Border Governors' Conference Sustainable Development worktable.
Prior to his appointment to the TWDB, Rubinstein served as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) from 2009–2013, as well as deputy executive director of TCEQ and as Rio Grande Watermaster. He is also a former city manager for the City of Brownsville.
Rubinstein received a bachelor's degree in biology from Pan American University.
Gerald Schwebel
As a key resource to IBC Bank’s international customers, Mr. Schwebel offers special expertise in international trade and finance, industrial/economic development and transportation.
Mr. Schwebel began to work at IBC Bank after distinguished service in the United States Army where he served as an Artillery Officer in Germany and the Republic of Korea. Additionally, he has held administrative positions in various fields including higher education and the securities industry. Mr. Schwebel became the Corporate International Division Head of IBC Bank in 1996 overseeing all of IBC Bank’s international banking services. In addition, he directs the bank’s investments/wealth management program known as IBC Investments Services and serves as a Board Member for IBC Insurance Agency. He frequently represents IBC Bank and its customers with top government and business leaders in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His knowledge and unique overview have led him to present expert testimony before Congress on issues regarding U.S.-Mexico trade including the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), transportation and logistics, international finance, and U.S. immigration reform.
A regular speaker—in both English and Spanish— Mr. Schwebel is a valuable resource to the bank and its customers on NAFTA/USMCA and North America Competititiveness. His many affiliations and leadership positions include the 1993 National Chairman of the Border Trade Alliance (BTA); Bi-National Director of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce; Member of the Transportation, Logistics and Infrastructure Committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and Member of the Texas Secretary of State’s Border Trade Advisory Council (BTAC) and Ex-Officio Member of the Texas Freight Mobility Committee. Currently, he serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the I-69 Alliance of Texas as well as the Ports Advisory Committee of Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. He is also the Past President of North America’s Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO), which is a tri-national trade coalition (U.S., Canada, and Mexico) that advocates for competitiveness through logistics, transportation infrastructure, security, energy and a skilled workforce.
In addition to these achievements, he also serves as Chairman of the Regional Advisory Council of the University of Texas Health Science Center-Laredo Campus; Member of Board of Advisors of the Texas A&M International University A.R. Sanchez School of Business; and Member of the Webb County Area Health Education Council. Other past leadership positions include Past-President of the Laredo Development Foundation, the Laredo Country Club, and the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also served as Board of Director for local and state non-profit organizations such as United Way of Laredo, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, International Good Neighbor Council, Doctors Hospital of Laredo, American Red Cross and many others. He has been recognized for his service to the communities of Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary International Foundation and the Gateway Rotary Club of Laredo in 2015 and the Club Rotario de Nuevo Laredo in 2009.
In 2013, Mr. Schwebel was the recipient of the “Advancing International Trade Award” by the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) and the “Impact Award” by the Laredo Community College Economic Development Center. In 2019, Mr. Schwebel was the recipient of the Russell H. Perry Award from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. The award recognizes individual citizens for leadership in increasing awareness of the need for the benefits of adequate highways and transportation facilities in the State of Texas.
Mr. Schwebel earned his undergraduate degree at Texas A&I University of Laredo (now Texas A&M International University) where he has been recognized as a “Portrait of Latino Achievement” by the Smithsonian Institute. He has done graduate work in the fields of International Trade and Banking at Texas A&M International University, the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware.
The Honorable Florence Shapiro
The Honorable Florence Shapiro is a former teacher at Richardson High School, small business owner, and member of the Texas Senate. She was raised in Dallas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.
Prior to her distinguished 19 year career in the Texas Legislature, Shapiro spent six terms on the Plano City Council and one term as Mayor of Plano. She was also President of the Texas Municipal League. Elected to the Senate in 1993, Shapiro chaired the State Affairs and Education Committees. As a Senator, she is best known for her work in regional mobility, setting accountability standards for public education, and protecting children from sexual predators.
Today, Shapiro is a public policy consultant, with the Shapiro Linn Strategic Consulting Group, where she along with partner, Julie Linn, serve education clients. Gifted with a unique desire to assure all students thrive in the Texas education system, Shapiro brings the perspective from the Legislature to the boardroom and has served as President and Founder of such groups as the Collin County Junior League, Collin County Business Alliance, and the Information & Referral Center of Collin County – receiving over 250 awards for her public service.
Shapiro also serves on many boards including being Past Chair of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, as well as a member of the boards of COMMIT! Dallas, Southwestern Medical Foundation, University of Texas at Austin Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, Communities Foundation of Texas as Vice Chair, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, and Collin County Business Alliance, and on the Advisory Council for Education Reform Initiatives at the George W Bush Institute.
Jere Thompson, Jr.
Jere Thompson, Jr. cofounded Ambit Energy in 2006 in response to new opportunities created by energy deregulation. Under his leadership, Ambit has grown from a start-up to a leading national retail energy provider operating in 16 states and the District of Columbia, with $1.2 billion in sales in 2015. The company has been recognized for its growth and success by Inc. magazine, J.D. Power, Direct Selling News, the SMU Cox School of Business and other organizations. In addition, Mr. Thompson has been personally honored with Bravo Award by Direct Selling News and was finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Prior to starting Ambit, Mr. Thompson was the founder of Caprock Fiber Networks, which built fiber and broadband networks across Texas. As CEO, he guided Caprock into new markets, took the company public and managed its growth from infancy to 1,300 employees and $300 million in annual revenues.
Mr. Thompson received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He serves on the boards of several civic organizations and was also Chairman and a member of the North Texas Tollway Authority for more than a decade.
Fred Underwood
Fred is a former Texas Transportation Commissioner, serving from 2007 to 2015. He is also a former board member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and former Chairman of the Lubbock International Airport Board.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the Cotton Warehouse Association, where he previously served as president. He is both past vice president and past director of the National Cotton Council, and was a member of the advisory committee of Plains Capital Corporation. Fred is also a Life Member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Reining Horse Association. He also serves as a member of the Texas Tech University Chancellor’s Council.
Fred received a BA in Management from Texas Tech University. He is currently CEO of The Trinity Company, which manages cotton warehouse facilities across the South Plains.
Tony Elkins
Tony Elkins is an accomplished transportation development and alternative financing professional with more than 35 years of experience. He is skilled in the procurement of multibillion-dollar transportation projects, public-private partnerships, project finance and advising CEO’s and boards.
Elkins is a Vice President for Meridiam Infrastructure, leading their North American business development efforts in transportation, social infrastructure, broadband and district energy projects. His long career in infrastructure development includes employment with firms such as WSP and Cintra, working on high-profile projects such as the Texas High Speed Rail, LA Metro’s Sepulveda Transit Corridor and Maryland’s I-495 and I-270 Congestion Relief Public-Private Partnership program. Elkins also spent more than 8 years working for Lendlease structuring over $6 billion of affordable housing projects for the U.S. military under the Department of Defense’s MHPI public-private partnership program.
He serves on the five-member Austin Transit Partnership board of directors that oversees the delivery of Austin's $11+ billion transformative transit program. Serves as Chairman of the Finance and Risk Advisory Subcommittee of the board.
He holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University and a BBA in Accounting with honors from the University of Massachusetts.