Category Archives: Moving On Up

Promotions and hires around the RGV

Dietrich Assumes Interim Director at Port

William Dietrich

The Port of Brownsville begins 2024 with Port Chief of Police William Dietrich succeeding former Port Director and CEO Eduardo A. Campirano as interim port director. The Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners began a national search for a new port director and CEO in August. Dietrich was named interim in December while the search continues. “Building upon record achievements, the Port of Brownsville is on the path for tremendous…

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City of Pharr Hires Sanchez as Chamber of President

C.J. Sanchez

The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce recently announces that Carlos Javier “C.J.” Sanchez is the new GPCC president. “C.J. is a wonderful addition to our Pharr team! With his wealth of knowledge and experience in the business community, we know he will do an exceptional job working to promote our local Pharr businesses and community,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. Hailing from Edinburg,…

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New Chamber President Realizes Family Dream

Step one on McAllen Chamber president and CEO Liz Suarez’ six-month plan is aesthetics, as evidenced by the pleasing new landscaping.

“I will tell you; she was one of those stars that I saw immediately,” McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez told a packed room at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 12 about Liz Suarez, the chamber’s new president and CEO. Rodriguez and Suarez worked together in city administration for just over 19 years. Suarez served as the director of the city’s transit department before transferring to McAllen International Airport,…

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TSC Child Care Director Appointed To Statewide Council 

Marisela Nava (photo TSC)

Marisela Nava, director of Texas Southmost College’s Raul J. Guerra Early Childhood Center, was recently appointed to the Texas Early Learning Council by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The honor comes after 34 years of service to the center, where Nava began as a student worker in fall of 1988. “I know this a very selective process and it was only a dream for me before,” Nava said. “I always thought;…

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STC’s Benavidez Named ACCT Chairwoman

Rose Benavidez

South Texas College Board of Trustee Chairwoman Rose Benavidez was recently inaugurated in New York City as the chairwoman of the Association of Community College Trustees board of directors. She is the first Latina to hold this distinguished position in the organization’s more than 50-year history. The Starr County native will serve on the national stage, working with leadership from the White House to Congress and the U.S. Department of…

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Silva Takes Top Leadership Spot At RGV Partnership

Daniel Silva

The Rio Grande Valley Partnership has a new president and chief executive officer, and the new leader is a familiar face in the region’s economic development circles. Daniel Silva started as the Partnership’s new chief executive last week after an over three-year stint in the same role with the Mission Economic Development Corporation. Silva had a 15-years-plus stay with the Mission EDC, working his way up to the top spot.…

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Port of Brownsville Announces New Police Chief

William G. Dietrich

William G. Dietrich is the new Chief of Police for the Port of Brownsville’s Police and Security Department, effective July 11. Dietrich heads a department which includes sworn police officers, security guards and administrative staff. He succeeds Carlos L. Garcia, who retired July 8 from the Port of Brownsville after 10 years of service as police chief. Before joining the port, Dietrich retired from the Brownsville Police Department as commander…

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McAllen Chamber Names Mejia President/CEO

Josh Mejia

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Josh Mejia as president and chief executive officer effective June 29. Bianca Cardenas, who has been serving as Interim President/CEO over the last eight months will continue her role as VP of Membership Services. Mejia is an economic development executive with more than 10 years of experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, government relations and marketing. He comes from the Brownsville…

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SBA Names Wycoco Local Small Business Person of the Year

Christopher De La Cruz Wycoco

Christopher De La Cruz Wycoco of WYCOTAX LLC is SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District’s Small Business Person of the Year. District Director Angela Burton made the announcement last week, along with the awardees for nine other small business categories. Wycoco, born and raised in the Philippines, came to the United States in 2010 to work in the healthcare industry. Within five years, Wycoco’s journey led him from nursing to…

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Collier Appointed to Texas Travel Alliance Board

Kristi Collier

Kristi Collier, president/CEO of Welcome Home RGV has been appointed to the board of directors of the Texas Travel Alliance. The Texas Travel Alliance is the primary advocate and voice for the Texas travel industry. It is a diverse membership of Texas travel destinations, accommodations, attractions, transportation and support businesses. “We are excited to welcome Kristi to the Texas Travel Alliance Board of Directors,” said Erika Boyd, Texas Travel Alliance…

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