Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, CEcD, was appointed director of the Economic Development Department for the City of San Antonio effective July 26, 2021. She oversees three divisions – Small Business, Industry Development, and Global Engagement – and numerous programs. Key initiatives currently underway include the Disparity Study, ARPA-funded Small Business Portfolio, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Prior to joining the City of San Antonio, Brenda served as the Assistant Economic Development Director with the City of Fort Worth, TX for five years. She was responsible for the development and implementation of the City’s first economic development strategic plan and oversaw efforts focused on small business, entrepreneurship and innovation, revitalization, existing business development and business recruitment. Brenda also spearheaded the city’s COVID-19 small business recovery program, Preserve the Fort, in which $54.9M was awarded to local small businesses.

Prior to her time in Texas, Brenda served as the director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Brenda started her economic development career in Wisconsin serving in numerous leadership positions at local, regional, and state organizations such as the Economic and Community Development Solutions; Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC); Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation; and Washington County.

Brenda has served on numerous workforce, economic and community development boards throughout her career and has earned several prestigious awards and designations for her work in the economic and community development field. These include the Outstanding New Economic Developer of the Year from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Outstanding Young Alumni from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, and the President’s Award from the Site Selector’s Guild.

Brenda earned her certified economic developer designation in 2005. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a Master of Science degree in Urban Studies with an emphasis in Public Policy and Economic Development from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Camila W. Kunau is an Assistant City Attorney IV with the City of San Antonio, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and her J.D. from St. Mary’s University. Ms. Kunau is a member of the Texas Bar, the College of the State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Bar Foundation. Her practice for the City focuses on Open Government, Ethics, Campaign Finance and Elections, City Council, the City Charter, boards and commissions, records retention and destruction, emergency and disaster management, municipal court, legislative matters, and special projects. In December, she will celebrate her 29th year with the Office of the City Attorney.

João Luiz Martins Esteves is a Lawyer, PhD in Legal Sciences from the Doctoral Program of the Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC. Master in State Law and Citizenship at Gama Filho University. He is Specialist in Political Philosophy and in Philosophy: History of Brazilian Thinking, at the State University of Londrina – UEL. He is effective Attorney of the Londrina City Hall and effective Professor of the undergraduate Law course at the State University of Londrina. He is an associate member of the Brazilian Institute of Public Advocacy – IBAP.

Kevin is the City Auditor for the City of San Antonio.  In this role, he leads a team responsible for conducting performance, compliance and information technology audits of City departments, offices, agencies, and programs.  He has over 34 years of internal audit experience across multiple industries and has been in his current role over 13 years.

Liz Rodrigues is an Administrator, graduated from the University of Northern Paraná State – UNOPAR in 2003, MBA in Administration and Marketing completed in 2009, MBA in Innovation in Public Administration completed in 2021, Postgraduate in Public Governance and Strategic Planning (in progress until Dec/2024), all the three at the International University Center – Uninter.

Liz has more than 20 years of experience working as an Administrator, as well as in the National and International Commercial area in private organizations. In 2014 she was admitted to public service after passing a public examination. She works as an Administrator at Londrina City Hall, with experience in Program and Project management, team leadership and technical assessor. Currently at City Hall, she works as Director of Governance and International Relations, coordinating the Public Governance Police, management of Strategic Projects, institutional and international relations. She represents the Municipality in programs and projects of the civil society organizations, such as Industrial and Commerce Association, Londrina Development Forum, SEBRAE – Brazilian Support Service for Small Businesses, and others. As International Relations representative, she also manage the relationship with the Sister Cities of Londrina and others agreements with different nations.

Eventually she is supervisor for students in the Summer Fellowship Program, in partnership between the Londrina City Hall and International Universities. In 2021 it was two students from the University of Oxford (online) and in 2022 three students from Columbia University (one online and two in person). In 2024, a process is underway with Stanford University.

Maria serves as the Compliance Auditor for the City of San Antonio, a role she has embraced since April 2019 with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to public service.  In her role, she champions ethical standards and adherence with the City’s Ethics Code.  She has over 20 years of experience in compliance, investigations, and risk management, which she uses to guide and educate, reinforcing the importance of integrity and transparency in public service.

Maria holds dual Master of Arts Degrees in Business Management and Human Resources Development, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Psychology of Organizations and Development.  She is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA).

Richard’s unwavering dedication to public service led him to join the City of San Antonio in 2002, following his retirement from California’s Department of Justice.

Richard’s tenure in the OMI, which commenced in 2004, has been marked by transformative leadership. His strategic initiatives have significantly curbed fraud, waste, and abuse within a workforce of approximately 10,000 city employees. Despite a decrease in staff, their responsibilities have expanded to include allegations of workplace violence and complaints of equal employment opportunity discrimination. Through a combination of new policies and proactive training, investigations involving fraud, waste, and abuse have plummeted by over 70%.

Richard’s dedication to promoting compliance and high ethical standards is further exemplified by his current role as the president of the Greater San Antonio Ethics and Compliance Roundtable (GSAECR). The GSAECR, under his leadership, strives to foster collaboration and professional development among groups from business, non-profit, governmental, academic, and other sectors.

Lieutenant Jacob Garza has approximately 23 and half years with the San Antonio Police Department. Throughout his career he has worked in the patrol division, investigations, and is currently in the Office of Chief Police. Lieutenant Garza oversees several details and projects in his current role to include the Community Engagement Detail. Lieutenant Garza is committed to building relationships and collaborating with the community members to enhance the goals of quality of life and public safety in San Antonio. Lieutenant Garza served in the United States Air Force from 1995-1999. Lieutenant Jacob Garza holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University.

Lieutenant David Bacarreza has served with the San Antonio Police Department for 15 years.  He is currently in the Office of the Chief of Police.  Lieutenant Bacarreza’s previous experience include various patrol assignments, major crimes investigations, sworn personnel staffing, and project lead for Department technology projects.  He believes that technology can help serve as a force-multiplier in the partnership between the Police Department and the community.

Lieutenant Bacarreza also currently serves in the United States Air Force Reserve.  He is a graduate of the Air Force’s Officer Training School.  Lieutenant Bacarreza holds an M.A. in Cyber Intelligence from American Military University.

Officer Doug Greene has been a member of the San Antonio Police Department for 14 years. He has served as a public information officer for six years in the department’s Media Services Unit.  He currently serves in the Chief’s Office as a Community Engagement Officer. Officer Greene spearheads the department’s Success Through Respect and Handle with Care programs as well as The Brave Cowboy presentation. Prior to joining the department, Officer Greene worked in the TV production industry for ten years. Officer Greene has an associate degree in Radio, TV, and Film, and a BA in Communications-Media. In 2016, Officer Greene was named Officer of the Year for SAPD. He currently serves as a board member for Community Bible Church. He is married to his lovely wife Christine of 20 years. They have three children, two dogs and two hamsters.

Joel Pope is a San Antonio Police Officer who is currently assigned to the Chief’s Office Community Engagement Unit.

Joel’s current assignment is focused on creating meaningful community relationships with an emphasis on projects that lead to increased police legitimacy and promote procedural justice.

Before his current assignment Joel spent 16 years developing police training programs centered around enhancing quality law enforcement services intended to bolster police legitimacy.   These programs are based in realistic scenario training, with an emphasis on stress control techniques and performance phycology as it relates to critical police response. Joel supports data driven improvements in training and is a published author in this field.   Joel supports officer career and life development by implementing Performance Recovery Optimization techniques, a first within the San Antonio Police Department.  Based on Joel’s work with San Antonio Police psychological services, San Antonio was chosen and presented to the U.S. Congress as an example of health and wellness programs designed to provide successful law enforcement mental health and wellness strategies. Joel has consulted for the International Association of Chiefs of Police working with major cities across the United States.

Joel currently consults for The Department of Justice implementing community engagement and officer wellness programs internationally.  Preparing police officers to be healthy and effective inspires Joel’s work due to the direct impact it has on the community they are serving and their wellbeing.

Joel is a local, state and federal trained police instructor with 28 years of law enforcement experience.  Joel has trained and provided training programs for numerous police agencies, corporate and community members alike.  Joel works closely with multiple community youth groups throughout San Antonio

Joel holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University- [1996]; and a TCOLE Master Peace Officer License.

Raised in Indian Creek on the Southwest Side of San Antonio. Deacon at Lighthouse Christian Temple. A husband, father and  grandfather.  Currently serving on the San Antonio Apartment Association Board, Vice President of SAAA Products Service Council, serves on the SAAA Education Committee, Government Affairs Committee and Outreach Committee. Vision is to help others get closer to a lasting change.

Teresa Garcia is the Director of Government Relations for Latin America with Emerson Collective’s Immigration team, where she leads engagement with key Latin American governments to advance migration policies that help manage the unprecedented movement of people. She works with city-level leaders to facilitate collaboration and promote and replicate city-level solutions to displacement at scale. Prior to joining Emerson Collective, Teresa worked at the Open Society Foundations as a Special Advisor and at the Washington Office on Latin America. Teresa has an M.A. in International Relations from the School of International Service at American University and graduated at the top of her class at the Higher Institute of International Relations in Havana, Cuba. In 2023, she was named a Lideres Fellow by Hispanics in Philanthropy.

Alfred Breuer focuses on expanding international relationships, building collaboration across San Antonio’s economic development community, and foreign direct investment. Mr. Breuer engages international companies who are looking to expand their presence in the city and supports San Antonio companies expand through exports.

Prior to join the City of San Antonio, Mr. Breuer lead outreach efforts for the San Antonio and Corpus Christi regions for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, San Antonio Branch. In his role, he engaged with stakeholders to discuss current economic challenges and opportunities in the community and increase awareness of the mission of the Federal Reserve. He was also tasked with identifying emerging economic challenges and opportunities and gathering information to support monetary policymaking and strategic planning efforts.

Mr. Breuer has also worked for a global top 10 public relations firm, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, and served as legislative director for a Texas State Representative. In addition, he served as Deputy Director for International Affairs for an agricultural trade association in Washington, DC where he focused on the organization’s trade policy program. Throughout his career he has worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including Fortune 500 companies, national trade associations and U.S. and foreign public officials to build strong mutually beneficial relationships.

He holds a BA from Austin College, an MA in international commerce and policy from George Mason University and an MBA from the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección de Empresa (IPADE) in Mexico City.

A native of San Antonio, Martha Henry spent many years studying and working abroad, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, before settling in her current position at the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Division. As an International Relations Manager, Ms. Henry focuses on coordinating official visits to San Antonio, facilitating relationships with local international organizations, and conducting research pertaining to the city’s international interests.

Ms. Henry has been involved extensively in cultural and educational exchange, and has worked with high school and college students and adult learners. She holds a Master’s degree in International Education and Exchange Management from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and received a Fulbright fellowship to study higher education in the European Union.

Ms. Henry is also active in the local community and very engaged in the restoration of the San Antonio River, one of the largest urban ecosystem restoration projects in the nation. She is particularly intrigued by the international attention generated by this and other innovative San Antonio projects and by the exchange of best practices with visiting foreign delegations.

Caitlin Cowart has worked for the City of San Antonio since 2013. She worked for the Library as the Communications & Public Relations Manager for 8 years and currently serves as an Economic Development Manager for small business development for the Economic Development Department. Prior to joining the city, she worked in project management, marketing and communications for various industries for more than a decade including healthcare and real estate development. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She loves her adopted hometown San Antonio and enjoys all the city has to offer alongside her husband and three-year old son.

Virginia Carefoote is the inaugural Fellow for the Harvard Kennedy School Taubman Center for State and Local Government Economic Development Fellowship, a one-year program that embeds graduates of the Harvard Kennedy School in state and local economic development offices. As part of the program, Virginia has focused on two primary areas within the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department: (1) utilizing public procurement as a tool for economic development, and (2) mitigating the impacts of large-scale construction projects on local small businesses. Raised in a small business household, Virginia is passionate about entrepreneurship and small business ownership as pathways to economic mobility.

Virginia is energized by the role of cities as the “doers” – as the most trusted government institutions and those that are most proximate to residents, local governments are uniquely positioned to affect change. She earned her master’s in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School with a concentration in Urban Development. During her master’s program, Virginia became actively involved in programming focused on urban policy issues, including participating in the Economic Development Seminar Series, co-organizing the urban/rural policy spring break trek to Alaska, and participating in Governor Maura Healey’s transition team, where she supported the governor-elect’s team in translating their campaign agenda into an actionable governing plan.

Virginia began her career in public accounting in New York City, working on financial and operational audits for Fortune 500 banking clients, but left New York after realizing her heart was in the public sector. She then served as a community and economic development volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Senegal and as an AmeriCorps member in New York City’s Division of Housing Policy, where she fell in love with local government. Virginia is from Toronto, Canada, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

Patsy Boozer, CISSP is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Director of the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center (ARSOC) for the City of San Antonio. Responsibilities include cyber, data, application, and facility physical security systems.  Retired Naval Officer with 18 years in Federal, DOD and Commercial Information/Cyber and Physical Security consulting and management. In the private sector she served as Operations Manager responsible for over 150 security engineers and analyst including a 24×7 Security Operations Center as well as Director of IT Security for a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology company. Served as Director of Information Security Assurance at Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio. Graduate of the University of South Carolina and earned her master’s degree in computer science from the Naval Post Graduate School.

Sunny have been with the City of San Antonio since 11 September 2017.  He is a retired Naval Officer with over 21 years of service.  His military services include Enlisted as Aviation Structural Mechanics (Airframes).  As Officer, Gunnery Officer aboard USS ARKANSAS, the Auxiliary Engineering Officer on USS NIMITZ, IT Manager at Naval Ocean Processing Facility (NOPF) Whidbey Island, Operations Officer and Command Security Manager aboard USS Rodney M. Davis, Chief Staff Officer Mine Counter-Measures Division Three One for Mine Clearance Operations of the Persian Gulf for OEF/OIF, lastly as Executive Officer of Naval Reserve Center Pacific Northwest.  After retirement Sunny worked as a Special Agent with Federal Investigative Services for the Office of Personnel Management before moving to San Antonio to work for Department of Veterans Affairs as a Health Services Research Manager and then for the Foundation for Advancing Veterans Health Research (FAVHR).  With over 30 years of Information Technology and Cybersecurity experience in various capacity with the Navy, public and private sector, Sunny decided to fully dedicate his focus and passion in Cybersecurity by joining the City of San Antonio IT Security team.  Some of his other interests and hobbies include woodworking, astronomy/astrophotography, photography, PC building and IT “exploring”, and DIY’er.

He is a graduate of Oregon State University with degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration.

Josh Dean is board certified in Security Management by ASIS International as a Certified Protection Professional, CPP. Josh has served in public safety and critical infrastructure security for almost thirty years and has experience in physical and cyber security, business continuity and emergency management, criminal justice, crime prevention, and public education. Licenses include Master Peace Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, and Police Instructor. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Sul Ross State University and a Master of Justice Administration from St. Mary’s University. Josh is currently the Director of Security Defense & Response for CPS Energy.

Ricki Garrett is Interim President and CEO of Sister Cities International.  She has also served as Alderwoman at Large and Mayor Pro Tempore of Clinton, Mississippi since 2017.  Ricki served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association from 2015 to 2023.

In 2014, Ricki founded the first nurse practitioner association in Mississippi, The Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners, and served as its first Executive Director.

From 2004 until 2011, Ricki served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Nurses Association.  During her tenure, MNA became one of the leading nursing organizations in the country through its advocacy efforts, educational offerings, and collaborations with nursing and other organizations state-wide and nationally.

Prior to her tenure at MNA, Ricki spent twelve years on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, governing Mississippi’s eight publicly supported universities. Ricki has also served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Mississippi Ednet Board, the Mississippi Commission on Volunteer Service, the Mississippi Humanities Council, and the Governor’s Task Force on Health Information Exchange.  She has also served as president of the Mississippi Stadium Commission and the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association.  In 2005, she was named one of the 50 Leading Business Women by the Mississippi Business Journal and in 2004, was named Woman of the Year by the Mississippi University for Women. She has recently served as the Board Chair of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi and as the President of the Mississippi Society of Association Executives. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Mississippi Municipal League and on the Board of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education.

Ricki has a doctorate in higher education from Jackson State University, an M.A. in English from the University of Mississippi, and a B.A. in English from Mississippi University for Women.  Her dissertation on Women in Governance won a national Council of Historical Black Graduate Schools/Proquest award in 2008.

Ricki is married to Jesse Garrett, a retired pharmacist with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and has two sons, Walker, a cyber security systems architect with Northrop Grumman in Huntsville, Alabama; and Oliver, an assistant director in Burbank, California.

Alexa Storzinger serves as the Program Coordinator at Sister Cities International Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she dedicates herself to organizing impactful events and initiatives that advance the organization’s mission of fostering global connections and local prosperity. Her responsibilities include overseeing the successful execution of Sister Cities International’s signature events like the Young Artists and Authors Showcase and Youth Leadership Summit.

Alexa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from American University, with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability and Global Health, complemented by a Minor in Communication Studies. Her academic journey was enriched by immersive experiences in Brussels, Belgium, and Nairobi, Kenya, where she deepened her commitment to community-based engagement and international relations.

Alexa finds joy in exploring new destinations, immersing herself in nature, and cherishing moments with loved ones.

Jayme Staley serves as Executive Director of Greater Columbus Sister Cities International where she is responsible for developing and managing the Sister City relationships on behalf of the City of Columbus and Franklin County. At Greater Columbus Sister Cities she works to build community relationships around the world through education, economic development, and arts and culture.

Prior to joining Greater Columbus Sister Cities International, Staley served as Vice President for Public Affairs of Triumph Communications where she worked with corporate, nonprofit, and political clients to develop strategic initiatives and public affairs campaigns on wide-ranging local, state and national priorities. She also served as Executive Director for the Columbus and Central Ohio Children’s Chorus Foundation.

Staley remains active in her advocacy for children and the arts and serves on the Greater Columbus Arts Council Board of Trustees. She received her Bachelor of Arts in International Business from The Ohio State University and speaker German.

Donna Scantlebury is presently Florida State Representative for Sister Cities International. A passionate and visionary individual, she is leading Florida’s Sister Cities into a new era in which economic development and education are at the center of all programs.  Her organizational skills have served Florida’s three hundred sister cities well, through her support and assistance with programs that assist members raise funds nationally and internationally.

Fred Blanton got his start with Sister Cities International in 1983, through a summer business internship exchange between local businesses in his college town of St. Louis and companies in small villages around St. Louis’ sister city of Stuttgart, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.  After Fred returned from “the summer of a lifetime”, he took his first full time job with Boeing and decided to stay in St. Louis, so the local Sister Cities organization asked Fred to become their “first young board member”.  After several years of actively supporting various local sister cities programs in St Louis and in smaller towns around Missouri, Fred helped host SCI’s very successful annual conference in St. Louis in 2003.  Fred has served on the SCI Board of Directors and  Honorary Board and the SCI Virginia State Representative. In addition to supporting about 15 vibrant city programs throughout Virginia, Fred also supports SCI’s Membership Department with requests from member cities across the SCI network to help revitalize various aspects of their local programs.

Amir Samandi is the founder and Executive Director of Students of Service (SOS), a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to developing
global citizenship in youth through local servicelearning and meaningful travel abroad experiences. He founded SOS in 2014 with the goal of empowering young people to make a positive difference in the world. His background in international affairs and education, including working in the San Antonio public school system and at St. Mary’s University, informs his
leadership at SOS, allowing him to use his firsthand knowledge to mentor the next generation of global leaders.

Amir was a 2020-2021 German Marshall Fund Memorial Fellow and was named one of San Antonio’s 40 Under 40 by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2018. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and two sons, and they enjoy traveling together!

Brenda Frinks is an impressive individual who has made significant contributions to various causes. She has served in several leadership positions, including as Vice President of Florida Sister Cities International and the Africa Summit (Cape Town) Special Events Chair. Ms. Frinks was also the former President of Jacksonville Sister Cities Association, where she served for over 25 years, coordinating relationships between Jacksonville and international cities in eight different countries. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the organization, she was named Sister Cities International’s (SCI) Volunteer of the Year for 2022-23.

Ms. Frinks serves as a consultant to businesses, municipalities, and NGOs, and has several certifications in Business Development, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Youth Development.

Marisa Calder is the Director of Operations for Students of Service (SOS), a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to developing global citizenship in youth through local service-learning and meaningful travel abroad experiences. She leverages her professional background in international education, as well as her own high school study abroad experience as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Hungary, to manage SOS’s programs, run day-to-day operations, and cultivate new partnerships.

Marisa attended Trinity University, where she majored in Political Science and Chinese Language and participated in the State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship Program. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Global Policy Studies from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on Nonprofit Management. Previously she served as a Consular Fellow at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and held roles in international student affairs and study abroad at ISEP Study Abroad, University of Texas at Austin, and the University of the Incarnate Word.

Suhail Arastu was raised in San Antonio, Texas and studied Neurobiology and Classics at The University of California, Berkeley. He has lived in Japan, and traveled the world by ship under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Now, Suhail works in Institutional Advancement for Musical Bridges Around the World, a non-profit performing arts company charged to unite, educate and inspire through culturally diverse visual and performing arts. Suhail is the Mayor’s appointee to the Public art Commission and has served Sister Cities International Board of Directors. Suhail was appointed Chair of the Arts and Culture for America 250 in preparation for the US Semiquincecentennial in 2026. He leads Yoga privately and at Yoga in Motion while service on the Advisory Council of International Yoga Day – a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

The son of immigrants and the grandson of a holocaust survivor, Peter Svarzbein is an artist-curator, municipal consultant, and recent two-term El Paso City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tempore. During graduate school at the School of Visual Arts, Svarzbein created the “El Paso Transnational Trolley Project,” a self-created activist/artist project that resulted in a $97 million state grant for a Intra-city trolley route using the Original PCC Streetcars that once ran between Juaréz, Mx, & El Paso, Tx. This project is currently scheduled to be published as the “Trolley Solution,” a limited edition fine-art book by Harvard University Press in 2024.

He has been a board member of Sister Cities International since 2016, and currently serves as national Chairman of Sister Cities International, the first Latino to do so.  He currently focuses on art, advocacy and community oriented consulting and has been featured on national and international media and speaking engagements on trade, transportation and international relations.

Svarzbein has exhibited work both nationally and internationally including video installation in the Guggenheim’s “Still-Spotting NYC” exhibition, at UTEP’s Rubin Gallery in a bi-national exhibition “El Flow” and in the “Puro Border” exhibition at the INBA Museum of Fine Art in Juaréz, Mx. His most recent installation “Conversos Y Tacos Kosher Gourmet Trucks est. 1492” was funded through a National Endowments for the Arts grant and featured on NPR’s “Here and Now.” He has taught at the Texas Tech College of Architecture, NMSU, and has lectured at Harvard University and UTEP.

Manny Pelaez was elected to San Antonio’s City Council for District 8 in June 2017. He is an experienced business and community leader and attorney.

During his time practicing law, Manny represented more than 175 homeowner associations, hundreds of homeowners, small businesses, and some of the larger employers throughout San Antonio. He was Toyota Motor Manufacturing’s first hire and served as their attorney for many years. He helped create the 4,000+ jobs that have transformed San Antonio’s manufacturing landscape. After Toyota, Manny went on to represent some of the world’s largest manufacturers in the automotive industry, creating more jobs and bringing serious investment to San Antonio.

He also served as Chairman of the Brooks City Base Board where he led the transformation of the former air force base to a thriving community and the live-work-play campus it is today. Manny’s leadership was instrumental in the development of over 3,000 jobs.

Today, he continues to represent homeowners, business owners, schools, banks and international companies from Japan, Spain, and Latin America.

Manny is a former Trustee of the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Advanced Transportation District.

He also served as the General Counsel for the Bexar County Battered Women and Children Shelter for 10 years.

Currently, Manny serves on several San Antonio City Council Committees including as the chair of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee.

Additionally, he has several appointments including to the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) Board of Directors, BioMed SA, Committee of Six, Economic Development Corporation Committee, Ready to Work Advisory Board, and Sister Cities International.

Ron Nirenberg is the Mayor of San Antonio, one of the nation’s fastest growing cities with the 7th largest population in the United States.

He was raised in Austin, Texas, and attended college in San Antonio. Nirenberg is the son of an immigrant from Southeast Asia and the grandson of immigrants from Eastern Europe who passed through Ellis Island. Through his personal experiences, Mayor Nirenberg developed a core commitment to civic participation and the universal values of liberty, justice, and equal opportunity for every person.

Mayor Nirenberg was re-elected to a fourth and last term on May 6, 2023.

Under his leadership as mayor, the city’s budget has been adopted with a focus on equity to ensure that all parts of the city have the same level of services and infrastructure. He is focused on making key investments necessary to accommodate the growth of San Antonio, which is expected to nearly double in population by 2040. This forward-looking approach drives the mayor’s vision of a compassionate community with a globally competitive economy. In 2018, the United States Conference of Mayors recognized Mayor Nirenberg with the Small Business Advocate award for his efforts to encourage entrepreneurism.

The Mayor’s policy priorities include: workforce development. In 2020, he successfully championed SA Ready to Work, a four-year workforce development program approved by 77 percent of voters and funded without raising the tax rate as well as nurturing an educated workforce in San Antonio through the AlamoPROMISE tuition-free college program; championing innovative transportation solutions through the city’s first comprehensive multimodal transportation plan; and in 2017, Mayor Nirenberg created the Mayor’s Housing Policy Task Force seeking to ensure that all San Antonians, regardless of income level, can find quality affordable housing within the city limits. The task force recommendations were approved by City Council in 2018.

In an effort to combat the effects of global climate change, Mayor Nirenberg spearheaded a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in October 2019. Shortly thereafter, Mayor Nirenberg joined the Climate Mayors Steering Committee, a group of 24 mayors who will serve as a leading voice in efforts to further climate action in the more than 400 cities across the U.S. that make up the Climate Mayors Coalition.

Mayor Nirenberg also played a leading role crafting a long-term solution in 2020 for funding the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program. The Edwards Aquifer in South-Central Texas is one of the most productive aquifers in the United States serving as the primary water source for much of the region, including the City of San Antonio and its surrounding communities.

Grist, a nonprofit media organization, named Mayor Nirenberg one of the Grist 50 in 2020, recognizing him as an emerging leader on climate change in the United States.

Under Mayor Nirenberg’s leadership the City of San Antonio has adopted a compassionate approach to migrants, establishing a Migrant Resource Center with non-profit partners to address the safety and logistical needs of asylum seekers passing through San Antonio as they arrange to travel to their host cities across the nation. He has been a vocal proponent of a compassionate, welcoming policy since his tenure as a City Councilman for San Antonio’s Council district with the most refugees.   Mayor Nirenberg was appointed to serve on the Leadership Board of the Mayors’ Migration Council, a mayor-led coalition that accelerates ambitious global action on migration and displacement.

Mayor Nirenberg chairs the US Conference of Mayors (USCM) Mayors and Business Leaders Center for Compassionate and Equitable Cities.  He spearheaded the creation of an education curriculum called CompassionateUSA, which was launched at the USCM Annual meeting in 2023 and has to date been adopted by many cities as CompassionateUSA Partners.

Mayor Nirenberg is an inaugural member of the Assembly of Local Leaders (ALL), created by the U.S. Department of State’s Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, a new venue for the Department of State to engage with mayors, governors, and other municipal leaders on key issues that affect their communities.

Mayor Nirenberg is a Chairman Emeritus of Sister Cities International, a nonpartisan organization that connects cities across the globe through civic, educational, and cultural exchanges. The City of San Antonio enjoys active and productive Sister City relationships with 12 cities worldwide, and Mayor Nirenberg has been a participant in establishing productive, people-to-people relationships through global community partnerships and volunteer action.

He was first elected to represent District 8 on the San Antonio City Council in 2013. During his first two terms, he championed smart city and regional planning, inclusive economic development, environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and governmental accountability. As councilman, he brought together a public-private coalition to save the world-renowned Bracken Bat Cave, the largest colony of bats in the world.

Prior to his public service, Mayor Nirenberg was the founder of two small-businesses, worked as the general manager of KRTU-FM San Antonio, and served as a program director for the Annenberg Public Policy Center where he developed and directed award-winning civic engagement programs.

Mayor Nirenberg graduated summa cum laude from Trinity University and received a Master’s Degree in Communication magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. He grew up in Austin, Texas.

He and his wife, First Lady Erika Prosper, are the proud parents of their son, Jonah.

Daniel Ricchetti serves as the Deputy Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy. In this role, he works with mayors, governors, and other municipal officials to strengthen local government engagement on the international stage and help bring the benefits of foreign policy to the local level. Previously, Mr. Ricchetti served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs and as a Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security.

Prior to joining the Department, Mr. Ricchetti served on the staff of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee for seven years. Mr. Ricchetti holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and B.A. in History and Government from the College of William and Mary. He is from Arlington, Virginia.

Carlos was born in Mexico and has spent half of his life in the United States, which has given him a unique perspective encompassing both nations and cultures. He has successfully leveraged this perspective to build strong business and state relationships across borders. Carlos has held several positions in both the private and public sectors, gaining experience and expertise along the way.

Carlos has an extensive professional background, working as the Director of Economic Development at Cross-National Advisory Partners in San Antonio. In the early days of his career, Carlos gained valuable knowledge through various international experiences, including ones at Kargocard in Shanghai, El Universal Newspaper in Mexico City, and the Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce in San Antonio.

Currently, Carlos serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for Mexican and Border Affairs at the Texas Secretary of State. He has held this position since 2022. In this role, some of his responsibilities include working with Mexican federal, state, and local officials as well as companies and organizations on issues affecting Texas, Mexico, and the border region. He also serves as an advisor to the Governor’s Office and other agencies on issues that affect Texas-Mexico relations. Furthermore, he is a member of the Rio Grande Minute Negotiating Team and oversees the coordination of the Border Trade Advisory Committee meeting.

Carlos has recently completed his MBA in Strategy/Entrepreneurship and Finance from Southern Methodist University. Before this, he earned two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration (majoring in International Business) and Economics from Trinity University. During his MBA, Carlos developed a keen interest in public finance management and microeconomics for policy analysis.

It is our honor to welcome you to the first regional Sister Cities International All Americas Summit. This event is special to Bexar County, as San Antonio’s Involvement with Sister Cities International has been a labor of love and benefit to our community.

Bexar County is the most opportune place for these relationships because of who we are. Our community comes from all cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. We all share a dedicated vision to make our world a better place to live for ourselves and future generations.

We always welcome new opportunities and relationships to enhance economic development. Our downtown is bright, vibrant, and diverse, offering a number of excellent cuisines, experiences, and opportunities to learn about our rich history. We are home to the historic Alamo, the beautiful Riverwalk, and the artistically prodigious Blue Star district. We host the San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy lively and colorful Fiestas and parties throughout the year.

Bexar County is the place we are proud to call home. We value family, cultural diversity, and community. We hope that you will enjoy our company and friendship, and take your memories back home to share. let us all come together and make a better world of understanding and compassion. Let us never forget how important that is for all of us.

Dan Geddes is the region president in Frost Bank’s San Antonio region. In that position, he oversees all aspects of banking operations in the region. Dan was appointed to the region president position in 2021 after leading the Commercial Real Estate Group in Frost’s Houston region for seven years as sales manager. While in Houston, Dan was chosen to draw on his commercial real estate experience to lead Frost’s expansion effort, which resulted in the opening of 25 new financial centers – nearly doubling Frost’s size in the market – in a little over two years. In his role leading the project, Dan oversaw all aspects of the expansion, including site selection, timing of new financial center openings, and staffing. The expansion project was even more successful than expected, with the new sites far surpassing initial goals for deposits, loans and new households. In addition to the expansion, Dan was instrumental in helping businesses secure loans through the 2020-21 Paycheck Protection Program

Dan has been with Frost Bank since January 1997, starting as a credit analyst in the Credit Department before working in the Commercial Real Estate Lending Group in San Antonio. He moved to Houston in December 1999 as a commercial lender focused primarily on commercial real estate lending, and later became a production credit officer.

Dan is active in the community serving as Chair of the Finance Committee of The Remember the Alamo Foundation, an advisory board member of UT Health San Antonio Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics and was a member of Leadership San Antonio’s 46th class in 2022.

His ties to San Antonio go back to the fall of 1992 when he enrolled at Trinity University graduating in 1996, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in accounting and finance.

Mayor Alix Desulme is a dynamic leader whose dedication to community service shines brightly in every aspect of his public service career. With a heart for giving back, he tirelessly champions the needs of North Miami and South Florida residents, consistently going above and beyond to make a positive impact.

As a lifelong educator, Mayor Desulme has touched the lives of countless students, from at-risk youth to gifted learners, with his unwavering commitment to their growth and success. His entrepreneurial spirit as a small business owner further demonstrates his versatility and drive for
excellence.

In 2009, Mayor Desulme made history as North Miami’s first Black City Clerk and the youngest Haitian American to hold such a position in the United States. His trailblazing journey continued in 2015 when he was elected to the North Miami City Council, representing District 4. His leadership was further recognized in 2016 when he became the youngest Vice-Mayor, and in 2019, he was re-elected with an overwhelming 65% of the vote. During his tenure as Vice Mayor, Mayor Desulme spearheaded numerous community-enrichment initiatives, including the Golden Silver Senior Program, which provides a nurturing environment for seniors to thrive. His “Peoples’ Councilman” moniker is a testament to his deep connection with the community, exemplified by his innovative “Let’s Eat Healthy” initiative, which ensures residents have access to fresh, nutritious food.

Mayor Desulme’s advocacy for creating the City’s first Housing and Social Services Department is a monumental achievement. Since its inception, the department has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant urban community by providing essential housing and social services to those
in need.

As an educator, Mayor Desulme’s commitment to youth development is unwavering. He founded the NoMi Leaders in Training Program (L.I.T.) to prepare the next generation of public servants and ensure a seamless transition into the City’s Youth Opportunity Board (YOB) Summer Internship Program.

The Acting Mayor of Guadalajara, Juan Francisco Ramírez Salcido is “tapatío” (from Guadalajara), born on March 25, 1969, the oldest of three brothers, of businessman parents, married and with two children.

Graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA), he entered local and national politics with one objective: to serve the citizens.

In 2015 he assumed his first public position of popular representation as Councilor of the City Council of Guadalajara; In 2018 he was Federal Representative of Jalisco for district 14 in the LXIV Legislature.

From 2021 to October 2023, he was Councilor of the Guadalajara City Council, coordinating the Movimiento Ciudadano political party fraction. He chaired the Commission of Governance, Regulations and Surveillance and was a member of the commissions of Public Finance and Municipal Heritage, Citizen Security and Social Prevention, Metropolitan Affairs and Coordination and that of Traditional Centers and Neighborhoods. He also chaired the Restricted Business Council of the Municipality.

After October 26, 2023, he was appointed by the Guadalajara City Council as Acting Mayor. And since November of the same year he has chaired the Building Commission for Metropolitan Affairs and Coordination.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti was elected as Mayor of Markham in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

He is Markham’s second longest serving Mayor.

Mr. Scarpitti was first elected to Markham Council in 1985, as a Regional Councillor. In total, the people of Markham have elected him ten times.  He has served on both the Councils of the City of Markham and York Region for 30 years.

Mayor Scarpitti serves on York Regional Council and is the current Chair of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (VIVA Transit).

He serves as a member on the Alectra board, one of the largest municipally-owned electrical utilities in North America.

Mayor Scarpitti gives his time to a number of non-profit organizations related to health, social programs, arts and culture.  As Co-Chair of Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Capital Campaign, his efforts contributed to surpassing the hospital’s $50 million fundraising goal.

He led Markham’s initiative to secure the Markham Pan Am Centre and attract a Markham campus for York University.

remains committed to pouring into the community that helped groom him into the public figure he is today. Chairman Gilbert is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Upon graduating, he enrolled in law school at St. Thomas University School of Law. He later transferred to the University of Miami School of Law where he held a senate position with the Student Bar Association and was a National Board Member of the Black Law Student Association among other accolades. Upon successfully earning his Juris Doctorate with honors, Chairman Gilbert knew his calling was public service. Chairman Gilbert is a seasoned attorney, licensed to practice law in the State of Florida; the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida; and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Federal District Court.

With 20 years of legal experience, Chairman Gilbert’s vast knowledge extends to real estate law, municipal law, constitutional law, civil rights law and employment law. Throughout his tenure as a practicing attorney, he gained extensive experience working as a public policy maker in areas of education, criminal justice, and urban and economic development. Chairman Gilbert has served as an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College, teaching courses in criminology, criminal law, constitutional law, street law, drugs and violence, computer crimes and judicial policy.

In 2012, Chairman Gilbert reached what was then the pinnacle of his career when he was elected mayor of his hometown, Miami Gardens. During his tenure, he provided leadership to City Council and city employees, increased corporate expansion and was the driving force behind the exponential growth and development of new businesses within Miami Gardens. His efforts led to additional job opportunities for local residents and pumped revenue back into his beloved city. As recognition of the city’s tremendous growth, Miami Gardens was awarded All-America City in 2020, solidifying Chairman Gilbert’s city as a tri-county economic contender. Chairman Gilbert’s civic activities extended outside of Miami-Dade County as he is a former President of the African American Mayors Association and held a seat on the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Mayors, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board, as well as President of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.

His commitment to leadership has been continually recognized by his peers and he has been selected as Chairman of the International Trade Consortium (ITC), Vice-Chair of Miami-Dade County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and Chair of Southeast Florida Transportation Council (SEFTC), initiatives and organizations the commissioner is dedicated to advancing.

On December 6, 2022, he was unanimously elected to serve as Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. He is the first District 1 Commissioner to serve as Chairman since the inception of single member districts. Chairman Gilbert is a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to their cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift.

Chairman Gilbert is also a member of Leadership Florida and a Miami Fellows, Class V. He continues to be an advocate for youth and residents he represents as Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 1.

Gerry Schwebel widely regarded as one of America’s leading experts on international trade and finance, is a graduate of Texas A&I University at Laredo (now Texas A&M International University). His knowledge and unique overview have resulted in his being called upon on numerous occasions to testify before Congress on issues of the U.S.-Mexico trade, including the North America Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA); U.S.-Mexico Transportation and Logistics issues; issues related to international finance and immigration. Schwebel was directly involved in the negotiations of the new USMCA as a representative of the private sector team.

As Corporate Head of the International Division of IBC Bank since 1996, Schwebel is part of the executive management team of the bank. His position has also allowed him to become engaged in key leadership roles in
numerous local, state, national and international organizations including as Chair of the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) in 1993 (the year NAFTA was adopted); Chair of the North America Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO) in 2013; 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; Member of the Texas Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC); Member of the Texas Freight Mobility Committee; Appointed Member of the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s Transportation and Ports Advisory Committee as well as Vice Chair of the I-69 Alliance of Texas and Member of I-27 Advisory Committee. In addition, Mr. Schwebel was invited to serve as a member of the prestigious Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Advisory Council. In the Institute’s 70-year history they address and work on complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise.

Most recently, Mr. Schwebel is involved with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a member of the U.S.-Mexico Economic Council (USMXECO). This council serves as a platform for both the U.S. and Mexico private sectors to work together in the creation of innovative solutions to shared policy challenges, all in the name of boosting growth and creating goods and services jobs in the United States and across North America. It stems from the existing U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue, which was established in 2013 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) (Mexican Business Council) as a bilateral private sector forum fostering conversation on key economic and trade issues that impact the relationship between the two countries.

David Fonseca, CEO of Jockey Ventures, drives impactful ventures across the Americas. Formerly helming VelocityTX, he spearheaded innovation projects for institutions like the EDA, City of San Antonio, and UT Health. A board member of Alamo Angels, Geekdom, and InBIA, he shapes thriving ecosystems. As a professor at Universidad del Rosario, Colombia, David fosters global entrepreneurship and advises Growth Wheel Inc. Recognized by Texas A&M and Pontificia Universidad de Huatusco, David is a Texas 100
List honoree, a San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 under 40, and the 502d Air Base Wing Honorary Commander.

On July 13, 2022, the U.S. Senate confirmed Owen E. Herrnstadt to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Mr. Herrnstadt was sworn in on July 15, 2022. Owen Herrnstadt served as the Chief of Staff to the International President and Director of Trade and Globalization, at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. As Chief of Staff, he assisted in running one of the largest manufacturing and transportation unions in the world. As Director of Trade and Globalization, he developed policy for international trade, economic investment, international labor standards, and human rights matters.

Mr. Herrnstadt has taught employment and labor law as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s National Law Center and international employment and labor law at American University’s Washington College of Law. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a former member of the U.S. Export-Import Bank Federal Advisory Committee, U.S. State Department Federal Advisory Committee on International Economics, Co-Chair of the State Department’s Stakeholder Advisory Board on OECD Guidelines, Independent Mexico Labor Expert Board and the Industry Trade Advisory Committee 1 (Aerospace). Mr. Herrnstadt has also served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. He has made numerous presentations on labor and employment law, international employment and labor law, corporate social responsibility, trade, manufacturing policy, human rights, and industrial relations in the U.S. and abroad.

Mr. Herrnstadt has written numerous articles and has testified before Congress and federal agencies on numerous matters, including labor and employment law, as well as trade and manufacturing policy. He is a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Law and served as a Research Associate at the Economic Policy Institute. He has received the Outstanding Practitioner Award and the Practitioner Fellow Award by the Labor and Employment Research Association and the Georgetown University Silver Vicennial Award in recognition of service to the Georgetown community.

Mr. Herrnstadt was born in Ames, Iowa and received his BS, MS (Industrial Relations) and JD degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In November 2022, Susan became Consul General in Dallas, the senior representative of the Government in Canada, responsible for Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and Arkansas. Her office, the Consulate General, covers economic, political, and public affairs, and provides consular and commercial services. The Consulate of Canada in Houston, which focuses on commercial issues, also reports to her office. In addition, these offices coordinate with several other key federal government departments, which focus on a range of issues including energy, environment, security and defence, as well as with Canadian provinces who are active in the territory.

Previously, Susan was Consul General in Miami (2016-2022), Canada`s Senior Arctic Official (2013-16), and Director General in the trade policy area, covering policy, negotiations and regulatory issues (2009-13). She was at the Embassy of Canada in Washington DC (2004-09), where she became the Minister (Economic Affairs). In 2001-04, she was Canada`s Ambassador in Montevideo, Uruguay. She previously held trade positions in Yaoundé, Paris and Buenos Aires.

Prior to joining the Government of Canada, Susan taught at both Cambrian College in Sudbury, and George Brown College in Toronto. She holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, at Western University, and an Honours BA in Math and English, from Queen’s University.

Ms. Harper has two children, who keep her diplomatic, financial and cross-border travel skills honed.

Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, CEcD, was appointed director of the Economic Development Department for the City of San Antonio effective July 26, 2021. She oversees three divisions – Small Business, Industry Development, and Global Engagement – and numerous programs. Key initiatives currently underway include the Disparity Study, ARPA-funded Small Business Portfolio, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Prior to joining the City of San Antonio, Brenda served as the Assistant Economic Development Director with the City of Fort Worth, TX for five years. She was responsible for the development and implementation of the City’s first economic development strategic plan and oversaw efforts focused on small business, entrepreneurship and innovation, revitalization, existing business development and business recruitment. Brenda also spearheaded the city’s COVID-19 small business recovery program, Preserve the Fort, in which $54.9M was awarded to local small businesses.

Prior to her time in Texas, Brenda served as the director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Brenda started her economic development career in Wisconsin serving in numerous leadership positions at local, regional, and state organizations such as the Economic and Community Development Solutions; Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC); Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation; and Washington County.

Brenda has served on numerous workforce, economic and community development boards throughout her career and has earned several prestigious awards and designations for her work in the economic and community development field. These include the Outstanding New Economic Developer of the Year from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Outstanding Young Alumni from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, and the President’s Award from the Site Selector’s Guild.

Brenda earned her certified economic developer designation in 2005. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a Master of Science degree in Urban Studies with an emphasis in Public Policy and Economic Development from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Luis G. Moreno, a career member served as Ambassador to Jamaica from December 2014 to June 2017 when he retired from the Foreign Service. He is currently a member of the Foreign Service Grievance Board. Prior to Jamaica, Ambassador Moreno served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Madrid, Spain.  From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Political-Military Minister Counselor and Force Strategic Engagement Cell Director in Baghdad, Iraq.  From 2007 to 2010, Ambassador Moreno served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Tel Aviv, Israel.  From 2004 to 2007, he was the Consul General and Principal Officer in Monterrey, Mexico.  Ambassador Moreno served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Port-au-Prince, Haiti from 2001 to 2004  From 1997-2001, Ambassador Moreno served as the Narcotics Affairs Director in Bogota, Colombia.  He was instrumental in planning and implementing Plan Colombia.

In 1995, Ambassador Moreno was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Panama as the Narcotics Director and Law Enforcement Coordinator.  Shortly after his arrival he was detailed as the Kurdish Refugee Coordinator.  He oversaw the U.S. government effort in moving Kurdish refugees to Guam and assisted them in their resettlement to the United States.  In 1993, Ambassador Moreno was assigned to Port-au-Prince, Haiti as Refugee Coordinator.  While in Haiti, he repatriated tens of thousands of Haitians, as well as directed three political asylum in-country processing centers.  After the United Nations intervention in 1994, Ambassador Moreno became the Embassy’s first political-military officer.  He was also the U.S. government’s primary advisor to the International Police Monitors.

Earlier in his career, Ambassador Moreno served as the Colombia Desk Officer for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement in Washington, DC; Deputy Director of the Narcotics Affairs Section in Lima, Peru; Staff Assistant in the Bureau of Latin American Affairs in Washington, DC; American Citizens Services Chief in Managua, Nicaragua; and Vice-Consul in Bogota, Colombia.

Ambassador Moreno has received 11 Senior Performance Awards, four Superior Honor Awards, three Meritorious Honor Awards, and the American Foreign Service Association William Rivkin Award for Creative Dissent.  He won the Department of State’s James Clement Dunn Award for Excellence in Diplomacy in 2001.  He received the Department of State’s Heroism Award in 2004.  In 2012, he received a Presidential Meritorious Service Award for his achievements in 2010 as the Principal Officer in Monterrey, Mexico and the Deputy Chief of Mission in Tel Aviv, Israel.  Ambassador Moreno received a B.A. from Fordham University and a M.A. from Kean College.  He speaks Spanish, French, and some Haitian Creole.

Colonel Bryan B. Tuinman is the Commandant, Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. He is responsible for providing military education and training, in Spanish, for more than 900 students annually to eligible military forces and governmental partners of 21 Latin American and Caribbean countries. IAAFA consists of 115 personnel in the 318 TRS, 837 TRS, and International Student Support section.

Colonel Tuinman is a 2002 graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Officer Training School. He has served in various roles as an instructor pilot, evaluator pilot and combat aviation advisor. He has deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and OBSERVANT COMPASS. Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Tuinman was the Director, Resourcing (SOJ8), Special Operations Command – Pacific (SOCPAC), Camp Smith, Hawaii.

Colonel Tuinman is a command pilot with more than 2,700 flying hours, including 220 combat hours.

Major General Dustin Anne Shultz, “Dusty,” currently serves as the Director of Intelligence at U.S. Southern Command. Previously, she served as the Director of Strategic Operations and Deputy Chief of Staff in the Army G-3/5/7 at the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve. Prior to that she served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 at the U.S. Army Reserve Command and the Commander of the 1st Mission Support Command at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, where she led the Army Reserve response to Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma. The 1st Mission Support Command received the Superior Unit Award during her tenure.

Major General Shultz received her commission in the Military Intelligence Corps from New Mexico Military Institute in 1989. Her first assignment was as a Spanish Counter Intelligence Officer at the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion in Provo, Utah. Since that time, she has served as the Commander of the 505th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater), the G3 of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command, and the Commander of the 373rd Military Intelligence Battalion as it deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. During her tenure as Commander of the 373rd , the Battalion was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Reserve Officers Association Large Unit of the Year Award. Major General Shultz has also served as a Joint Planner at U.S. Southern Command J9, where she supported Operation Unified Response—Haiti, and as an Intelligence Analyst on Joint Task Force – North where she supported counter drug operations. She has extensive experience providing defense support to civil authorities, responding to natural disasters, and operating in Latin America.

Major General Shultz is a graduate of the National War College, in Washington, D.C., the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (in Spanish), the Defense Strategy Course, and the Canadian Joint Command and Staff Programme. In March 2019, she graduated from the General and Flag Officer Course, CAPSTONE, at the National Defense University. Her awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Joint Service Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, and the Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award.

Major General Shultz holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from Texas Tech University, a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from American Military University, and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. She is a certified bilingual teacher. Major General Shultz and her husband, David, will be married 33 years in November 2023 and have two grown children.