United Way of South Texas continues to uphold one of its most defining values, commitment to accountability. A key factor in fostering accountability is the active engagement of its Board of Directors and staff. The Board’s involvement strengthens transparency, builds trust within the community, and ensures that every decision reflects the organization’s Mission and Values. United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good, and the Board plays a crucial role in steering the organization toward meaningful impact. The Board’s leadership ensures that essential health and human services reach families in need in Hidalgo and Starr Counties, while maintaining the highest standards of accountability.
Each year, Board Members are recognized for their active participation in United Way events. Their involvement fosters friendly competition, encourages selfless service, and creates valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration. Members work in teams and strive to exceed expectations throughout the year. Gerardo Paz, South TX FCU and Interim Board Chairman, proudly presented the 2025 Top Engagement Award to Team Captain Kim Davis, South Texas Health System, along with team members Cesar Rodriguez, City of McAllen; Blanca I. Villalobos, IBC Bank; and Ruben Plata, City of Mission. Their exceptional dedication was reflected in their participation in 582 United Way events, including campaign presentations, financial reviews, committee meetings, and leadership of key initiatives, an extraordinary demonstration of their commitment to the organization’s mission. United Way President, CEO, Lilly Lopez-Killelea, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the entire Board for their unwavering support and announced that the thirteen members collectively earned 1,944 meaningful volunteer engagement points.
The 2025 United Way of South Texas Board of Directors includes: Gerardo Paz, South Texas Federal Credit Union; Blanca I. Villalobos, IBC Bank; the late Larry C. Gonzalez, PlainsCapital Bank; Cris Moncayo, Vantage Bank; Michelle Quiroz, Reserva Coffee Roasters; Annette Garcia, Region One ESC Retiree; Cyndy Ramos, Rally Credit Union; Kim Davis, South Texas Health System; Raul Sesin, Hidalgo County Drainage District #1; Lee Jones; AEP Texas Retiree; J.J. Serrano; H-E-B RSC; Ruben Plata, City of Mission; and Cesar Rodriguez; City of McAllen.
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About United Way:
United Way of South Texas invests in programs that address critical services in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. The organization supports 21 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties that serve a minimum of 180,000 local residents annually. Services provided by United Way of South Texas through Partner Agencies include emergency shelter, family violence counseling, character-building programs, child victim advocacy, and infant stimulation classes. To learn more, visit www.unitedwayofsotx.org. If you would like to support United Way programs with a monetary donation, you may mail a tax-deductible check to United Way of South Texas at P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187 or pledge online at https://unitedwayofsotx.org/donate-now/. For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteersotx.org.