The Laredo Economic Development Corporation recently approved the officers to the executive committee at our February board meeting. Lupita R. Canales was previously approved as the organization’s Chairman of the Board during the January meeting. Ms. Canales, replacing Tony Arce who diligently served as Chairman for the last four years, becomes the second woman to the lead the Board of Directors in the 54-year history of the LEDC.
The Executive Committee for 2021
Chairman Lupita R. Canales Swisher Martin Realty
Vice-Chairman Ermilo Richer TPW
Vice-Chairman Ignacio Urrabazo Commerce Bank
Vice-Chairman Edward C. Sherwood Falcon Bank
Vice-Chairman Elmo Lopez Gateway Community Health Center
Vice-Chairman Guillermo Garcia CAT Logistics
Vice-Chairman Chris Haynes Haynes Properties
Treasurer John Villarreal International Bank of Commerce
Secretary Orlando Navarro Compass Real Estate Investments
Attorney Steve Whitworth Whitworth Cigarroa PLLC
The Board of Directors of the LEDC consists of twenty-eight voting members, representative of Laredo’s various industries, private organizations, and public officials. Sixteen members are elected to two-year terms, six are appointed by the City of Laredo, County of Webb, Airport Department, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, two are appointed by the Chairman, and also includes the past four chairmen. The board also includes thirteen special advisor positions. “We are very pleased with the diversity of leadership on our board for this year and look forward to continuing great things for 2021 and beyond,” stated Gene Lindgren, President and CEO. Gene further stated “as we enter our 55th year, we are poised to bring several landed projects and support expansions of existing partners who will invest tens of millions of dollars and provide hundreds of living-wage jobs with competitive benefits to our vibrant community.”
