SoTX Growth Series Luncheon: “Building the Next South Texas Economy”
Join us on June 30, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Embassy Suites at Brooks for the South Texas Growth Series: “Building the Next South Texas Economy.”
Hear from an exceptional panel of regional leaders as they discuss the key issues shaping the future of South Texas, including workforce development, healthcare, water sustainability, and infrastructure investment. This engaging luncheon will provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing our 27-county region while fostering meaningful connections among business, community, and government leaders.
Introducing Our Panelists & Moderator
Edward Banos
President & CEO
University Health
Ed Banos has more than 30 years of health care leadership experience and currently serves as President & CEO of University Health, a role he assumed in July 2024 after joining the organization in 2015 as Executive Vice President and COO.
Prior to University Health, he led health systems in Michigan and Texas as President and CEO. Banos holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Georgia Southern University and is an active civic leader in San Antonio. In 2019, he was recognized as a Healthcare Hero by the San Antonio Business Journal.
Veronica Gonzales
Sr. Vice President of Government & Community Relations
UTRGV
The Honorable Veronica Gonzales is an attorney and higher education leader with more than 30 years of experience in public service, advocacy, and government relations. Since 2012, she has led governmental and community relations at UTRGV, overseeing local, state, and federal engagement as well as workforce and economic development efforts.
She made history as the first woman elected to represent the Rio Grande Valley in the Texas House of Representatives, serving four terms. A first-generation college graduate, she has earned numerous honors recognizing her leadership and impact across Texas.
Robert Puente
President & CEO
SAWS
Robert R. Puente has served as President & CEO of SAWS since 2008, leading one of the nation’s largest utilities and providing water and wastewater services to more than 2 million customers.
A recognized authority on water policy, he has led major efforts to diversify San Antonio’s water supply, strengthen long-term sustainability, and drive significant operational and financial success.
Before joining SAWS, Puente served 17 years in the Texas House of Representatives, where he chaired the Natural Resources Committee and helped advance landmark water legislation.
Fred Reyes
City Manager
Pearsall, TX
Fred Reyes is a municipal executive with more than 18 years of experience in local government, public administration, finance, economic development, and infrastructure management.
He has led multimillion-dollar capital projects, implemented organizational improvements, and helped guide communities through growth and change. Reyes holds master’s degrees in Public Administration from Angelo State University and Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Nora Lopez
Executive Editor
San Antonio Express News
Nora López is Executive Editor of the San Antonio Express-News, leading newsroom strategy and overseeing award-winning journalism across print and digital platforms. A 35-year journalism veteran, she began her career at the paper as an intern in 1987.
She has held several leadership roles, including Metro Editor, State Editor, and Deputy Metro Editor. López is also a past president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and is recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity in media.
