The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) has selected Luis A. Rodriguez as their new torch-bearer in the role of President & CEO, effective April 1. With a lengthy resume in the chamber world, Rodriguez is no stranger to leadership within the organization, having previously held the positions of board treasurer, COO, as well as vice president roles in economic development and membership. This announcement follows a diligent search for new leadership among San Antonio's major commerce organizations, as noted by the San Antonio Report.
Having left his mark at the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce from 2017 to 2020, Rodriguez's return to San Antonio in 2020 marked a strategic move for a city's business community still reeling from multiple leadership changes. Steve Alaniz, 2024 board chairman of the Hispanic Chamber, is convinced of Rodriguez's aptitude for the role, describing him to the San Antonio Report as "a natural chamber leader" and acknowledging his pedigree under Ramiro Cavazos, the organization's long-standing influence.
Rodriguez himself sees his new position as bringing his career full circle and is passionate about advocating for small businesses lacking time or know-how to lobby for themselves. In his words, commercial advocacy and support to fuel business growth are paramount, but participation is crucial. "You have to put in the work. Get on a committee, attend a ribbon-cutting or sponsor an event," Rodriguez emphasized, equating chamber membership to a gym membership — a comparison he shared with the San Antonio Report.
In the interim before Rodriguez takes office, Mayor of Castle Hills JR Treviño stepped up to lead the organization. Alaniz showed appreciation towards Treviño's deft handling of the Chamber during this transitional time, including driving a successful annual gala and the kickoff of the Avanzar small business program. Alaniz told the SAHCC, "We are extremely grateful for Mayor Treviño’s unwavering commitment to the organization during his tenure as interim CEO.”
As the first Hispanic chamber in the country and standing since 1929, the SAHCC's choice in Rodriguez is pivotal for not only marking upcoming centennials but also for emboldening Hispanic businesses. Alaniz's remarks underline an era of anticipated growth, with an aim to honor the history of Hispanic commerce in San Antonio and sustain its integral economic contributions moving forward.
