AUSTIN, Texas – Hundreds of people have taken to social media to wish Alejandro ‘Alex’ Meade congratulations on being named a Texas Transportation Commissioner.
The TTC governs the Texas Department of Transportation and is responsible for policymaking regarding the state’s highway system, developing a statewide transportation plan, assisting the development of public transportation, and adopting rules for TxDOT’s operation.”
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Meade on March 22. He becomes the first Rio Grande Valley native to serve on the five-member TTC board since 1995.
Meade, who hails from Mission, is executive vice president for economic development and public finance at Texas Regional Bank. He is a former city manager of Pharr and CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation.
“Today has been a whirlwind of a day but I can’t let the day come to a close before thanking Governor Greg Abbott for appointing me to serve on the Texas Transportation Commission,” Meade said.
“I have spent the last 20 years working on economic development projects throughout the state of Texas and there is no doubt that in order for Texas to remain competitive, all regions of this state must have a sound transportation system that allows for the movement of people and goods. If confirmed by the Senate, it will be my honor to serve the state in this capacity.”
Meade said he is grateful for the opportunities to serve on previous boards that have allowed him to better understand the needs of the State of Texas.
Michael Scaief, chairman and CEO of Texas Regional Bank, said his bank is committed to supporting the economic development efforts of the State of Texas, of which improving the transportation infrastructure is key.
“Alex is perfect for this role,” Scaief said. “All his efforts at Texas Regional Bank have been dedicated to building relationships between the public and private sectors and will contribute immensely to the improvement and investment in mobility throughout the State.”
Scaief added: “Congratulations to Alex for his impeccable reputation and the success he brings to everything he does and to Governor Abbott for choosing one of the outstanding leaders from ‘the people you know’ at Texas Regional Bank.” stated Michael Scaief, Chairman and CEO of Texas Regional Bank.
State Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen will take on the role of ensuring Meade’s appointment is confirmed by the state Senate.
“As the state senator representing Alex’s hometown, I was honored to concur with Governor Abbott’s recommendation for this appointment,” Hinojosa said.
“Alex is an excellent choice by Governor Abbott. Given his past experience as CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, his role as city manager of the City of Pharr, and as the current executive vice president of Texas Regional Bank, he has the public and private sector experience needed for this important position.”
Hinojosa said Meade “understands how critical transportation infrastructure is to our cities, our businesses, and for our state’s continued success and economic growth.”
Hinojosa said Meade has “first-hand knowledge of the importance of the Texas-Mexico border and the benefits of the trade with Mexico through our international ports of entry.”
He added: “I am confident Alex will work tirelessly to provide transportation solutions that will take care of the needs of all Texans. I look forward to supporting him through the Senate confirmation process.”
State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg chairs the House Committee on Transportation. Canales said: “Congratulations to Alex Meade on his appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. It has been 28 years since we have had someone from the RGV in this important statewide transportation role.”
EMC Strategy Group, a consultancy firm, said: “Congratulates our dear friend, Alex Meade, on his appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Alex is a genuine leader and great Texan. Way to go Alex.”
Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation also sent his good wishes to Meade.
“Congratulations to my very good friend and former colleague Alex Meade for being named to the Texas Department of Transportation Commission today by Governor Greg Abbott,” Garcia said.
“It’s a smart and strategic appointment by the Governor. Meade, a executive vice president at Texas Regional Bank, is the first RGV-based commissioner to serve on the TXDOT board in decades. He has served on several statewide boards over the past several years, and he served as the Mission EDC CEO, too, creating our CEED building and launching several of our programs.”
Andrew Canon, executive director or RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization, said: “I want to congratulate my dear friend on his appointment. This is a plus for the entire RGV. Way to go Alex.”
Josh Mejia, president of McAllen Chamber of Commerce, said: “Congratulations Alex. Well deserved appointment.”
Sergio Contreras, CEO of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, L.L.P., said: “Outstanding. Certainly deserved. Congratulations.”
Byron Jay Lewis, president and CEO at Edwards Abstract and Title Co., said: “Congratulations. Great to have a true Rio Grande Valley representative on the transportation commission. Thank you for serving.”
Sam F. Vale, president of Starr-Camargo Bridge Company, said: “Alex Meade is a great selection for the Texas Transportation Commission. With his background he will make sure that Texans will have a strong voice in what is arguably the most important economic development organization in the State of Texas.”
Vale pointed out that the Texas Department of Transportation creates many jobs that support domestic and international trade and commerce.
“This is business that benefits not only South Texas but the entire State of Texas. Alex’s has a strong background in all phases of business and job development. Hopefully he will also serve more than the two-year term he is filling. The border area and the State of Texas will be better off for his input at the highest level of decision making, for all of our futures,” Vale added.
Bobby Farris, vice chairman of Texas Regional Bank, a former owner of Valley Transit Company, and a former Harlingen city commissioner, said: “Alex Meade is a great appointment to the TXDOT commission. With his wealth of knowledge and experience he will be an excellent commissioner not only for the Rio Grande Valley but also for the State of Texas.”
Consultant Hollis Rutledge said: “The Governor has made a great appointment for our area. The appointment of Alex is a great step for our South Texas area to TxDOT and of vital importance for our infrastructure needs. He will certainly play a critical role in representing us and our issues on this important state commission.”
Frank Morales, a Harlingen city commissioner, said: “With the RGV on the verge of exponential growth, I can’t think of a better choice than Alex Meade for Texas Transportation Commissioner. Governor Abbott made an excellent choice. As a banker with experience in economic development, Alex is uniquely qualified and an excellent advocate for the Valley.”
Quality journalism takes time, effort and…. Money!
Producing quality journalism is not cheap. The coronavirus has resulted in falling revenues across the newsrooms of the United States. However, The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service is committed to producing quality news reporting on the issues that matter to border residents. The support of our members is vital in ensuring our mission gets fulfilled.
Can we count on your support? If so, click HERE. Thank you!
