Board of Directors

Chair
Samuel Vale is the board chair for Workforce Solutions. He resides in McAllen and Rio Grande City. Vale received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, where he double majored in political science and U.S. history with a minor in international trade. His business affiliations stem from a number of different industries. He is the president of Starr-Camargo Bridge Company (International Toll Bridge Port of Entry), president of KTLM-40 (Telemundo Network), president of Border Pacific Railroad Company, and president of Quina Corporation (Real Estate and Ranching). Vale is also actively involved in his civic duties as one of the founders for Border Trade Alliance and a member of 16 other boards and associations.

Vice Chair
Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez is the vice chair for Workforce Solutions. He has actively been a participant of the board since its inception, having also served as board chair and secretary. Gonzalez enjoys the responsibilities and challenges of being part of an organization that is continually improving the employment and training opportunities in this area. He is a therapeutic optometrist and has been in practice for more than 22 years. He is president/CEO of Valley Eye Care in Elsa, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science in optometry and his doctor of optometry, both from the University of Houston. He is a founding member and current chairman of the Delta Region Revitalization Corporation, a non-profit organization. He is also a founding member of the Edcouch-Elsa-La Villa Chamber of Commerce and has had a leadership role since its establishment. Gonzalez recently accepted an invitation to join the board of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Prevent Blindness Texas. He also actively serves on the Edcouch-Elsa Rotary Club and has served on the Health Services Advisory Committee for the Edcouch-Elsa ISD.

Treasurer
Rudy Salinas is treasurer for Workforce Solutions. His journey in representing the private sector started with his belief in providing opportunities to the workforce to adapt a higher standard of education and skill sets. Salinas is also a certified public accountant (CPA) and a partner of Salinas, Allen, & Schmitt, LLP. His civic duties include serving as president of the Mercedes Area Chamber of Commerce, and Weslaco Crimestoppers, Inc.; and as an active member on other boards such as Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone (RGVEZ), Community Development Corporation of South Texas, Weslaco Rotary and John Knox Village. Salinas earned his B.B.A. in accounting from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Secretary
Dalinda Guillen's, a long-time resident of the Rio Grande Valley, current role is that of Media Director for the entire South Texas Health Systems that comprises 5 hospitals and over 3,000 employees. Her education, past and current work experience has helped build a working knowledge of the planning, development, administration and management of customer-based initiatives.  Dalinda firmly believes that to make a difference one has to get involved with those organizations that are striving to make a difference in the quality of life for valley residents.  Aside from the South Texas Health System sponsored activities Dalinda volunteers with Operation Lone Star, a health care initiative sponsored by the Texas Army National Guard and the Office of the Secretary of State and the Legislative Ladies Club.

Dr. Cynthia Bebon
Noel Benavides
Rose Benavidez
Dr. Benjamin Bujanda
Dr. Eduardo Cancino
Elva Garcia
Marco Garza
Ramiro Garza
Sara Garza
Gabriel Guzman
Patricio Hernandez
Deborah Kremer
Bret Mann
Francisco Ochoa
Manuel Ochoa
Jaime Ortiz
Homero Rodriguez
Gracie Silva
Estella Trevino
Ruben Villarreal
Rogelio Ybarra